20 MINUTES TO MASTER ... PAST LIFE THERAPY

The reliving of a life may be graphic or gentle. As with hypnosis and active imagination, the long-term benefit depends on the approach employed by the therapist. The subject can experience the life at different depths as required. An excellent introduction to past life work, it can be a powerful therapeutic tool.

THE CHRISTOS TECHNIQUE

In the Christos technique, deep relaxation is induced by rubbing the feet and the forehead, a process which can take some time. Guided imagery is then used to direct the subject to another life, although the subject may spontaneously flip into another life. Control of the process generally remains with the subject.

The disadvantage of this technique is the length of time that may be required to induce the change in consciousness. It is, however, a useful tool for experiencing a past life. Reliving can be graphic, but it may prove difficult to change levels in order for healing work to take place. As with all the approaches, the individual therapist will profoundly affect the therapeutic value of the work.

SHAMANIC JOURNEYS

Shamanic journeys may be undertaken by the shaman on behalf of the subject, or by the subject guided by the shaman. In native cultures, drugs are often used to facilitate the change of consciousness needed. Sound, drums or chanting, along with rhythmic movement may also be used. Control of the process generally remains with the shaman (much less so in drug-induced trance) although guidance may be limited.

In cases where the shaman makes the journey, the therapeutic value is often profound. When the subject makes the journey, much will depend on how able they are to stay with the process and how much therapeutic input the shaman has.

SOUL RETRIEVAL

A similar process to a shamanic journey or guided imagery, although hypnosis may be used as a way into the experience. In soul retrieval, a ‘piece of the soul’ is seen as being stuck in other lives or childhood experiences. The subject or the shaman will journey to the place where that piece of soul is held in order to free it and reintegrate it in the present life. Control of the process depends on the technique used and the individual practitioner.

As with shamanic journeys, in cases where the shaman makes the journey, the therapeutic value is often profound. When the subject makes the journey, much will depend on how able they are to stay with the process and how much therapeutic input the shaman has.

PAST LIFE HEALING

Past life healing combines elements of regression, guided journeys, soul retrieval and emotional release. It is direct experience of the other life or lives in order to clear blockages. It can also encompass the between-life state and birth into the present life in order to be fully present.

The process is facilitated by the therapist but control remains with the client.

BODYWORK

As the name suggests, bodywork is practised directly on the physical body. Approaches vary from massage and manipulation to acting out expression of feelings, scenarios, etc. Many types of bodywork, intentionally or inadvertently, trigger past life memories. In most, the memory arises out of movement, massage or pressure on a particular point. This may be a known trigger point, the site of an energy block or old wound, or the part of the body that holds the memory. Kinesiology, or muscle testing, can quickly identify if a past life is responsible for a present life symptom and can remove the imprint from the present life body.