Women and Reiki is the first ethnographic study of Reiki and energetic healing in Britain. The book argues that if we are to build an accurate and comprehensive picture of healing we must examine the role of gender, representation and power. Although women healers predominate at the grass roots level these factors have been largely ignored in academic studies of "New Age" and alternative spiritualities. The acknowledgement of women‘s power in these studies is to be found somewhere between male-dominated biomedical approaches to health and apparently more egalitarian holistic discourse and practice. Using the work of theorists such as Michel Foucault and Meredith McGuire, the book shows that women healers are using Reiki and other healing spiritualities to actively engage in a politics of reclamation.

“By the study, experimentation and practice of natural healing, women are changing and charting the future of health care. Despite heavy resistance or lack of recognition from patriarchal medicine, they are nevertheless making positive changes that will continue and increase. Women’s emphasis on one-to-one work practiced in mutual agreement and participation is very different from mechanized and big-money medicine, and has results and successes far beyond expectations. The emphasis on self-healing returns health care to the consumer, to women’s lives and bodies, for the first time in centuries. The medical system cannot control a movement held in the hands of women, though it may try. Women are taking control again of healing, our daughter-right, for the first time since the matriarchies and the Inquisition.”—from the Introduction

Reiki is an ancient Japanese healing system based on channelling spiritual energy through the hands. Taught through initiation, it is extremely effective for treating many health and emotional problems, and brings a profound sense of relaxation and peace. This concise introduction covers the history and spiritual principles of Reiki, how it is taught and practiced and what to expect from a Reiki treatment. The author explains how Reiki can be used in healing in everyday life and how to find a Reiki teacher. Interesting and informative case vignettes are included throughout. Written in an engaging style, this book is ideal for anyone considering Reiki treatment, or simply interested in finding out more about this healing system. Students and practitioners of Reiki will also find it to be a useful reference, and a perfect introduction to recommend to clients.

Women's Health and Wellness Across the Lifespan offers the innovative approach to care that today’s patients often demand, combining traditional medicine and alternative approaches. It covers women’s wellness care and specific issues during puberty through young adulthood, midlife, and old age. In addition, it provides information essential to enabling your patients to achieve their full health potential, covering wellness for special populations, physical activity and nutrition, oral health, herbal medicine and pharmacologic approaches, methods to promote healing, healthy sleep, and peaceful dying.

Experienced oncology nurses address all the issues surrounding women’s cancers. This edition offers new data on the long-term effects of cancer and its treatment, as well as updates on genetic influences, environmental factors, and analysis of complementary and alternative therapies. 70 black-and-white illustrations are included.

Designated a Reference Reviews Top Ten Print Reference Source 2005 The Encyclopedia of Women's Health meets this challenge by bringing together an impressive array of experts on topics from reproductive issues to gastrointestinal illnesses. This skilfully edited volume, informed by current health issues and health-care realities, offers readers practical information, historical aspects, and future directions, all meticulously researched and conveniently presented. Key features include: -Accessible A-to-Z coverage, including AIDS, birth control, hormone replacement therapy, teen pregnancy, sexual harassment, violence, body image, access to health care and more. -Entries spanning the medical, psychological, sociocultural, spiritual, and legal arenas. -Medical topics explored from both conventional and complementary perspectives. -Cross-cultural data illustrate issues as they apply to minority women, rural women, the elderly, and other underserved populations. -Special chapters on disparities in women's health and health care. -Historical overview of women in health - as patients and as professionals. -Suggested readings and resource lists.

In each of its thirty-eight chapters, this encyclopedia includes a thorough discussion of each health problem and the recommended preventions and treatments, emphasizing tried and proven alternative approaches from acupunture and Ayurveda to Chinese medicine and Hellerwork, to Reiki and yoga techniques. Complemented by a resource guide and tips on how to select an alternative health practitioner, the unconventional approaches found in Women’s Health Solutions are bound to empower women to take their health into their own hands.