Gemstone Reflexology author: Nora Kircher translator: Nikolas Win Myint Healing Arts Press 2006 ISBN #159477121-9 Nora Kircher is a natural health practitioner and teacher who uses ear acupressure and bioresonance in her practice. She is the author of fifteen books on diet and alternative health, published in her native Germany. "Gemstone Reflexology" has been translated from her native German language. In her introduction, Kircher talks about combining the healing energies of gemstones with the therapeutic principles of reflexology and acupressure. Using the gem stick treatment methods mentioned in this book, the practitioner can direct the healing powers of eight specific gemstones to activate designated acupressure points and reflexology zones. The emphasis here is on holistic therapy, where the bodies own healing energy is activated. In this manner the whole person is treated, and not just their symptoms. The "gem sticks" that Kircher uses in her practice are essentially crystals in the form of small wands. They are pointed at one end to move the energy through, and are quite easy to handle. Gently hold the tip next to an acupressure point is sufficient to bring in healing energy. I dearly love this thought from Kircher - "When you are not working with your gem sticks, don't leave them in a drawer - place them out where you can enjoy their beauty." The gemstones that Kircher works with are: Amethyst, Aventurine, Fluorite, Heliotrope, Rock Crystal, Rose Quartz, Rutile Quartz, and Sodalite. Kircher presents a small introduction to each of the gemstones, along with how to cleanse them. Kircher talks about the types of therapy that she works with (ear acupressure, foot reflexology, body reflexology, and reflexology massage techniques. She discusses using pain to guide therapy, and each of the therapies that she uses, with an eye to both application and cautions. There are well done color charts and graphics to accompany the text which make working with this system quite easy. There are several recipes for creating massage oils, as well as instructions on choosing the right gemstone, and the right spot to treat. The bulk of the book deals with specific issues, and how to approach them. All areas of the body are covered, from the skin, to sadness and emotional distress, to sleep problems, concentration difficulties, back pain, coughs ... you name a complaint, and you will find a section on it in this book! Each section discusses the preferred gemstones to use, with the appropriate therapies. For instance, for back pain, the appropriate gemstone would be Aventurine and Amethyst for pain and tension, Rock Crystal for swelling and paralysis, Rose Quartz and Heliotrope for good blood circulation, and Sodalite for a positive effect on the nerves. Therapies include Ear Acupressure, Body Acupressure, Foot Reflexology, and accompanying Holistic Therapies. I was most impressed with the graphics that accompanied the text - each treatment was mapped out, in color, and clearly labeled so that the reader could self-treat, if they so wished. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wishes to be proactive with their health, anyone who wants to learn more about gemstone therapy, or anyone who is considering entering this field professionally. © August 2006 Bonnie Cehovet Personal Lifestyle Reading - I offer a Personal Lifestyle Reading using Tarot that looks at past, present and future influences in your life, at the energies that are currently available to help you along your path, and at those energies that are appearing as challanges. My goal is to offer you insight into your decision making process, as well as tools that you can use to both better understand your path and make conscious, choice centered decisions. Home Personal Empowerment links Personal Empowerment articles Graphics by Art for the web