Article

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is an under recognised chronic problem that is defined as an excessive preoccupation with an imagined or minor defect of a localised facial feature or body part, resulting in decreased social, academic and occupational functioning. Patients who have a body dysmorphic disorder are pre-occupied with an ideal body image and view themselves as ugly or misshapen. Body image is defined as a mental picture of the size, shape and form of our body. It also describes our feelings about these physical characteristics. Body image is divided into the following two components, how we perceive the appearance of our body and our attitude towards our body.   A significantly distorted perception of the body may lead to self- destructive behaviours aimed at improving the appearance of the body. People who have BDD are most often concerned with the following face or body imperfections:- ·          Wrinkles, scars, acne and blemishes ·          Head or body ha

Reiki is a Japanese word meaning Universal Life Energy and it is the vital life energy which flows through all living things and which can be activated for the purpose of healing.  When used in healing, it acts holistically affecting the energies which comprise the human body. As human beings we are comprised of electro-magnetic ener gy, and every cell in the body is vibrating at different rates depending upon their biochemical make-up. The levels of this life force in our bodies has an impact on our inherent healing ability, as Ki (life energy) helps to nourish the structure, organs and systems of the body, supporting them in their vital functions and contributing to the healthy growth and renewal of cells. Our ability to absorb this life energy is not constant, and over time our body can become depleted. When this happens we become weaker and more susceptible to illness, the ageing process and even physical death. This life force (Ki) is what defines us  as living beings and