Healing Gemstones

For thousands of years, gemstones have been used for their therapeutic effects. Today, the interest in alternative medicine is more popular then ever. Gemstones continue to be used in the following holistic practices:

• Reiki Massage: Reiki is a form of therapy that uses simple hands-on, no-touch, and visualization techniques, with the goal of improving the flow of life energy in a person. Reiki (pronounced ray-key) means "universal life energy" in Japanese, and Reiki practitioners are trained to detect and alleviate problems of energy flow on the physical, emotional, and spiritual level. Reiki touch therapy is used in much the same way to achieve similar effects that traditional massage therapy is used—to relieve stress and pain, and to improve the symptoms of various health conditions.

• Gemstone Therapy/Crystal Healing: This is the application of gemstones or crystals to facilitate healing and balance. Rocks and gemstones house spiritual and healing properties that can be tapped into a variety of ways. The crystals can be carried or worn, or placed in a location where the healing vibrations can be felt. 

• Chakra Therapy: Chakras are energy centers in the human body; each corresponds to different glands and governs specific parts of the physical body and areas of the psyche. When our chakras are balanced, maximum vitality and health is experienced. Physical or emotional trauma will affect the corresponding chakra. 

• Meditation/Yoga

Gemstone Healing Throughout History

With the addition of our massage therapists, I have been digging into the healing powers of gemstones. Believe it or not, gemstones and crystals have been used in holistic healing practices for centuries all across the world. It is interesting to see how far back gemstones were mentioned. 

• Book of Revelation: The Bible depicts the city of Jerusalem as follows, "It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst."

• Egypt: Rulers were buried with amulets and talismans of Carnelian, Lapis, Turquoise, Quartz, and Gold. 

• Indian Medicine: Gemstone and crystal healing was related to astrology. They were neused to help balance and align the energetic bodies. 

• Chinese: Crystals and gemstones were written about in medical books and are extensively used in Feng Shui. Jade has also been a symbol of prosperity and integrity in China for centuries. 

• Native American Practices: A variety of gemstones and crystals were used for healing purposes. Obsidian was also used for practical uses such as making tools and weapons. 

Hildegar von Bingen

• Hildegard von Bingen: A nun in the twelfth century that wrote medical texts. She recognized that medicine needed a holistic approach to treat physical and spiritual illnesses. She felt as though disorders could not be separated from environmental influences such as moon phases, poor diet, and bad habits. Gemstones were a component of her treatment plans for healing.

• Other Writers: There were several writers who mention the healing abilities of gemstones in their writings including: Aristotle, Theophrastus, Bishop of Regensburg, Albertus Magnus, Pliny the Elder, Benedictine, Marbod, Bishop of Rennes, and Paracelsus.

Natural Healing at Penn's Place

Penn's Place in Historic New Castle continues to grow. We are excited to have two new massage therapists. They use natural processes to heal both physically and spiritually. 

Jeanille McGee: Force Energy Massage

Jeannille McGhee has passion for holistic discovery of everything that makes up the human experience.  She has experience working with the physical, emotional and spiritual. This range includes athletes, pregnancy, women's health, pain and emotional/spiritual imbalances. Her intention for every session is to create a space that allows the body, mind and spirit to return to its natural state of harmony and balance. 

Jeannille's education includes her integrative training at the Academy of Massage and Bodywork and the University of Delaware. She is a member of the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals. Her areas of independent study and interests include yoga, meditation, shamanic healing, crystal therapy, energy work, herbs, nutrition/living foods, numerology, astrology, midwifery and many more. 

Jeannille offers her clients a safe haven to receive true therapeutic touch whether for recovery, chronic pain or relaxation. Your session with Jeannille is dedicated to meeting your goals respectfully. Come experience her unique bodywork treatment.

Call 302-898-7922 or e-mail Jeannille at pranashaktihealing@gmail.com to schedule your session of Far Eastern style of massage that focuses on awakening all the senses to harness the "life force" that exists within all of us.   

Patricia Boyle: The Healing Room

The Healing Room is owned and operated by Patricia Boyle who has been involved in integrative healing and metaphysics for over fifteen years.

Patricia is a Licensed Massage Terapist, certified professional oracle reader, reiki healer, intuitive counselor and holistic nutritional consultant. Her coursework was taken at The Academy of Massage and Bodywork, Paradiso Holistic Center, The Herbal Healer Academy, Michael Tierra's East West Herbs, Tranquil Spirit, and Monmouth University.

Her other areas of study include numerology, astrology, and crystal healing. 

Call 302-220-6153 or e-mail Patricia at pat5196@hotmail.com to schedule your personalized session of physical and spiritual healing. 

For more information on the massage therapists and Penn's Place visit www.pennsplace.net.

How to: Clean and Care for Your Pearl Jewelry

Do you have that strand of pearls sitting in your jewelry cabinet that was passed down from your generation to generation? Pearl necklaces are a classic jewelry trend that will always be in style. With the appropriate care, your pearls will remain in beautiful condition for years to come. See the tips below. 

Do's:

• Put your pearl jewelry on after you have applied your make-up and perfume. They will remain cleaner. 
• Wipe your pearls with a soft, lint-free cloth as soon as you take them off to remove dirt and oils. 
• Dirty pearls may be washed with a mild soap and water solution. 
• Your fine pearl necklaces should be restrung periodically to ensure the silk or nylon cord is secure. 

Don'ts 

• Do not put your pearls in a ultrasonic cleanser. 
• Never clean your pearls with solutions that contain harsh detergents or ammonia. 
• Do not rub your pearls with an abrasive cloth. It can wear away the natural coating, creating a dull, plain looking pearl. 
• Do not store your pearls with your other jewelry pieces. They can easily be scratched by other metals. Place them in a soft bag. 

Spring Must-Have's (From Target!)

I stopped at Target earlier this week to pick-up a few things. I can never resist walking down each aisle wether I need anything down them or now. I was surprised to come across so many great spring pieces. Here are a few things that will get you even more excited for the warmer weather, but won't break the bank!

Coral Necklace $39.99
I know you're probably wondering why I'm suggesting jewelry from Target, but this piece stopped me in my tracks. I can just picture it with a crisp white blouse and tailored jeans. 

Xhilaration Teala Strappy Wedge Sandal $24.99
I actually broke down and purchased these sandals. They were so comfortable and the golden color showed off all the details perfectly. 

Merona Tote $29.99
You would never think this bag wasn't a designer. You'll be able to throw just about anything in here! 

Mossimo Pari Strappy Sandals $24.99
The straps on these sandals are solid and secure and the chocolate brown is beautiful.