What is Shamanic Healing?

A Shaman is a spiritual healer who brings meaning and balance to mind, body and spirit through divination and transformation, creating unity and harmony in the world.

Shaman (pronounced shah-MAN) is a word from the language of the Tungus people of Siberia, and it means 'One who sees in the dark'. This ancient path of knowledge and intuitive spiritual practice, embraces a range of attitudes, convictions and ideological practices, but it does not constitute a doctrine, religion or belief system. Shamanism is relevant and accessible to anyone regardless of their culture, religious background or spiritual path, and there have been shamanic healers for thousands of years in tribal communities all around the world. The fact that shamanic methods are still in use after all this time is testimony to their effectiveness – they produce practical results.

To a Shaman, all that is, is alive, as all matter has spirit, soul or energy and can therefore be communicated with and influenced. Our ancestors were intimately connected with their environment and they were a part of the landscape in the same way that the trees, plants, animals and elements were.

Working closely with nature and the elemental forces is a fundamental aspect of the Shaman's role, and we view illness holistically by sensing the alignment of mind, body and spirit, as this balance is essential for our health and wellbeing. Rather than trying to cure a symptom, we look at the whole system and track the symptom to its source.

All illness has an energetic origin, which is often based in some experience or trauma that the patient has experienced at some time in their life. Some people think of a Shamanic Practitioner as a "Soul Doctor", and shamanic healing is undoubtedly a truly tested, practical way to receive help and empowerment for our everyday lives.

What can it do for me?

A Shamanic Practitioner is part healer, part teacher and part guide who sees a lack of health or wellbeing as symptomatic of a disconnection of a person's spiritual resources. The practitioner uses a repertoire of healing methods and is able to blend both ancient and contemporary wisdom together to focus on a person's spirit, life-force or inner energy, often entering deep into areas of the psyche and unblocking stuck or negative energies, restoring flow, and returning power to its rightful place, thus restoring balance and reclaiming a sense of wholeness.

Shamanic Healing can help in many ways including:

* Deal with the loss of vital life energy due to a trauma, accident, illness or near death

  experience

* Ease chronic conditions

* Reduce the side-effects of invasive treatments

* Contribute to the relief of pain and the healing of wounds

* Improve sleep patterns

* Help relaxation

* Reduce stress, tension and anxiety

* Provide emotional and spiritual support

* Help with relationship issues

* Ease dis-empowerment or negative blocks that hold us back

* Help with dissociation - the feeling that we are observing life, rather than participating

  in it

* Provide clues or answers to important questions

* Contribute to a sense of balance and wellbeing

Shamanic Healing is practical and adapts to the changing needs of society - people who receive Shamanic Healing often describe it as transformative, enlivening, energising and spiritually uplifting.

What can I expect from a healing session?

All Shamanic Healing is conducted in a completely safe environment and is strictly private and confidential. The process begins with a consultation where the client can take the time to talk about their issues, concerns or problems so that the practitioner can assess any potential courses for action or treatment.

All treatments, except healing-touch massage, are "hands off" interventions, and the most commonly used tools are rattles, drums, incense, natural oils and herbs.

During a session the practitioner may combine counselling, breathwork, meditation, energy therapy and guided imagery to assist the client to release their issues. A session will usually last for at least one hour, and sometimes a single session is effective, but occasionally additional sessions are recommended. After the first session, the practitioner is available for the client to contact for further help, advice or information if necessary.

Is it safe for everyone?

Shamanic Healing is suitable for all adults, and can be effective on its own or alongside conventional or complementary therapies. It is safe to be used during pregnancy and with people who are seriously or terminally ill.

However, the initial consultation will reveal if there are any particular circumstances where a specific treatment or procedure may not be appropriate or beneficial.