Most of us are familiar with the quaint song that tells us the foot bone is con­nected to the ankle bone, the ankle bone is connected to the leg bone, and so on. We have known this to be true for a very long time. There are studies that show not only are the body parts connected to each other but they are also connected to the mind and the spirit. Studies have shown stress is a major cause of illness because stress depletes the immune system. Recent studies show us that deep relaxation, the kind you are able to achieve in a Reiki session, boost the immune system.

Here is some great news: it is possible to experience stress reduction using techniques that are noninvasive, gentle, chemical-free and with no side effects. One of those techniques is Reiki.

What is Reiki?

Reiki is a Japanese technique of deep relaxation and stress reduction that can produce a sense of well-being and healing. It is powerful, gentle, non-invasive and very nurturing. There are no negative side effects from Reiki treatments. Rei means “God’s wisdom or the Higher Power.” Ki, means “life force energy.” We receive Ki from food, air, sun and sleep. The Ki of Reiki is also the Chi of China, the Prana of India and the Ti or ki of the Hawaiians. Reiki is “spiritually guided life force energy.”

How does Reiki heal? The disruption in the flow of Ki is the main cause of illness. As Reiki flows through the mind/body it allows a normal healthy flow of Ki to resume providing needed nour­ishment to unhealthy physical organs and tissues. As a result, the body/mind may begin to function in a healthy way; illness may be replaced with health.

What does a Reiki treatment feel like?

A fully clothed client will lay on a massage table in a quiet, relax­ing atmosphere. The treatment will take sixty- ninety minutes. Most clients fall into deep sleep as the Reiki practitioner gently plac­es her/his hands at various places on the face, head, abdomen, feet and back. As Reiki energy flows, it treats the whole person: body, mind, emotions and spirit creat­ing many positive effects that include relaxation, feelings of peace, well-being and safety.

What can be treated?

Reiki is always beneficial. It does no harm and may enhance other types of therapy and medi­cal treatment. It is recommended if a client has a health condition they consult with their physi­cian or other health professional. Reiki works to reduce negative side effects, shorten healing time, reduce or eliminate pain, reduce stress and help to achieve an opti­mistic outlook. It has been known to aid in the healing of conditions like: heart disease, MS, cancer, skin problems, headaches, fatigue, insomnia, poor memory, lack of confidence, etc.

How can I learn more about Reiki?

The best way is to deeply expe­rience a treatment. To read more about Reiki go to www.reiki.org.