Need To De-stress? Try Reiki

Reiki is a japanese healing modality that helps one relax and reduce stress. It is a'' laying on of hands' treatment and is based on the theory that life energy flows through us. When some of that energy becomes "blocked" we can experience pain, stress and even illness. Reiki energy work helps to unblock that energy and also treats the whole person....body, mind and spirit.

The word Reiki is actually two words in Japanese. Rei mean's God's wisdom and Ki means universal life energy.

What to expect when recieving a Reiki treatment: Most likely the practitioner will have you lie on a massage table on your back and may cover you with a sheet (for warmth once you become relaxed).  Reiki is also given while the receiver is sitting, standing and even remotely.

The practitioner will often start by sitting or standing behind your head and will place her hands just over your head. Reiki works with the body's energy field, so the hands don't neccessarily touch the body. This is why reiki is a good choice for people who don't like to be touched or who have fibromyalgia. The practitioner will keep her hands in certain positions over the head for about 3 to 5 minutes each.

Next, she will move down the body using Reiki hand positions until you have been treated from head to toe. If there is time left during the session, you will be asked to turn over onto your stomach and the process will be repeated. If the practitioner feels a particularly between her hands in one area and say, your kidneys, her hands may linger there a little longer.

What you will likely feel during a Reiki session: Almost everyone becomes very relaxed and often falls asleep. Since there's an energy exchange between you and the practitioner's hands, you may feel a tingling sensation from time to time especially when the hands are over sensitive skin, like the eyelids.

When the session is over, you will be asked to slowly open your eyes and come back. You should be allowed to wake up slowly since you have been in an altered state.

I discovered Reiki when I had a very stressful job. I so loved the results of my treatments that I began to study Reiki and eventually became a master.

Reiki practitioners and teachers in your area can be found on their website. Just click on your state and find your city.