Balance Holistics’ Top Five Most Read Posts

Photo by pontuse.

I meant to write this post at the beginning of the year giving a rundown of the top five most read posts of 2008 but I never got round to it. So I thought I’d write the post now and report on my top five most read holistic therapy blog posts since starting the blog last year.

The top five most popular posts were based on the number of views per post. The title of the post links to the actual post and I have also included a few sentences from the post to give you a brief idea what the post is about (although the titles are pretty self explanatory).

1. Hopi Ear Candling and Flying
“Are you jetting off on your Summer holidays but not looking forward to the pressure pain you get in your ears during take-off and landing? Then why not try Hopi Ear Candling. It is an excellent treatment to have before you fly to help ease these symptoms…”

2. Bunions From a Reflexology Point of View
“According to the TheFreeDictionary's Medical dictionary, “a bunion is an abnormal enlargement of the joint (the first metatarsophalangeal joint, or MTPJ) at the base of the great or big toe (hallux). It is caused by inflammation and usually results from chronic irritation and pressure from poorly fitting footwear.” From a Reflexology point of view, Bunions are an indication of congestion along the spleen/pancreas meridian…”

3. What is a Healing Crisis?
“Sometimes after a Holistic treatment, you may feel your symptoms get worse before they get better. For example, if you suffer from psoriasis, you may experiences an increase in breakouts for a period of time while the body eliminates any toxins from the skin. Occasionally after a holistic treatment, you may also experience reactions when the body begins its self-healing process and elimination of toxins. This is called a healing crisis…”

4. The Wonder of Tiger Balm
“There are two varieties of Tiger Balm available – white and red. Each has the same ingredients but the amount of each differs. The red version also contains Cassia. Tiger Balm Red is the original product and is better for stronger pain. Tiger Balm White is a gentler product but is still very effective. It has so many uses – a lot more than it says on the pot. I carry it with me everywhere…”

5. Using Hot and Cold Compresses to Relieve Pain
“Hot and cold compresses play an invaluable role in the management of pain. They are particularly useful in helping with acute pain, but are also beneficial if you are suffering with chronic pain. They can also help with stiffness and muscle tension…”

My favourite post. It is hard for me to pick one favourite post as I have written so many (46 since starting the blog in July 2008). I have enjoyed researching and writing all of them. I quite like The Wonder of Epsom Salts Baths . I regularly use Epsom Salts at home and I’m always recommending them to clients to help reduce inflammation, soothe aches and pains, and relax the muscles. Another favourite is The Wonder of Tiger Balm (fourth most read blog post) – I think Tiger Balm is amazing!

What post did you enjoy reading the most? Which one did you think was the most informative? What would you like to see more on the Balance Holistics blog? Please share in the comments section.

What is a ‘Healing Crisis’?

Sometimes after a Holistic treatment, you may feel your symptoms get worse before they get better. For example, if you suffer from psoriasis, you may experiences an increase in breakouts for a period of time while the body eliminates any toxins from the skin. Occasionally after a holistic treatment, you may also experience reactions when the body begins its self-healing process and elimination of toxins. This is called a healing crisis. It is also known as a healing response, healing reaction, cleansing reaction, and detox reaction. There are a wide range of reactions which may occur after you have had a treatment. The most common include:

• A drop in body temperature
• Tiredness
• Deep sleep or difficulty sleeping and vivid dreams
• Irritability
• An increase in perspiration
• Spots
• Cold/flu-like symptoms
• An increase in urination
• An increase in bowel movements
• Wind
• An Increase in appetite
• Nausea
• Changes in mood
• An increase in joint or muscle pain
• Headaches

These reactions are only temporary and should clear within 24 - 48 hours. Not everyone will experience these reactions and the severity of the reaction depends on the level of toxins in your body, what toxins are being released, the condition of the organs eliminating the toxins and your energy levels at the time of the treatment. These reactions tend to occur more frequently after your first treatment. After I’ve had a massage, I usually feel quite tired with a slight headache and then feel a little achy the next day.

Make sure you drink plenty of water after a treatment to help you through any healing crisis you may experience. The water will help to flush out the toxins and waste products and speed up detoxification. Eating a healthy diet with lots of fruit and vegetables can also help speed up the removal of toxins from the body. Try to rest and sleep well, as this can help improve your energy levels and the symptoms will become milder and will go a lot quicker.

During the healing crisis, try not to suppress these temporary symptoms with medication or the healing process may become interrupted.

Always remember to take note of any reactions you may have after a treatment and let your therapist know at your next appointment.

Be happy you are having these reactions – they are positive signals that the body has responded to the treatment, is cleansing itself of toxins and waste products, and is balancing itself.