So after 10 days of holiday I have a pile of work to type up for my pupils and as I'm eyeing it resentfully and getting my computer underway I realise that my fingernails need sorting (could use a farrier) - they grow too fast and are very hard and I can't type with them as they are.
So it is time for action. Find nail snips - hidden by daughters so the scissors on my penknife will do. Find little bowl for hot water with soapy stuff in it. Can't find appropriate soapy stuff so use shower oil. Find intact emery board. Find disgusting smelly 8 hour cream for snaggy bits. Find half lemon. Find clean dishcloth.
Sit and soak fingers for 15 minutes - this is the therapeutic bit since you can't do anything else.
Snip off fingernails, only possible after lengthy soaking otherwise they shatter.
File them. Put repulsive but effective ointment on fingerends, soak again.
Dry with dishcloth give cuticles a shove & stick what is left of fingernails into half-lemon, sniff appreciatively & be very thankful I had no little cuts on my fingers, now I come to think of it.
Dry again - bingo! Gleaming white fingernails, no snaggy bits of skin to catch on anything and I can type again and also rub my eyes without poking one out.
Ellis, I am not sure what your point is, perhaps I should say exactly the same about sarcasm. Then you go off extol the very virtues of meditational practices that plenty of social scientists, amongst others, kick into the long grass. Longitudinal studies are often biased toward the subject of a study, since that is frequently bread a and butter. Social scientists are a funny bunch, sociologists particularly (I am married to one, but am an anthro myself... whoops) and have not always found meditation at all meaningful. I was not aware of many or any studies but since you said 'many, many' had a look and would say that is far from precise. There are a few, often commissioned by the bodies overseeing the mediation. Reiki has also some positive research reports. I looked at a dozen or so positive abstracts.
I find a blunt dismissal with sarcastic overtones not a way to discuss your half hour of 'therapy' unless your particular choice is arguing - it is for some people as we know. Always be careful who you challenge and when you do or must have backup ready.
Thank you for that comment Ellis and I think it would be good if everyone stopped to take five minutes to read or re-read this - our Netiquette page - before posting.
I find that most of the people who refuse to respect alternative therapies are those who never take the time to respect silence or to take the time to stop, meditate or even relax. They will have the radio or tv on all the time.
We have moved so far from the experiencing of natural senses with our modern lives, that people who take the time to re-connect are looked upon as odd.
To reply to Martin, have we not the dreadful measles outbreak because parents were frightened by a licensed practitioner who published his “research” into MMR vaccine causing autism.
Another of my obvious evils Jane, since I have osteopathy twice a week for my broken shoulder otherwise it would a) cease to function and b) become unbearably painful. Acupuncture is supporting that and my daily meditation helps me focus away from discomfort. But no doubt the doubting contingent who probably prefer little white, pink or blue pills will counsel me otherwise. I suspect they're having a go because they either lack the courage to try alternative therapies or the therapies don't work because they are unable to believe in them. Their loss. But as you say, we have to respect people's choices, including others ours.
So did one of mine, but it was not Reiki that she chose to use as her course of treatment.
You have to respect a person’s choice of treatment.
You can try a simple test to find your own energy field, what we call our personal space,
You stand with your arms as far out as you can and slowly bring them in, you will feel a change when you come into your own space.
Acupuncture is an energy treatment, as is osteopathy, especially cranial.
I have had cancer Mr Harding, and I had conventional treatment, supplemented by Reiki. It is offered at my local hospice, so presumably they know what they are doing.
Making remarks about amputees not re-growing limbs is totally ridiculous. No Reiki practitioner will say that it cures cancer or HIV, but it does help people to tolerate their very often unpleasant therapies more easily and makes them feel better and more positive.
I hope you take Catherine’s comments to heart.
Ellis, many therapies work and there is more than adequate evidence to show they work, because people believe in them. In such cases the scientific community bites its lip and says as little as possible. However, making them butt of humour is not actually helpful. I'm not jumping to anybody's defence, I tend to find that Reiki and its ilk do not work for me but they do work for other people. Mind you, I have seen similar dismissals of acupuncture which does work for me. My point, test and try before you judge too easily.
My half an hour is that absolute charlatanism Zen meditation which has been very often shown to be bunkum, but guess what Ellis - it works for me and for many millions of people worldwide. So, done it. Dismissed it for you to save you the trouble and I shall ensure you that with various physical problems I have at present it is invaluable to me.
I see you are at it again Mr Harding. I am a Master Practitioner and my husband, who incidentally has Ph.D in physics, is also a level 2. I have had success with many clients who have been to other therapies and had a successful practice, mainly with polo players and ponies. I also worked in connection with a Sports Physiotherapy clinic.
I would never recommend a treatment which I do not find helpful and which is not perfectly safe. Conventional medicine, which I also use, has a terrible record for causing damage either through treatment and the drugs used.
If you are only able to quote some other person’s point of view and do not speak from personal experience I cannot attach much credibility to your post.
Whilst it may be difficult for you to understand that it works, my husband says anyone should suspend their disbelief and just try it.
Reiki is healing through Universal Energy. The person receiving the treatment draws the energy through the hands of the practitioner. You receive the treatment fully clothed and it should take about an hour. It heals on all levels, physical, mental and emotional and is very relaxing.
You need to have had at least the First Degree Initiation by a Reiki Master.
Having Reiki is one of the most fulfilling things you can ever do in your life. You can also treat other people and animals and after the second degree you can give treatments at a distance.
Hi Tracy - how old are yours? I have 5 aged 11 to 20 (which is why 30 minutes of doing something for me is so therapeutic...). Sleep is something I'm saving for another life, it seems.
It is lovely and if you want to go the whole hog eg post-gardening, before the snipping you can scrub your hands with a tablespoon of fine salt made into a paste with oil (any old oil for salad will do).
Oh Véronique, that sounds lovely. I'm still searching for the ultimate therapy but until my kids are a bit older the only therapy I have found is going to sleep - sad huh.