Recently at Wellness Uprising, we have witnessed increasing signs of stagnation. Some people are stuck in jobs they hate, others cannot get off the unemployment line. Some are stuck in unhealthy relationships while others cannot move on after a break up. There are people who can't escape the grip of chronic physical illness while others do constant battle with emotional and mental health issues. Another area where clogged energy manifests is finances. Whether you're afraid to spend money, are a shopaholic or can't get your hands on enough money to survive, it's all related to the same thing --- blocked energy. It's time to get unclogged.

Energy "clogs" can be caused by emotional or physical trauma, poor nutrition, prescription medications, spiritual disconnect or exposure to toxic environments where negative energy thrives. When these things occur, the aura is negatively impacted resulting in fear, frustration, anger, confusion or dis-ease. Regularly scheduled Reiki and chakra balancing sessions are helpful, but there are other methods of self-healing you can do on your own.

Losing things, dropping things and forgetfulness show up as static in the aura. You may find yourself bumping and stumbling your way through the day, knocking things down and causing others to bumble, trip and fall. No matter how hard you try, you are unable to restore coordination and order in your life, which leads to further anxiety and stress. The fastest way to clear static from your aura is to meditate. Going inward and reconnecting with Source is like raising an antenna for clear reception.

Shortage of money is almost always due to a compressed aura. You work and work, but barely make enough to survive. As part of a universal network of energy, we manifest best when our energy expands outward to connect with and attract positive energy, people and circumstances. Compressing the aura is like clenching your fists tightly to your chest out of fear, blocking the inward and outward flow of energy. To restore elasticity and radiance to a contracted or compressed aura, adopt spiritual practices that plug into the God energy of the Universe. Prayer, smudging and spiritual bathing are all helpful remedies for a compressed aura. Participating in group activities with people you love and trust, or helping others who are less fortunate may also prove beneficial. It's also very liberating to figure out what you're afraid of and face it head on.

Feelings of being unable to connect with Spirit, fatigue and burn out are signs of a dim or dull aura. The colors are muted and washed out. This may have been brought on by years of self-sacrifice and nurturing others without caring for yourself. At Wellness Uprising, we call this revolutionary self-care; "giving to, nurturing and supporting yourself before you attempt to nurture, support or care for others." The message you send to the Universe when you put others' needs before your own is, "I don't matter. I'm not important. My life purpose doesn't count." This syndrome is common in selfless mothers, unappreciated spouses and workaholics in thankless jobs. This condition is easily fixed by creating healthy boundaries (learn to say no and be OK with it), reconnecting with whatever fuels your passion in life, and stepping onto a path to discover and live your life purpose.

Before we end this discussion about clogged drains, we must address the most extreme sign of blocked energy, blocked bowels. Constipation is an absolute sign of obstruction in the energy body. If your colon is blocked or sluggish, consider colon hydrotherapy. We recommend Moya Body Care in Torrance. Monisha Garner is an Advanced Certified Colon Hydrotherapist, detox and cleansing specialist, and state licensed and certified massage therapist. She has a gentle hand and brings a rare sense of whole-ism and dignity to her work. She will address issues on the emotional and physical levels, and recommend a treatment plan to restore positive energy flow and the smooth removal of waste and toxins from your body. Call her for a consult at (562) 682-0818. Tell her you were referred by Wellness Uprising.

Summer is here, school is out. Summer camps may be out of financial reach for many families, leaving them to their own creative devices for summer activities. Sibling bickering and household tensions tend to rise as high energy youths wait out the week for weekend recreational time with hardworking parents. But with a bit of ingenuity, you can restore peace and raise reiki (universal life force energy) in your living space to add an air of calm, by using a few inexpensive items that you may already have lying around.

Construct an altar in a common area of your home to shift vibrations and encourage an open flow of reiki energy. Have fun and involve the entire family in the preparation process. Play lively music, sing, dance and laugh. Negative energy won't want to hang around where there's so much positivity.

Once the space is clean, construct a healing altar. Include a plant to create oxygen and symbolize life, a few white votive candles (available at any thrift store), a clear glass vase or bowl, an oil burner or diffuser, or anything that resonates with you. Each person in the family can add an item to the altar that makes them feel happy or reminds them of how much they love the family Other great additions may be worry stones, gemstones and crystals.

Rhonda M. Walker, a Los Angeles Crystal Therapist, recommends rose quartz to encourage unconditional love and forgiveness of self and others, clear quartz which can be programmed with a family intention and tiger's eye for balance, grounding and abundance.

Attractively arrange your altar in a manner that feels good and is pleasing to the eye. Your heart chakra will vibrate or hum when it's right and everyone in the house will feel the positive energy right away. Fill the clear vase or bowl 2/3 full with tap water, giving thanks to the water for its gifts and assistance. This water will attract negative energy in the room so you can discard it later. Light the white votives with an intent to heal and uplift everyone in the house. Before lighting each votive, add a few drops of essential oils that encourage family love and harmony.

Cumin: Strengthens the bond between husband and wife.
Gardenia: Strengthens the bonds between family members.
Geranium: Helps workaholics know when to relax and welcome joy into their lives.
Lily of the Valley: Encourages people to help others without any thought of reward.

Maintain your altar by changing water in the vase at least weekly. Give thanks for affirmed cleansing as you pour the water down the drain. Give thanks again as you refill. Always start each burning with a fresh votive that has never been used. As you discard the empty tins, give thanks for the healing provided. Family healing and a more harmonized living space will become apparent as time passes.

Essential oil suggestions from Psychic Protection for Beginners: Creating a Safe Haven for Home and Family, by Richard Webster.

Unclog your drain: getting unstuck

Reiki for home and family