properties. It was used in numerous healing rituals through-
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out ancient Greece and Rome; Cleopatra was said to use
honey in her royal bath water.
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5,000-year-old medical system of Ayurveda and the cen-
turies-old practice of yoga. Modern studies of the healing
qualities of harmonic sound also have resulted in the produc-
tion of soothing Eastern and other soundtracks for various
traditions of massage as well as the use of Tibetan singing
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The use of gemstones to balance emotions and realign
energy patterns, too, has gained popularity. Gemstone therapy
has roots in many cultures, including Greek, Egyptian and Ju-
A positive approach
daic societies. It was in India, however, that their spiritual and
healing powers were most recognized, with mentions in the
to Christianity
Vedic scriptures. Gemstones have been shown to emit specific
vibrational frequencies that many believe capable of affecting 3300 Green Ridge Rd • Roanoke, VA 24019
the body’s own frequencies, functions and well-being.
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Africa and Australia
www.unityroanokevalley.org
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From Africa, the practice of rhythmic drumming to induce a
email: office@unityroanoke.org
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meditative state is still used by shamans as a way to enter the
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spirit world, where questions may be answered and individu-
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Programs throughout the week
als can progress along their healing journey.
Aboriginal medicine men in Australia also use drum-
ming, repetitive percussive music and crystals to gain insight
healthbrief
into dreams, which they believe are mediums for important
messages—including messages of healing.
Asia
FRANKINCENSE
Asian cultures understand the health benefits of meditation
A WISE MAN’S
practice. Today’s moving meditative methods include Tai chi
and qigong, as well as the tradition of Japanese flower ar- REMEDY
rangement known as ikebana.
Frankincense, the herb Boswellia
Once restricted to Japanese male nobility, today, the
inspiring and calming ritual of ikebana can be practiced by
carteri, is often found in festive
everyone. The practice makes use of found objects, such as
aromatherapy blends, due to its
rocks, branches, feathers and other offerings from nature, warm, sensual aroma. Originating
often with the addition of fresh flowers or greenery. Through
in Africa, India and the Middle East, researchers have
contemplation and meditation, the practitioner seeks to cre-
ate a harmonious arrangement of the gathered components.
now discovered that this relatively inexpensive herb
Japanese tea ceremonies are another time-honored ritual
has potential as a therapeutic aid for bladder cancer,
with multiple health benefits. Today, the antioxidant proper- the fourth most common type of cancer for men in
ties found in tea are well known. The practice of slowing
the United States.
down and taking time for introspection at a regular interval
each day also works to reduce stress and create an oasis in
Researchers at the University of Oklahoma Health
the midst of a busy schedule.
Sciences Center and Oklahoma City VA Medical Center
Participating in healing rituals and therapies from discovered that frankincense oil has the unique ability
around the world provides ways for us to reconnect with our
to discriminate between normal and cancerous blad-
past. They remind us of what our ancestors knew so well—
that body, mind and spirit cannot be separated. True health
der cells in culture and kill the cancer cells. The oil also
embodies the whole person. suppresses cancer cell growth.
Debra Bokur is the travel and wellness editor at HealingLife- Source: BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine,
styles.com and a regular contributor to Fit Yoga and Global
2009
Traveler. Connect at NextPlaneMedia.com.
December 2009
23
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