Psychic Healing
CHAPTER VII. THE PRACTICE
OF PRANIC HEALING.
The use of the
hands in healing seems to be the result of an instinctive
tendency of the race. The mother naturally places her
hands on the head of the child who runs to her with a
story of a fall, or hurt, and the child seems to be
quieted and relieved by the application of the mother's
hands. How many times do we see and hear mothers relieving
their children in this way, saying: "Now, dear, it is all
right Mother has made it all right "now run away and
play." And the child departs, its tears drying on its
cheeks.
Or, if any of us hurt ourselves, how natural it is to
place the hands on the part, and getting relief in that
way. The curing of headaches by the application of the
hands, is quite common, and the touch of the hand of the
nurse brings relief to the sick person. And these simple
movements almost instinctive in their nature, form the
basis of the practice of Pranic Healing. The process is so
simple, that it scarcely needs to be taught, although in
this book we shall present to your attention some of the
best methods practiced by those who have attained
proficiency in the science of this form of healing.
The principal means of conveying Vital Force or Prana,
in healing, are known as (1) Gazing, or transmitting by
the eye; (2) Passes, or transmitting by the hands; and (3)
Breathing, or transmitting by the breath. All of these
methods are efficacious, and, in fact, all may be used
conjointly with the others.
Inasmuch as the transmission of the Vital Force is
largely Mental, and as the eye is a well-known channel of
conveying Mental Force, it follows that the eye may be
advantageously used in conveying or transmitting Vital
Force in healing. In the process of healing, when passes
are being made over the affected part, the healer will
find that it will increase the effect if he will look
intently at the part being treated, and in so doing
concentrate his mind, and "will" that Power be transferred
to the part, and the diseased cells be given strength to
properly perform their work.
Many healers use the breath, during healing, with
excellent results. It is usually applied by breathing
directly upon the affected parts, in which the warm breath
seems to have a wonderfully stimulating effect. It is also
applied by breathing upon a piece of flannel applied
directly over the affected part, in which the flannel
retains much of the heat, and soon grows too warm for
comfort. These forms will be noted as we proceed.
But the principal means of transmitting the Vital
Force, in this form of Healing, is by the use of the
hands, by means of Passes and Manipulations. We shall
consider the process of making Passes, first, and will
then take up the several forms of manipulation.
The position of the hands in making the Passes may be
described as follows :
Hold the hands well apart, with the fingers extended
and separated. If your patient be seated, raise your hand
above his head, and then bring them down before him,
slowly and gradually, until you finish with a sweeping
motion about the knees. When the pass is completed, swing
the fingers sideways, as if you were throwing water from
them, and then bring up the hands with fingers closed,
forming the upward movement, along the sides of the
patient, with the palms of the hands toward his sides.
Then, when the hands reach over his head, again bringthem
down in front of him, with the fingers extended. By
keeping the idea that you are bathing him in a flow of
Vital Force, which is pouring from your finger ends, you
will soon acquire the power motion, and, after all,
each healer has his own favorite motions, which come to
him instinctively. The downward motions of the hands,
bring a restful feeling to the patient, while an upward
movement in front of the face causes a feeling of
wakefulness, and activity.
There are a number of variations in the several
passes, etc., which we shall now consider. The student is
advised to acquaint himself with the various movements,
that he may not appear awkward when he practices upon some
persondesiring relief. Familiarity with the movements
imparts a confidence that cannot be acquired
otherwise, and besides, it leaves the mind of the healer
free from bother about details, and enables him to
concentrate his attention upon the work of healing.
Longitudinal Passes are passes made in a downward
direction along the body, such as we have mentioned above.
They are made along the part affected, whether that part
be the head, chest, limbs, or any special part of the
body.
They are always made downward, and never upward. As we
have said above, the idea to be kept in the mind is that
you are pouring out a stream of Vital Force from the tips
of your fingers. Your fingers must be spread out (as above
stated) and the palm must be underneath. The movements
must be down, with fingers extended, but the upward
movements must be made along the sides of the patient,
with fingers closed, and palms turned toward the sides of
the patient. No special distance is to be observed, this
matter being left to your instinctive sense, which
will soon inform you as to the right distance, which
will be found to be much nearer in some cases than in
others. When you feel that the distance is "just about
right," then be satisfied that you have caught the proper
distance at which the best effects may be produced. In a
general way, however, it may be said that a slow movement,
at a distance of say three or four inches from the body,
produces a sense of comfort, rest, and relief. A rather
more rapid movement made at the distance of say one foot,
seems to have a more stimulating effect, and causes a
sense of activity and energy in the parts, A still more '
stimulating effect is obtained, when the passes are made
more rapidly and vigorously, at a distance of say two feet
from the body.
These last mentioned passes, tend to stimulate the
circulation, and to arouse activity in sluggish organs.
Transversal Passes are passes made across the body or
part. They are made by turning the hands so that the palms
will be sideways and outward, instead of inward. This will
require a peculiar turning of the wrist, but the position
will soon become easy. When the hands are in the right
position, sweep them out, sideways, before the body or
part, and in bringing them back, reverse the palms so that
they are inward, and facing each other, instead of having
their backs to each other. These passes have been found to
be very efficacious in "loosening up" the affected parts,
where congestion has occurred. It is often well to give
this form of treatment, before giving the regular
Longitudinal Passes.
A valuable form of treatment, in some cases, is had in
what is known as Palmar Presentation. This is accomplished
by presenting the palm of the hand to the affected part,
at a distance of about six inches, or even a little
nearer, and holding it there for several minutes. This is
usually performed with one hand alone. It has a
stimulating and strengthening effect.
Akin to this is what is known as Digital Presentation,
which consists in extending and presenting the fingers of
the right hand toward the affected part, at a distance of
six inches, and holding them there for several
minutes,allowing the Vital Force to flow from the ends of
the fingers into the affected part. In some cases, the
best results may be obtained in this manner.
A variation of Digital Presentation may be effected by
what is known as Rotary Presentation, which consists in
holding the hands as above stated, for a moment or two,
and then beginning a rotary movement of the hand (at the
distance of six inches) from left to right, in the same
direction as the hands of a watch. This is quite
stimulating.
Another variation is what is known as Perforating,
which is accomplished by giving the fingers a "twisting"
movement, just as if they were boring holes in the body of
the patient (at the distance of six inches). This movement
is very stimulating, and stirs into activity parts that
are sluggish or congested. It is apt to produce a feeling
of warmth in the part treated.
We wish to call attention to the fact that these
Presentation treatments, the different forms vary in
force. For instance Palmar Presentation is the mildest
form. Then comes Digital Presentation, which is
considerably stronger. Then comes Eotary Presentation,
which manifests a considerably higher degree of energy.
Then comes Perforation, which is the strongest of all.
Very good results may be obtained in certain cases, by
what is known as the Application of the Hands, which
consists in merely placing the hands (the palms of the
hands, of course), directly upon the flesh over the
affected part, and holding them there for several moments.
When removing them, rub the palms briskly together and
replace them on the part. Repeat this a number of times,
and marked results will be apparent. This is a favorite
treatment for headaches, and in fact, may be used in the
treatment of almost any form of trouble, changing the
position of the hands in order to suit the emergencies of
the case. In cases of neuralgia etc., this form of
treatment is found valuable in relieving the pain.
Stroking is a form of treatment that is very
beneficial in directing the circulation, and equalizing it
when there appears to be a tendency toward imperfect
circulation, etc. It has a sedative, soothing effect, and
is a very good method to use in winding up, or terminating
a treatment.
Stroking should be applied by bringing the tips of the
fingers in a very light contact with the body of the
patient, over the affected parts or over the entire body.
It should always be performed in a downward, or outward
direction, and never in an upward or inward direction. It
should be performed in one direction only, and not
to-and-fro. The tips of the fingers are to be moved gently
over the body, with a very light contact, not even the
weight of the hand being allowed to bear upon the patient.
"Lightness, gentleness, and airiness," are the words best
describing the movement. A little practice will give the
student the right movement.
If you desire to stroke the entire body of the
patient, it is well to divide the process into two
distinct treatments, viz., (1) from the head down to the
waist, and (2) from the waist down to the feet. In giving
the general stroking treatment to the whole body, it is
well to devote considerable attention to the chest, and
abdominal region, in order that the organs be stimulated,
and their " magnetism" equalized.
It is well, also, to remember that the old and tried
principle of "Bubbing," is but another mode of
communicating Vital Force, or Prana.
This form of treatment is as old as the race, and .
has been practiced in all times, and by all peoples.
Alpini reports, in his work entitled, "De Medicinse
Egyptiorum," that the Egyptian priests were adepts at
certain mystical and medical rubbings, which form of
treatment was used by them in curing chronic diseases.
Hippocrates held rubbings in high favor, and evidently
employed them very frequently. He has written as follows:
"A doctor ought to know many things; he should not be
unacquainted with the benefits - to be derived from
rubbing. With its application quite contrary effects may
be produced; it loosens stiff joints, and gives tone and
strength to those which are relaxed."
Celsus, nearly two thousand years ago, was a vigorous
advocate of this method of treatment, and in his books he
devotes much space to this form of Vital treatment, and
incidentally proves that it was known and practiced long
before his time.
In ancient Borne, rubbing was a favorite form of
treatment, and was employed regularly by the wealthy, in
order to keep in good condition, a practice that is
followed by many wealthy people of our own times, under
the nameof "massage" etc. Alexander of Tralles, a
Greek physician of the sixth century, was an initiate in
the "mystic rubbings," and incorporated it in his
practice. He claimed that it helped to throw off morbid
matter, and calmed the nervous system, and facilitated
perspiration. He also held that it tended to calm
convulsions, and was efficacious in a number of
complaints. He wrote much on the subject, and agreed with
Hippocrates that these "secret rubbings " should be
imparted only to "sacred persons," and not allowed to
become the property of the profane. Peter Borel, the
physician to Louis XIII, of France, reports that one
Degoust, a clerk of the courtat Nismes, healed multitudes
of people, by rubbing their limbs.
And in our own time, Massage is a deservedly popular
form of treatment, and the new school of "Osteopathy" is
growing in favor. In both of these forms of practice,
outside of any particular virtue due to the particular
merits claimed by the respective practitioners, there is a
great benefit derived by the transmitting of Vital Force
from healer to patient, whether the practitioner admits
this to be the case or not.
In Rubbing for the purpose of stimulating the parts by
Vital Force, the healer should be gentle in his movements,
force not being desirable or necessary, as the effect is
gained by the passing of Vitality to the parts, not by the
mere manipulation.
In applying this form of treatment, the palm of the
hand, and the lower part of the fingers, should be used.
The tips of the fingers, and the end of the thumb should
be turned back. Healers having a fleshy lower part of the
thumb, may use its palmar surface effectively in this
treatment. The movements should be made downward. Some
practitioners use a slightly different movement from that
above indicated, inasmuch as they make a peculiar pressure
with the flat ends of the fingers, following after the
pressure of the palm of the hand. Students may follow
either plan, as may seem preferable to them. Some healers
claim to get the best results from this employment of the
finger ends, while others carefully avoid the use of same.
In each case it has been noticed, that the particular form
of treatment is used because the healer feels that the
Vital Force is best conveyed by his particular form of
treatment. It seems to be a matter of "feeling" on the
part of the healer, and this peculiar "feeling" is a safe
rule to follow, and it manifests itself to all persons
after they begin to give treatments.
Another form of treatment, known as Rotary Motion has
been found to be very efficacious, by a number of healers.
It consists in a circular rubbing movement of the hand and
fingers (as above described), over the affected parts. The
movements should always be made in the direction of the
movement of the hands of a watch, and never in a reverse
direction. This movement produces activity of the cells,
and is useful in cases of sluggish functioning, etc.
Another form of treatment is known as kneading, and is
found valuable in cases of stiffened muscles, rheumatism,
etc., in which the trouble is local and not organic.
Kneading is accomplished by grasping the muscles or
tissues, and "working" them against the adjacent surfaces.
It is composed of three different forms, ie., Surface
Kneading, Palmar Kneading, and Digital Kneading.
Surface Kneading is practically a "pinching" movement
and consists in grasping the skin firmly between the thumb
and forefinger, and then lifting it up a little, and then
releasing it and letting it fly back to its normal
condition. The two hands are used, alternately, the one
picking up the skin as the other drops it, the surface
being gone over in a systematic manner. This is quite a
stimulating treatment, and is very beneficial in cases of
poor circulation, etc. Palmar Kneading is performed with
the whole hand. The healer grasps the flesh, or muscle,
with the palm of his hand, with fingers close together,
and the, thumb out. Do not use the thumb, but grasp the
flesh between the palm of the hand, and the fingers, the
lower part of the palm, called the "heel" of
the hand, and the fleshy part of the thumb being used
in the movement. Hold the flesh firmly, and do not allow
it to slip. Knead deeply, so as to reach well into the
muscles and flesh. The muscle or flesh should be
thoroughly "worked," and yet not sufficiently to produce
soreness. Do not use too much force, but be gentle and yet
firm. Use the hands alternately. There are a number of
variations of this movement, which will "come" to the
healer as he practices. He will feel that his, hands are
"alive," and he will feel instinctively the best way to
impart that "life"
Digital Kneading is performed by grasping the flesh
between the finger and thumb and gently "rubbing" it
against the other flesh, or bone.
in cases where stimulation is thought advisable, one
may give forms of Percussion treatment, of which several
are here mentioned. In giving this treatment, the wrist
should be kept flexible, and "loose," a stiff wrist being
guarded against. The percussion should be elastic and
springy, avoiding all roughness or bruising.
The first method of administering Percussion may be
called the "pounding movement," which consists in striking
the body with the inside flat surface of the half -closed
fist, the heel of the hand and the closed ends of the
fingers coming in contact with the flesh.
The second method of administering Percussion may be
called the "slapping movement," which consists of a
chopping movement of the hand, which is held open with the
fingers held together, the blow being made with the little
finger side of the hand the hand being likened to a
butcher's cleaver employed in chopping. The fingers are
held loosely together, coming togetter in a vibratory
movement when the blow strikes.
The third method may be called the "slapping method,"
in which the hand applies a " slapping" or "spanking"
blow, the fingers being held rigid.
The fourth method may be called the "clapping method,"
in which the hand is held in a hollow shape, so as to give
forth a hollow sound the position being similar to that
employed by some people in a theatre when they wish to
make a lond hollow sound with their hands, in applauding.
A little practice will perfect one in this movement.
The fifth method, may be called the "tapping method,"
and consists in holding the tips of the fingers of each
hand together, and then tapping the body, using the hands
alternately.
A favorite method of administering Pranic or Vital
Force treatments is what is known as the "Vibrational
Treatment," and consists of a series of vibrating
movements of the healer's hand. The fingers are usually
employed in giving this treatment. The fingers are placed
firmly over the part to be treated, and then a fine
trembling or vibrating movement is communicated to the
hand by the muscles of the arm.
The movement is acquired by practice, and is somewhat
difficult at first. It is a most powerful form of
treatment, and the patient feels it like a current of
electricity. You must not press upon the body with your
wrist, and no more than the weight of the hand should be
felt by the patient. When the Vibrational Treatment is
properly applied, the vibrations should permeate the
region treated, so that if the other hand be placed under
the body, the vibrations should be perceptible. Some
teachers have instructed their pupils in this form of
treatment, by placing a glass of water on a table, and
instructing the student to make the Vibrational movements
on the table. When the proper motion is acquired the water
will merely quiver in the centre, and not move from side
to side. We urge the student to give the necessary time
and attention to Vibrational Treatment, as when once
acquired it will be found wonderfully efficacious.
The Breath Treatment has been used by many healers
with wonderful effect. This form of treatment, also, has
been known from prehistoric times. Arnobe informs us that
the Egyptians used this method in the treatment of disease
with great success, and some claimed that it was superior
to stroking, or laying on of the hands. Mercklin, in his
Tractatus Medicophyeis, tells of a case in which a young
child, apparently lifeless, was restored to life and
strength, by the breath of an old woman. Borel tells of a
sect in one part of India who cured sickness by this
method, and there are in India today certain priests who
breathe on the sick, and seem to impart new life and vigor
to them.
Borel (who lived about 1650 A. D.) tells of a case in
which a servant brought to life the apparently dead body
of his master by breathing upon him, and adds, quaintly:
'"Is it astonishing that the breath of man should produce
such results, when we read that God breathed into the body
of Adam to give him life? It is a fraction of this divine
breath which even today can bring back health to the
sick." In Spain there are persons called insalmadores, who
heal by the saliva and by the breath.
There are two general methods employed by healers in
Breath Treatment. The first is generally known as "Hot
Insufflation," which consists in placing over the affected
part a clean towel or napkin, and then pressing the
half-opened mouth close up to the body, so that the breath
cannot escape. Then breath slowly but firmly, as if you
were causing the breath to penetrate the body. The towel
will become very warm, and the patient will plainly feel
the heat.
Another form of giving this treatment is to hold the
lips at a distance of nearly an inch from the body, and to
breathe upon it just as one does in winter to warm his
hands. The second plan consists in puckering up the
lips,and blowing the breath from a distance of a foot or
more, just as if you were trying to blow out a candle.
This has a calming effect, and may even produce
drowsiness. It is also useful in clearing a congested
head, caused by overstudy, etc.
Treatment by the Eye, is also much in favor by some
healers, who use it in the following manner. They allow
their gaze to "sweep" over the persons or the affected
part, and literally bathe the patient in their "rays."
Vital Force is oftentimes imparted by means of
intermediate objects, such as handkerchiefs, etc., which
have been "magnetized" or "treated" just as if the person
themselves were being treated. To "treat" or "magnetize"
an object, such as a handkerchief, etc., the healer must
make the passes over it, until he "feels" that it is
surcharged, when he may discontinue his efforts. The
object when worn by the patient, seems to radiate its
magnetism gradually until after several days it seems to
be exhausted. Some ' i magnetize ' ' the object by holding
it between their hands for a time.
In giving the several treatments, it is well to always
conclude by giving the Stroking Treatment, before
described. This leaves the patient soothed and calmed
down, and quieted. Never fail to " quiet down" the patient
after a treatment. These things will soon come "
intuitively" to the healer, and after all there is a
something that cannot be taught except by one's own
experience. And no two healers follow just the same
methods. Do not be afraid to follow your intuitive sense
in this direction.
Human
Spirit
