a Japanese Woman in Hawaii

Reading about Reiki & Mrs Takata I always wondered how she and her parents - being ethnic Japanese - came to live on Hawaii and why and how Japanese immigration in Hawaii happened. 

It all starts with the famous captain Cook.

The Hawaï islands are located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and have been very isolated. The   inhabitants were decendants of seafaring people from the australonesian islands. The first habitation is probably from around 600 AD.

At the end of the 18th century Captain Cook was probably (one of) the first Europeans to set foot on Hawaiian ground. This event changed everything for the Hawaiians: Not only did Cook meddle with the local political situation, but he also put the Islands on the map for the western world. More ships landed soon...... 

European and American entrepreneurs came and saw new opportunities in farming, processing and  trading cane sugar.

Because of its isolation the indigenous people of Hawaii had never come in to contact with diseases that we simply call "childrens disease". They did have no resistance at all. The Europeans and Americans, did not only bring their entrepreneurship, they also brought disease. This prooved to be catastrophic: When captain Cook landed the indigenous Hawaiian people counted about 300 000, around 1850 there were only 60 000 left. A 1924 count shows a shocking figure of 24 000!!!!

The plantation owners imported contract labourers to work for them. The Hawaiian government (Hawaii was an independent kingdom at the time) decided that it was best to get people from Asia, since they would have the least impact on the indigenous Hawaiians. A first wave of labourers and crafts men came from China.

Mid 18^th  century a Dutch American negotiated in Japan about the possibilities to bring contract labourers from Japan to Hawaii. This year the Japanese community in Hawaii celebrates that its 150 years since the  Gannenmono (元年者), “people of the first year" set foot on Hawaiian ground.  This was a group of about 150 labourers. In 1885 about 900 follow, mostly men, but also women and children. Around 1900 Hawaii counts 61.000 Japanse Immigrants. Between 1900 - 1924 about  25000 Okinawans arrive in search of a better future. In 1920 Hawaï has 255 881 inhabitants. 43% is Japanese or of Japanese descent.

This 1885 painting is by Joseph Dwight Strong and is called “Japanese Laborers on Spreckelsville Plantation”. It shows an idyllic scene of life on a sugar plantation.

Reality is a bit harsher. Around 1900 - Hawaii had just been annexed as an American territory -   a Japanse labourer would get $ 25,-- monthly for a 12 hour day of work with a half hour break every now and again.  Montlhy $ 2,50 was held back to save for a boat ticket in case the labourer wanted to return to Japan at the end of his 2 year contract. Many stayed. Some brought wife and kids from Japan, others married locally and some married a "Photo Bride".

This 1895 foto shows the housing conditions of a Japanese plantation family. It is easy to judge with 21^ste century, western eyes... but we don't know the circumstances they left behind in Japan.  Anyway, they idyllic scene J.D. Strong painted is put in a different perspective. Men women and older children all worked the land. Life was not easy at the bottom of the social ladder, here and everywhere else......

This is the environment where december 24th 1900 Hawayo Hiromi Kawamura is born in Hanama’ulu on the island Kauai, daughter to Otoguro Kawamura & Hatsu Tamashima. Otoguro & Hatsu are about ca 26 and 25 y.o. at the time. From where in Japan they left I dont know. Some reiki books mention Hawayo has an older sister. I could not find information on that in the records available to me. I found two younger sisters though:  Fumiko born 1906 & Fusae born 1909.

According to 1940 American census records both parents of  Hawayo - now mrs Takata - are still living on Kauai at the time. They are not working anymore and they still have no citizenship.

 

So far a bit of back ground information on Mrs Takata's early years. On you-tube there is a very good documentary on Japanese/Hawaiian plantation song. It does not only tell about the music but also a lot about the people. I hope you find some time to watch:  Holehole Bushi

Reiki Gokai

Treatments

Aroma Reiki

For all Reiki treatments you are advised to wear comfortable clothes so energy may flow freely. For all "Chair Treatments" you can keep on your socks and shoes. For all other Reiki treatments you have to take them off so I can give you an Essential Oil application. For the Symphony of Cells™ & Aroma Touch™ treatments oil will be applied to your back and feet and you are advised to bring a large and a small towel.
Cash payments only, please! 
If you book and pay four (same sort) treatments in one go, you get a fifth for free.
Cancellations 24 hrs in advance, please!

Intake

When you come for your first visit, over a nice cup of tea, we talk about what you need and what you can expect from and during an Aroma Reiki Treatment. You will get a short reiki treatment and an Aroma Touch™ handmassage. This wil take between 60 and 90 minutes. Cost € 60,-

Full Reiki Treatment

For this treatment you just relax and enjoy. We start with a nice cup of tea and discover what you need most. Maybe there is an essential oil you will benefit from. You can get an application under your feet during the Reiki Treatment. The treatment takes between 60 and 90 minutes. Cost € 60,-

Short Reiki Treatments

When you have no time to indulge in a full treatment you can come in for a Short Session, a Chair Session, or Chakra Balancing. This takes between 30 and 45 minutes. Costs € 35,-

Aroma Touch™

We start with a cup of tea while you have a relaxing foot bath. Then we proceed with a series of Essential Oil applications on your back and feet. This treatment takes about 60 minutes. Cost € 60,-

Aroma Touch™hand massage

Take 20 to 30 minutes, Costs € 15,-

Aroma Advice

If you want to know what Aroma oils can be beneficial for you, I will help you on your way. This takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Costs € 10,-. When you order essential oils through my webshop or directly in my practice (min € 25), you will get a free Aroma Touch™hand massage at your next visit.

NEW! Symphony of Cells ™

We start with a cup of tea while you have a relaxing foot bath and we choose a "protocol". Then we proceed with a series of Essential Oil applications on your back and feet. You'll get a bit of reiki to top it off. This treatment takes about 60 minutes. Starting at  € 70,-

Combination Treatments

Starting at  €45,-

Reiki Classes

Reiki I

In this class you learn the backgrounds and you are introduced to the techniques that form the base of Reiki. You wile learn how to treat yourself and others. You get to practice and be treated with Reiki. The "Reiki Rules" will give you a fresh outlook on life and you will experience the flow of Reiki in the Reiki Mawashi. You will participate in one or two Reiki group sessions, depending on the number of participants. When there is some time left I can introduce you to the use of essential oils with Reiki.

The first morning you will get a Reiki I attunement and further on you will get two aaditional Reiju's
(reiki-blessing). This class is spread over 2 consecutive days  and an evaluation evening about 3 weeks later. At the end of day 2 you will get a Reiki I certificate and pdf handout with unique content. On both days I will take care of coffee, tea, water and a light "Reiki Lunch".
Payment  € 175,--, due at the start of the course. Cash only.

For this  Reiki I course private tutoring is possible. Certain techniques can't be practiced though. You will get a chance for this during a Reiki-exchange evening. Duration abt half a day.  Payment  € 175,--, due at the start of the course. Cash only.

Ask for the next available course dates through the contact form

Q&A

"I did Reiki I last month and now I really want to learn Reiki II. I read somewhere that you have to wait 3 month between Reiki I and Reiki II . Is this true?"

"It is not a set rule. No 2 persons are the same, but generally speaking it is good advice to take a break between Reiki I en Reiki II.  It takes some time to make everything you learned in Reiki 1 blend into your dayly routine. Give yourself and Reiki time to settle. In the mean time expand your knowledge by reading a book or two on Reiki, practice what you have learned on your self and come to Reiki  Exchange meetings. Maybe the study day on the Reiki rules would be a nice thig to attend!

Reiki II

In the Reiki II course you will learn to work with Reiki symbols, how to introduce these symbols to Reiki treatments of yourself and others. You will learn how to treat situations. We eill practice this on our selves and each other. We will share about Reiki in our dayly lives and we will enjoy the flow of reiki during treatments and the Reiki Mawashi. When there is enough time and interest I will introducde you to some Essential oils.

You will get a  Reiki II attunement at the first morning and a Reiju's (reiki-blessing) on the second day. This course is spread over 2 consecutive days.  At the end of day 2 you will get a Reiki II certificate and a pdf handout with unique content. On both days I will take care of coffee, tea, water and a light "Reiki Lunch".
Payment  € 225,--, due at the start of the course. Cash only.

For this  Reiki II course private tutoring is possible. Certain techniques can't be practiced though. You will get a chance for this during a Reiki-exchange evening. Duration abt half a day.  Payment  € 225,--, due at the start of the course. Cash only.

Ask for the next available course dates through the contact form

Reiki Refresher 

Life Happened and you have not been practicing Reiki for a while. Now is the time to pick it up. I can help you. Make an appointment through the contact form  and we will find out what your best options are!

Reiki study days

Reiki study days (and half days) are available on several subjects: The Gokai, Getting to know the Reiki Symbols on a deeper level per symbol, Japanese Technique's. Prices € 30 for half a day and € 50 for a whole day. Due at the start of the course. Cash only.
If you want to do one of these, with a group of friends, I can plan a private date for you.


Ask for the next available course dates through the contact form

Reiki Exchange

I am trying to set up a Reiki exchange group for Expats (english speaking). If you are interested, please let me know  through the contact form

Reiki ...

Is usually  translated as "universal life energy" Is the method of energy healing developped by Mikao Usui Is Usui's way to improve body and mind is mostly experienced as pleasant tingling Works for body, mind and your energy system Stimulates your body's self healing power Balances your energy Is good for you, also if you have no complaints Is extremely relaxing Can put things that keep you busy into an other perspective Can help you conquer unwanted habbits Can relieve chronic complaints Clarifies things Will help clearing old and Karmic injuries Is NEVER a replacement for regular health care Works for humans, animals, plants, mineral, situations Can be learned by everybody

Studio Lux

Studio Lux is a lovely small scale practice in the Hague on the border of the historic town center. Studio Lux was founded by me,  Edda Baert.
I am Reiki Master and studied several Reiki Types.
Studio Lux offers a wide range of Reiki and Aromatherapy treatments and combination treatments.
If you want to learn Reiki or brush up your Reiki Skills you can choose from a variety of courses and Workshops: Reiki I, Reiki II, Reiki IIIa, Reiki IIIb, Reiki Refresher, Reiki Study Days and Sharing Evenings.
Studio Lux also offers and facilitates some spiritual, creative workshops.
Reiki courses and the Reiki Refresher course can also be taken in a private session.
All treatments, courses and workshops are available in Dutch and English. German and French is spoken.
Contact me for an appointment through the contact form  and I will contact you as soon as possible.

Lavender

Lavender is the most popular essential oil in the world. The Egyptians used it for mummification and as a perfume. The ancient Greeks and Romans also used it to treat ailments such as insect bites, headaches, dizziness, kidney disorders, jaundice and dropsy. Roman soldiers used it as for its antiseptic qualities on war wounds. By the 19th century lavender was promoted as a virtual ‘cure-all’.

The lavender plant – lavendula Angustifolia commonly known as English Lavender, Garden Lavender, Common Lavender, True Lavender, and Narrow-Leaved Lavender  - is a perennial that produces flowers from its second year on. The oil is extracted from the flowers through steam distillation. The flowers of about 2.5 square metres of lavender plants are needed for a 15 ml bottle of essential lavender oil. A lot of study has been done on the benefits of Lavender Essential oil.

• Gives a feeling of well being
• helps sleep, is said to help against snoring
• Restores skin complexion and reduces acne
• Powerful antioxidants
• Improves eczema and psoriasis
• Alleviates headaches and migraine
• Balances blood sugar
• Helps the respiratory system (coughs, hay fever and asthma)

I use it for relaxation, hay fever, asthma, rashes, insect bites,  sunburn, skin blemishes. It works great in a diffuser (I so prefer this over an aroma lamp), 3 to 4 drops. Make a disinfecting room spray by adding abt 20 drops of  the essential oil in up to 100ml water and putting it in an empty spray bottle. Add the essential oil in about one tbsp of vodka to  mix it in with water. This can also be used as a linen or pillow spray. I add 10 drops to a small jar of Aloe Vera gel to help with rashes and sun burn. When I have a bad cold and my nose is blocked I put a drop on a Q-tip, or my finger and apply it inside my nose. A drop under my pillow.  I add a few drops in fractionated coconut oil to rub on achy muscles and joints or to use it for a relaxing massage.  I prefer dōTERRA to any over the counter essential oil.

Only Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade(CPTG) Lavender can be ingested, but be very careful, it is highly concentrated(never for children). Take only 1 drop in a glass of water, use it as a mouth wash, or just drink it for all of its benefits. It can also be used in cooking. Just use 1 drop to give a twist to marinades  and dressings, add a drop to cakes and cookies, and again LESS IS MORE.

In my dōTERRA web shop you can find CPTG Lavender oil, fractionated coconut oil  and a super diffuser: the Petal diffuser.

It is one of the few essential oils that can generally be applied directly to the skin undiluted by adults. For children only use it diluted (2 drops on 10ml). Pregnant women should always be extremely careful with essential oils, especially in the first trimester! Be very careful when nursing! Always test the oil on the inside of your arm to make sure you are not allergic. Avoid eyes! In case of irritation wash with fractionated coconut oil.

Grapefruit

Citrus Paradisi, the citrus fruit from paradise. The grapefruit is a subtropical citrus tree known for its sour to semi-sweet fruit. Grapefruit is a hybrid originating in Barbados in the early 1700s as an accidental cross between two introduced species, sweet orange and pomelo. When found on Barbados, it was named the "forbidden fruit" . Now they proudly call it one of their "Seven Wonders of Barbados.".  A grapefruit tree can grow 25 to 30 feet tall and can produce fruit  for 30 - 40 years. The average yield per tree per season is about 350 pounds. The fruits can only be picked by hand. Grapefruits grow on the tree in bunches, like grapes, hence the name. 


Fun fact: The first commercially successful lipstick was introduced by Guerlain in 1880. It was a pomade of grapefruit mixed with butter and wax.


The essential oil is extracted from the peel by cold pressing. It smells sweet and invigorating and is a top note in perfumes. The odour resembles the one of sweet orange oil, but is slightly more bitter and herbaceous. It is said that the smell of grapefruit will make you appear younger... I have no idea if this fact or fable. But if a smile is the best make-up a woman can wear, this oil  definitely brings a smile on my face.


Grapefruit is one of my favourite essential oils. Why? it makes me feel happy instantly even if the weather is dull and gray. It helps me chase the winter blues. I used to add a few drops or to my face lotion in winter, so when I refreshed my skin in the morning the lovely smell would bring a smile to my face. I only did this on cloudy days, since grapefruit essential oil can cause irritation when exposed to sunlight (or the tanning studio). Although this oil is said to be less phototoxic than oil from other citrus fruits, I'd rather be safe than sorry.


My favourite way of enjoying this oil now is adding 4 -5 drops to my aroma diffuser.  My diffuser spreads the aroma in a fine mist. An aroma diffuser safe when you have pets or (grand)kids running around, it switches off automatically so you can use it before sleep and even more important: It does not alter the oil by (over)heating it.


Grapefruit mixes well with Patchouli, Bergamot, Frankincense, Lavender, Peppermint, Basil, Rosemary and Ylang-ylang. 2 drops of grapefruit mixed with 1 drop of the Whisper blend makes a lovely perfume. So does mixing it with the Passion blend.


This oil has more benefits than just being a mood booster, this oil has plenty of antioxidants and practical benefits:  it improves the appearance of blemishes and supports healthy metabolism. It is a great oil to add to homemade skincare and household products. It brings harmony in your mind and can relieve anxious feelings. It supports your diet, helps with jetlag, Relieves head and neck tension and stress.

Would you like to try out this wonderful oil? Click on my doTERRA webshop banner(opens in an new window). I think this is at the moment the very best oil money can buy. doTERRA oils are "Certified Pure Theraputic Grade oil": guaranteed the purest and highest quality. This is the only essential oil i consider good enough for my grandchildren.
Also, doTERRA practices Co-Impact Sourcing where the people that farm and harvest the ingrediënts for the essential oils are aided to improve their lives with things like a school, a good water supply or a better road.

Contact me if you have any questions about the oils, or if you want to know how to get your oil at a reduced price