Holistic methods are often dismissed as woo-woo trends, but they’re proving to be powerful allies alongside traditional medicine. ANZA checks out three popular practices.
KINESIOLOGY
Having tried physiotherapy, online stretching methods, traditional chiropractic care, and an array of expensive, odd-looking neck stretchers and rolling rods for backpain, Jolene Cornford visited Dr. Daniel Niemiec for a one-hour kinesiology session.
“I had no idea what to expect when I walked into Dr. Daniel Niemiec’s clinic. While I’d heard of kinesiology, I’d never experienced it firsthand. As someone who has been struggling for some time with lower back and neck pain, I was intrigued about what was to come.
Unlike traditional chiropractic care, which often focuses on musculoskeletal disorders, applied kinesiology takes a more holistic approach. Dr. Niemiec, an Aussie expat, looks at your body’s structure, biochemical makeup, and emotional aspects to understand how they all interact with one another. For example, your spine, stress levels, and even your personal biochemistry (like food intolerances) play a role in your overall physical health.
The session started with a relaxed chat about my medical history, as well as general lifestyle questions. After this, Dr. Niemiec did a series of assessments, observing my posture, movement, and flexibility. One of the most fascinating discoveries was the realisation that my body’s sensitivities and ailments were intertwined in ways I’d never considered. My intolerance to garlic, for example, wasn’t just a dietary inconvenience – it was playing a role in my physical discomfort. Constant bloating was affecting my core strength and how well I was able to support my spine.
Energetic vials
Through muscle testing and the use of energetic vials (that look like little test tubes), Dr. Niemiec could identify various imbalances. He lifted my right arm and applied gentle pressure while balancing the vials on my chest. If there was a sensitivity, it was reflected in my muscle’s reaction. It was fascinating!
The session grew more intriguing. By massaging my diaphragm, he was able to loosen tension, which helped with my breathing – something Dr. Niemiec explained was contributing to my discomfort. He showed me how ‘belly breathing’ involves the diaphragm moving downward as I inhaled, creating more space for lung expansion in my stomach (not my chest), and therefore improving both my posture and relaxation.
The session lasted an hour and was hyper-personalised, with Dr. Niemiec talking through everything as he went. So, is my back pain caused by garlic? Well, no. There’s also my poor posture, sitting at a desk for long periods, and that I have an extra bone in my spine.
It was refreshing to have someone take such a comprehensive approach to my health via a method that isn’t about cracking joints, but tuning into your body, understanding signals, and learning how to restore balance from the inside out. After two weeks of herbal supplements, my stomach feels less bloated, and I’m more aware of my posture and breathing. If you’re curious about a new approach to wellness, kinesiology might be the missing piece of the puzzle.”
27A Loewen Road, 248839
drdanielniemiec.com
REIKI
Shruti SharmA became a certified Reiki Master in 2005 and now shares her healing expertise through The Weekend Healer. She offers Reiki, Tarot readings, and integrative counselling to support clients in overcoming personal challenges.
What Is Reiki?
We are all made of universal life force energy. When this is out of balance, it can cause disease. Reiki helps realign energy by channelling healing energy to areas that need it most. An ancient Japanese tradition, Reiki works holistically to address physical, emotional, and mental challenges, promoting wellness in body and mind.
Session Overview
Reiki sessions usually involve placing hands in specific positions on or above the client’s body, either in-person or remotely (via distance healing). Positive changes can occur after one or two sessions, but for deeper healing, multiple sessions are the most beneficial.
What You’ll Feel
Most people experience a deep sense of calm during or after the session, fostering a peaceful mind and body. This relaxation helps restore balance, reduce stress, and encourage healing on all levels – whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. Reiki works where the recipient needs it most, enhancing their overall wellbeing.
What To Note
Reiki works individually for each person, and it’s important to find a practitioner who resonates with you. If you’re new to it, don’t hesitate to request a consultation to see if it feels like the right fit for your healing journey.
How I Work
I also offer Tarot card readings, meditation, and personal counselling, providing a comprehensive approach to help clients with relationship, career, and personal growth challenges. There are tailored packages over 3, 6, or 12 months to best suit a client’s needs.
HEALTH COACH
Karen Taylor is a Holistic Health Coach, Hypnotherapist & Reiki Master. With a deep interest in how our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs impact our well-being, she trained in hypotherapy and Reiki in 2007, and today uses these modalities to help others achieve balance.
My Approach
My goal is to empower clients with the awareness and tools they need to feel their best physically, mentally, and emotionally. Coaching is often the foundation, while hypnotherapy works with the subconscious mind, and Reiki targets the energetic level, clearing stagnant energy and balancing the nervous system.
Who I Work With
Many of the expats I work with in Singapore are navigating significant life transitions, whether it’s adjusting to a new culture in an unfamiliar country, changing careers, or raising a family far from relatives. Others seek a deeper sense of purpose, wondering what’s next beyond their professional or familial roles.
Session Overview
I begin by clarifying a client’s goals, often using what they don’t want in life as a starting point to define what they do want. Sometimes, clients arrive with a specific issue in mind, but end up transforming multiple areas of their lives. For example, one client sought hypnotherapy to quit smoking, but after just two sessions, he realised that stress and anxiety were bigger issues. We worked on him setting boundaries, improving his sleep, exercise, and cooking nourishing meals. By the end of our sessions, he was healthier, happier, and more energised.
How Hypnotherapy Works
Hypnotherapy is a powerful tool for personal growth as it works directly with the subconscious mind, which controls much of our behaviour. By bypassing the critical, overthinking part of the mind, hypnosis helps us to access the deeper mind where real transformation occurs. It’s a common misconception that you’ll be ‘out of it’ and won’t remember anything. In reality, we all naturally enter hypnotic states throughout the day – such as when reading or watching a film.
What To Note
While many holistic methods are available, the key is to find a practitioner you truly connect with and trust. Every one has a unique approach, so if you’re unsure, ask for a brief phone consultation before committing. Trust your intuition, try a session, and see if it works for you – it’s all part of the journey.
