Alzheimer's is a degenerative disease that causes varying levels of memory loss and recognition, stress and confusion that can lead to anger and anxiety, as sufferers get frustrated with themselves, the environment around them and people close to them. Dementia is a syndrome, a collection of symptoms that affects cognitive tasks and is often referred to as the umbrella term that Alzheimer's disease falls under. Sufferers get increasingly agitated and more difficult to care for, as the inability to remember worsens and carers very often get burnout. Holistic therapies, exercise and dance all greatly help both sufferers and carers. This is from the Dance & Dementia Company, run by Nicola Jacobson (MA RDMP): "Dance has long been recognised as providing a therapeutic benefit, a form of release and a means of expression. Using simple creative movements allows people to express something of their individuality", http://www.danceanddementia.co.uk.
Reiki greatly helps both sufferer's & carers to and there has been extensive research proving the healing abilities of this energy treatment.
From Bier, D. (2012). Reiki’s Use in Dementia Patients and For Their Caregivers. Psych Central. Retrieved on April 3, 2014: Research has shown that Reiki (pronounced RAY-key) healing can be effective in addressing a number of the challenges dementia patients and their caregivers face every day. Scientific validation of Reiki’s effectiveness comes from numerous studies examining a variety of types of people, problems and settings. This type of solid research has helped bring Reiki into the mainstream.
Carer's often put themselves last and take little time for their own needs but desperately need healing to remove emotional blockages so they remain in optimum health and are better able to deal with the ups and downs Dementia & Alzheimer's brings. Reiki treatments can provide a lot of relief from stress and anxiety, something that is particularly heightened for them, with the responsibility of looking after another and the difficulties of Memory Loss. Yoga, meditation, QiGong, breathing techniques and even walking in nature all help alleviate the anxiety, stress and confusion.
For Reiki Practitioners:
It is good to spend additional time working on the Sacral, Heart, Throat and Solar Plexus Chakra for Carer's. The Sacral Chakra aids with the release of emotions of pain and anxiety, good for both carer and patient. The Solar Plexus helps release guilt and pity and cleansing the Throat Chakra, the communication area, to ensure negative, self-harming emotions are not carried around. Encourage carer's to talk with others about any emotions they experience so as to not suppress them, they are important too.
The Crown, Solar Plexus & Root for people with Dementia. Additional focus on the Root & Solar Plexus Chakra helps with the anger and fear associated with Alzheimer's and Dementia. I can be a good idea to take some time, even a few minutes, before and/or after looking after sufferer's to clear, ground and centre yourself. Meditation is particularly good for calming the mind and preparing you for the day (also good at bedtime).
Crystals I Recommend for Dementia/Alzheimer Sufferer's:
Bloodstone, Carnelian, Jasper, Agate, Onyx, Chrysophase all aid with balancing the body, mind and spirit and the removal of hostility, sadness and irritability and increase mental stability. Blue Kyanite is a powerful stone that absorbs negativity and is excellent for clarity of mind and ageing in general.
For Carer's & People Experiencing Dementia:
Lepidolite is the Crystal I most recommend, known as ‘The Stress Stone’, it is a soothing calm stone that brings emotional balance & helps reduce anxiety, stress & depression. Rose Quartz is the stone of the heart, of unconditional love & emotional healing. Perfect for removing fears and resentments and for calming trauma and grief. It encourages trust & harmony, self-forgiveness & self-trust. Health: For the heart & circulatory system, kidneys, adrenals & . It releases impurities from body fluids & aids chest & lung problems & increase fertility. Helpful for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s & senile dementia.
If you wish to share any of your experiences of Alzheimers or Dementia then please comment below. Have an awesome few days.
Namaste
Emma
+44 (0)7949089265
emma@handserenity.com
Comments