Stepping Into Your Authentic Self

October is a month for seasonal pleasures galore, from leaf peeping to pumpkin carving, and, of course, donning our best costumes and masks for Halloween. While we’re very much in favor of enjoying the festivities to the fullest, we also feel it’s important to acknowledge the masks we keep on far beyond the holiday—and the toll it takes on our minds, bodies, and spirits over time.
 
To some extent, we all struggle with this energy drain. We try to keep up appearances, put on a brave face, and hide our perceived flaws. Expressing our real emotions in our everyday interactions can feel terrifying, if not impossible. It’s no wonder we’re often exhausted at the end of the day, ready to drop the facade and just be with the real, stripped-down version of ourselves.
 
The truth is, it is possible to take off your mask and move through the world feeling lighter, freer, and more connected to your authentic self. It’s a journey that takes self-care and commitment, but one that we at Hudson Healing Arts regard as invaluable.
 
We offer a variety of modalities that help to restore your balance; bring you closer to your true self, values, and desires; and let go of stress so that you can feel “at home” in your own skin, no matter where you are. Below, we take a look at the benefits of three services in particular: acupuncture, Reiki, and counseling.

Acupuncture
Whether you’re seeking relief for stress, chronic pain, migraines, insomnia, or beyond, acupuncture helps to activate your body’s self-healing mechanisms. Working with Qi (a Chinese word that roughly translates to “energy”) is what makes this healing response possible. Just like a river, Qi flows through the meridian energy channels in the body—by inserting tiny needles into various points in the skin, the healthy movement of Qi is facilitated to help the body function in harmony.
 
Simply put, Qi doesn’t lie.  Our practitioners use a series of diagnostic tests to determine which points should be stimulated for maximum healing, from checking your pulse to the other vital signs. As a practice that’s been around for over 6,000 years, acupuncture has developed some pretty effective methods to detect where your energy is out of balance, and it treats the whole person, not just the symptom. So whether or not you’re consciously aware of where blockages have taken hold, acupuncture helps you get to the root of it. Acupuncture is also profoundly soothing to your nervous system, creating a space for deep relaxation—which makes it that much easier to “let go” of your public mask and feel at ease.
 
Reiki
The principle behind Reiki is that there is an animating energy inside us and around us that can’t be seen, but is felt. The best part is, everyone has the ability to connect with this healing energy to help themselves and others. In a Reiki session, this flow of energy is transmitted or activated through a gentle “laying-on” of hands on a series of body points, which activates your body’s natural healing process and restores emotional wellbeing.
 
Again, energy doesn’t lie; in a Reiki session our practitioners will assess your chakras and pinpoint where your energy is blocked or weak. Reiki’s effect is always beneficial, and energy naturally knows where to go to restore free-flowing Ki; you don’t have to say a word. Part of what makes Reiki so deeply relaxing is you’re required to do nothing but lie down and receive! It’s common to experience a wonderful feeling of radiance after a session, and in the long-term, Reiki helps to manifest an outward harmony, confidence, and happiness.
 
Counseling
People come to counseling for all types of reasons⁠—and regardless of the driving force, it takes great courage and strength to truly look into the mirror at both what you’re doing well and what you’d like to work on. Counseling provides a compassionate space to drop your brave front and express yourself without judgment or restraint.
 
Getting your worries out in the open, and having a caring professional to help you work through these challenges, can bring about remarkable emotional and mental clarity. And the courageous act of being honest about your real feelings, struggles, and intentions in a safe place can help you bring about that same vulnerability in the real world.
 
Final Thoughts
At Hudson Healing Arts, we also offer a variety of other services that rebalance your energy and help you shine your authentic light with confidence. You can also check out our full list of services here. And if you have any questions or are interested in scheduling a session here at Hudson Healing Arts, we’d love to hear from you. Wishing everyone a safe and happy Halloween!