How to Use Your Healing Crystals
Additional Information
If the crystals are being used to treat a child under the age of five, do not give them the crystals, as they can be a choking hazard. Place the crystals in a room where they spend the most time, in an out-of-reach spot.
Put small tumbled or rough crystals in a small drawstring pouch and keep them close to you all day. Put them in your pocket or in your purse.
The Healing Power of Music -- Sound Therapy for Autism
How Sound Therapy Works
How Sound Therapy Works
There is no denying that music and other sounds have a deep effect on the psyche. Sound therapy uses this concept to help people cope with all sorts of stressful conditions. Have you ever felt stressed out, but when you put on your favorite song, you feel so much better? Patterned sounds and rhythm can also help you learn. It would have been a lot harder to learn the ABC’s as a child, if we didn’t learn it through song!
Self-expression and communication with others is often tough for many people on the Aspergers Spectrum, but researchers have have been studying the healing effects of sound therapy, and how it can help. Sound therapy has been known to strengthen and sharpen the brain to improve learning, processing skills, emotional regulation, and self-confidence.
How Sound Therapy Works
How Sound Therapy Works
How Sound Therapy Works
Sound is vibration. The whole universe vibrates and hums at certain frequencies. Some of the frequencies are very healing and helpful to us. We know that things like the steady beat of drums, as well as the calming sound of tibetan singing bowls and wind chimes can be soothing to the mind and body.
Hertz (Hz) is the unit of measurement that we use to measure sound frequencies. Megahertz (MHz) is a scientific measurement of frequency and vibrational energy. The theory behind sound therapy, is that it takes certain specific frequencies to heal our physical and spiritual bodies.
Sound waves have corresponding energy vibrational frequencies, which are measured in Megahertz. One Megahertz equals 1 million Hertz (mega means “million”), so if you know the Hertz of a sound, then this tells you its frequency in terms of energy vibrations.
Since everything is energy, we know that our bodies are made of energy, which means our bodies have a measurable energy frequency. Imagine your garage-door opener and alarm system on your house -- they depend on a specific range of MHz of energy to run efficiently.
Your body works the same way -- it depends on a specific range of MHz of energy to function at peak performance. Knowing this, we can create certain tones that match up with the optimal vibrational frequency that each part of the body needs to heal on a cellular level.
For example, the frequency of 45 Hz has been found to help speed up the healing of broken bones -- this is why a sound wave frequency of 45 MHz is used in sound therapy to help heal bones.
Likewise, a Sound Therapist will use specific vibrational frequencies to help relax the mind and promote a harmonious balance in the body and mind.
Tibetan Singing Bowls
Tibetan Singing Bowls
Tibetan Singing Bowls
Tibetan Singing Bowls are known to be one of the oldest forms of healing to man. The bowls work through creating specific frequencies which have a calming effect on the nervous system and can travel deep into our body to penetrate the bones. Their sound frequency is almost hypnotic -- it’s as if your soul has to stop and listen.
They are said to release emotional traumas locked within the subconscious, activating self-healing mechanisms within the body. They promote deeper sleep, relief from headache, fatigue, insomnia and many other health issues.
Gongs
Tibetan Singing Bowls
Tibetan Singing Bowls
The Gong has been been used in sound meditation, vibrational therapy and yoga for centuries upon centuries. Gongs are another wonderful instrument often used in sound therapy. A well-played gong will emanate a deep, slow and all-encompassing vibration that is powerful enough to clear through all the energetic and psychological “gunk” in and around the patient. It creates a “clean slate” and a balanced foundation, on which to start building positive thoughts and experiences.
De-Stressing with Aromatherapy
The Best Essential Oils for Anxiety, Stress and Autism
The Best Essential Oils for Anxiety, Stress and Autism
The Best Essential Oils for Anxiety, Stress and Autism
Aromatherapy is a wonderful way to de-stress! Essential oils have been used since ancient times for all sorts of holistic healing needs, and there’s no wonder -- these essential oils smell wonderful, and they work wonders on the human body.
When you breathe in the scent of the essential oils, you’re inhaling the medicinal properties of the plant, which can then go straight to your bloodstream. They’re then carried into all the parts of your body, including the nervous system, where they can work their magic.
Those on the Autism Spectrum can benefit very much from the following essential oils. They’re all known for helping to bring balance to the entire body, ease stress, sharpen mental clarity and calm emotions.
Vetiver
The Best Essential Oils for Anxiety, Stress and Autism
The Best Essential Oils for Anxiety, Stress and Autism
Known as the “oil of tranquility”, Vetiver is known for helping with sensory-processing issues (common for those with ASD), insomnia, and anxiety. Vetiver has a nice woodsy scent, like the smell of a forest after it rains.
Frankincense
The Best Essential Oils for Anxiety, Stress and Autism
Frankincense
Calms the nervous system, balances emotions and reduces stress.
Sandalwood
Sandalwood
Frankincense
Promotes mental clarity, especially when diffused. It’s known to have a relaxing and calming effect for those with autism spectrum disorders. A sweet, calming woodsy scent.
Lavender
Sandalwood
Peppermint
Very calming and perfect for those on the autism spectrum, because it can help improve sleep quality, as well as reduce anxiety and emotional stress. There are different types of lavender, Bulgarian and French lavender are crowd favorites.
Peppermint
Sandalwood
Peppermint
Very calming and pleasant, known for being a mood-booster! It’s also great for improving mental clarity and focus. Peppermint has the added benefit of helping to clear sinus congestion when inhaled.
Bergamot
Chamomile
Chamomile
Another natural mood-enhancer! Bergamot also boosts energy levels while reducing stress and anxiety. If you’re not sure what Bergamot smells like, think of Earl Grey tea. It smells a little floral, but also citrusy!
Chamomile
Chamomile
Chamomile
Widely known for having amazing effects on people who suffer from anxiety or any kind of stress. Fights insomnia like a champ with its sweet scent.
Chamomile
Diffusers
Once you have an oil or a few oils decided upon, you will need to choose how you’re going to use them. There are several ways that you can use these essential oils to get the most out of them...
Diffusers
Here is where you can purchase some essential oils
Diffusers
The best way to get your dose of aromatherapy is with a diffuser. Diffusers release a mist or forced-air to release the scent into a room. This is great for use in the evening or at bedtime, to help release anxiety from the day and promote a restful sleep.
Aromatherapy Inhalers
If you have to be on-the-go, you can carry an aromatherapy inhaler. These simple, pocket-sized inhalers can be loaded with a few drops of your favorite essential oil, so you can give it a nice deep inhale whenever you feel like you need it.
Topically
The essential oils mentioned in this post are widely known to be skin safe. Even so, essential oils should be used with caution when first using them. If you’re using essential oils directly on the skin, you have properly dilute it. Never apply pure essential oil directly to the skin! Always mix it with a carrier oil like sweet almond, grapeseed or fractionated coconut oil.
The recommended ratio for adults = one drop of essential oil per three drops of carrier oil
For children = one drop of essential oil per size drops of carrier oil
Apply a small amount to the wrists and rub it into the bottoms of your feet.
Bath Water
Taking a nice soak? Run a bath, add 10 drops of your chosen essential oil in the bathtub and mix it through. You can also add some epsom salts or a bath bomb for fun and to release muscle tension. Bath bombs or bath salts containing essential oils would also be ideal. Remember that “Fragrance oils” do not have aromatherapy benefits, they just smell good.
Keep your essential oils out of direct sunlight and away from extreme temperatures. Store them in a cool, dark place with the lid sealed tight. They have to stay fresh and not break down (they’re still plant-based material!), so they can stay pure and keep their healing benefits.
Some things to watch out for:
Here is where you can purchase some essential oils
Here is where you can purchase some essential oils
Some manufacturers may use words like “pure” and organic on their labels just to sell their products, even when these things aren’t true. Here is a good way to make sure the essential oils are pure. Before you buy, take a closer look at how the oil is extracted from the plant material. This will help you determine if the manufacturers’ claims are true.
Essential oils that are considered 100% pure and therapeutic-grade are extracted with steam distillation (for non-citrus essential oils) or cold pressed (for citrus oils). The extraction method should be included on the label.
Here is where you can purchase some essential oils
Here is where you can purchase some essential oils
Here is where you can purchase some essential oils
Mindfulness Meditation
The world is stressful at times, but we don’t need to stay stressed out.
If you feel frustrated or worried, you can help these feelings go away by practicing mindfulness. Mindfulness is a word given to the philosophy and practice of living fully in the present moment.
Worrying and overthinking do more harm than good, and it’s okay to need a break every once in a while. Even taking a nice short break has the power to make you feel refreshed. You may only need a moment to collect yourself and find your inner peace, you only need a 3-minute meditation break!
Here is a 3-minute quick mindfulness meditation that does wonders if you have anxiety or social anxiety, or if you’re just feeling stressed out in general.
Pick a Rock
There are many stones and crystals that can help you connect with your inner peace. You might already have a crystal that works well for you. If not, you can choose from the following…
Amethyst
Black Tourmaline
Blue Lace Agate
The stone of calming peaceful dreams. This purple crystal is very soothing and will help you calm down, so you can focus on what you’re doing.
Blue Lace Agate
Black Tourmaline
Blue Lace Agate
The lighter ripples in this blue stone can resemble gentle ripples on the surface of a blue lake. Even the sight of it is relaxing! This is one that will help you relax and balance your throat chakra -- especially useful for social anxiety.
Black Tourmaline
Black Tourmaline
Black Tourmaline
This stone radiates a protective energy around you. If you feel anxious, keep this stone in your pocket when you go out -- it blocks negative energy, so you aren’t affected by it.
Chrysocolla
Rose Quartz
Black Tourmaline
Healing to the heart chakra and solar plexus chakra, but overall an effective stone for releasing stress and calming anxiety. It can also help balance your third eye to help you gain a clear perspective.
Rose Quartz
Rose Quartz
Rose Quartz
Anxiety can stem from feelings of emotional hurt from the past. Pink crystals are healing to the heart chakra, and they symbolize unconditional love and harmony. Keep a rose quartz with you to help give you a self-love boost and to open your heart to more love in general.
Rose Quartz
Rose Quartz
The healing energies from the stone will further assist you in this quick meditation, but you can still do it without one!
3-Minute Stress-Release Meditation
Once you have your chosen crystal in your hand, find a quiet spot where you won’t be disturbed for at least 3 minutes. A stall in a restroom might work if you’re out in public.
Sit down and close your eyes. Take a deep breath in through your nose, and slowly exhale. Count to 5 slowly on the inhale, and count to 7 on the exhale.
Curve your mouth into a smile. The simple act of smiling has been known to naturally increase the chemicals serotonin and dopamine, which calm you down and cheer you up.
Hold the smile and breathe in and out like that, three times.
Keep your eyes closed and imagine a white glowing light coming from the crystal in your hand. Let yourself physically feel the energy. Imagine the energy moving from your hand, up your arm and into your body.
Imagine the cool, calming white light traveling up your arm and spreading throughout your entire body, as if it’s traveling through your nervous system and releasing into every cell of your body.
After 3 minutes or so, you will feel much lighter and more relaxed!
If you have anxiety of any kind, you know how mentally taxing it can be. It could be brought on by having bad day, and sometimes it just happens for no reason.
If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with autism, life can sometimes be even more stressful.
The good news is, scientific studies from recent years have shown that both children and adults on the Autism spectrum can improve their health and their lives with ancient martial arts and meditative practices.
Even though Tai Chi and Qigong fall into the category of martial arts, they are in no way dangerous. Slow and gentle movements, along with focused breathing and structured techniques are practiced for their health benefits, too.
Some yoga poses can cause dizziness in people who take certain types of blood pressure medicine. Check with your doctor first before starting a new exercise regimen, especially if you have any chronic medical condition.
What is Qigong?
Qigong is another ancient Chinese health practice that integrates physical postures, breathing techniques, but with a specific intention -- to remove energetic blockages in the body to allow your energy to flow.
You can also customize your Qigong routine! You don't have to be physically fit to do it, and you don’t even need to be standing up. The movements and postures in Qigong can be modified for anyone with the patience to learn it.
What is Tai Chi?
Tai Chi combines slow martial arts movements similar to the styles of kung fu, but with the deep breathing and meditative practice of Yoga. Tai Chi has been found to be helpful for those who have breathing problems to improve lung capacity, and who suffer from arthritis, as it is a low impact exercise.
Yoga is not considered a martial art, but it has similar anxiety-reducing benefits. The combination of focused deep breathing and holding certain postures (called asanas) helps strengthen the body, improve balance, and clears the mind.
Here are more reasons why you should be doing one of these three types of exercise:
A calm mind and relaxed state will speed up healing.
It improves balance and coordination, which helps prevent falls and other accidents.
Improved muscle strength and flexibility, making you more graceful.
Improved confidence and self-esteem.
In a 2016 study, researchers found that two months of twice-weekly tai chi classes was associated with better sleep in older adults with cognitive impairment.
Done on a regular basis, it will help you maintain bone density as you age.
You’ll stay healthier in the long run, because ongoing stress on the mind can have negative effects on the body.
The breathing, movement, and mental concentration required of individuals who practice Tai Chi are the perfect distraction from their hectic lifestyles.
Proven to help you increase your ability to concentrate and stay calm, which allows for clear thinking.
You will feel much more “at home” in your body, and you’ll be able to handle sensory stimuli.
Lowers your heart rate, lowering your risk of heart disease later in life.
It’s so easy to get started! If you want to try yoga, qigong or Tai Chi to get rid of anxiety, you can find local classes, or watch a video to learn the techniques.
Autism And Spirituality - How Autistic People Are Old Souls
For centuries, autistic people have been some of the most misunderstood people on the planet. Their behaviors and experiences were given many labels and as such, it is only obvious that they faced a lot of difficulties in life. It was only in the 20th century that science defined what autism really is and what its symptoms are. Even then, there were several terms used for different autistic people because of the varied types of behaviors and experiences involved in autism.
Terms like autism, Asperger's syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, and others have been used over the years. In recent times, however, only autism spectrum disorder (or simply autism) is used. Now, there is an understanding that autism is a spectrum instead of a fixed set of symptoms. Also, despite the social stigma around autism, there is a growing awareness that it is not something that needs to be treated. Rather, autistic people are just considered “neurodivergent,” meaning that their behaviors might not be socially typical, but not something that needs to be fixed.
Autistic People Are Old Souls
In the realm of spirituality, autistic people have been considered as being starseeds. For the uninitiated, starseeds are advanced spiritual beings who hail from other planets and realms in the universe. No, they're not alien beings who crashed on Earth, but they have reincarnated into the human form. Now, there are a lot of things to understand and consider here.
When we talk about reincarnation, we often only think about past lives here on planet Earth. However, there are so many planets out there and there's a possibility of civilizations across the universe. Plus, there also exist higher dimensions where we can't even imagine the type of life that may exist. So, beings from those planets and realms can certainly reincarnate in other places. Starseeds are said to be traveling souls who reincarnated on our planet to inspire and heal human beings.
It is a well-known fact that autistic people are some of the most intelligent, creative, and organized people. Many of them work on the cutting edge of science and technology and have helped solve some of the biggest problems we've ever faced. And yet, their behavior or the general way they conduct themselves is not considered "normal." This could be because they are not really from here, to begin with! As such, their behavior won't reflect that.
Also, many autistic people don't feel a sense of belonging. Some have even been quoted as saying, "I felt like an alien." Therefore, they crave acceptance and connection that can help them understand where they belong. This is what you would expect from someone who belonged to different places in the universe in their previous lives. Autistic people are truly old souls and there needs to be a better understanding of this fact among people.
Grounding
GROUNDING ONE's SELF
grounding yourself is the act of balancing your physical, emotional, mental, and energetic states by centring your attention on the body
GROUNDING TECHNIQUES
1. Spend time in nature
This should not come as a surprise. Do you want to be more connected with nature? Do you want to feel close to earth again? Spend some time in nature. Go out. Spend some time walking barefoot on the ground every day.
2. Hug a tree
Stroking an inanimate object, such as a tree or another person, like loved ones, connects you to the Eros energy.
3. Visualize
Identify your spiritual energy resources by expanding the portion of the field of your consciousness into the planet's energy field. Visualization is a practice that dates back to the very dawn of human civilization.
4. Do a tree meditation
Trees meditations are simple. You simply visualize yourself becoming a tree. Your feet grow on the ground like roots and your legs become the trunk. Its trunk, arms and head sprout in powerful branches and leaves. Your back straightens and you feel the energy of the earth rising through you.
5. Do a mountain meditation
Similar to the technique of visualizing yourself as a tree, you see yourself gaining stature and being tall. Once you are prostrate, your legs might land on the ground and you will be a mountain. It also happens that you may tumble into the earth, just like a hill. And as with a hill, you can transform into a pile of earth and finally into a monolith. You'll have trees growing at your feet and as well as trees in the clouds. You emanate earthly characteristics.
THE BENEFIT OF WALKING AND BEING IN NATURE
1- Increases the body's immunity: any physical activity helps to increase the body's immunity. And walking is no different. With good health, the individual feels better in his daily life, has more energy to do daily activities and improves his health.
2- Fight diabetes: a study published in the journal Diabetes Care pointed out that people can improve their health and reduce the cost of medicines by taking walks. It contributes because it ends up reducing the amount of abdominal fat.
3- Reduces the risk of heart problems: several studies prove that walking reduces heart problems. One was published in the British Medical Journal Open. This is because walking will reduce body fat, blood pressure and increase HDL (good cholesterol).
4- Reduces the symptoms of anxiety and stress: and it has been proven. Anyone who suffers from the stresses of everyday life needs to walk to relax. When walking or performing physical activities, a neurotransmitter substance called beta-endorphin is released, which eases the body's tension. It can also relieve depression, improve mood and self-esteem.
5- Reduces inflammation: a study by Brain, Behaviour and Immunity, pointed out that exercises such as walking can help the body's immune system. Research shows that 20 minutes of exercise is enough to reduce inflammation in the body.
6- It helps to relax: walking also helps to relax the mind and keeps the weight up to date. Because walking releases endorphins, and greatly reduces stress, the mind is relaxed. For people who have anxiety and stress, walking is highly recommended.
7- Improves sleep quality: walking increases serotonin levels, the happiness hormone, which relaxes your body. Practicing physical activities is one of the main attitudes that contribute to a good night's sleep.
8- Helps you lose weight: according to specialists, walking at alternating rhythms - sometimes slower, sometimes faster - uses more energy and burns more calories. But remember, if you want good results and efficiency while walking, you need to speed up your steps.
9- Strengthens the muscles: going for a walk helps strengthen and firm the muscular mass of your body. Walking also helps to tone your arms, strengthen your back and shoulders. And for those looking for a defined body, walking is recommended.
10- Increases social interaction: walking, in addition to bringing physical benefits, also helps in social interaction. Since inviting friends to walk, the companion, the children. When looking at the other people engaged in the activity, it is also possible to see things being done. When humans are part of the mix, this influences on the emotional level. The addition of exercise has the side effect of making you more aware of your surroundings. Walking in a park or a city gives you more contact with other people and making you more aware of the environment.