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Stress
Management and Reiki: Restoring Balance through Energy Work
We live in a hectic world, where the affects of acute and
chronic stress can have serious impacts on our health. Although conventional and
alternative medicine offers many options for stress management, there is an
ancient healing technique that works especially well: Reiki energy work.
What Is Reiki?
Reiki is a Japanese energy technique that produces a relaxation response to
reduce the feelings of stress. Reiki practitioners are trained to tap into the
Universal energy force and, by the laying on of hands, transmit healing energy
to another person or animal. The premise of Reiki, which is a very spiritual
stress management technique, is that it increases your life energy. Reiki is
considered to be a holistic therapy because it addresses the mind, body and
spirit.
While Reiki is spiritually based, it isn't associated with any specific
religion. That's why there are no intellectual or spiritual requirements to give
or receive Reiki. In other words, you don't need to have any particular beliefs
about religion (or any beliefs at all) to either benefit from it or practice it.
Because Reiki is based on the principles of peace, harmony and balance, anyone
can learn it. Although it's a simple technique, the process must be passed on
from a Reiki master to her student during a process called
"attunement."
What to Expect During a Reiki Treatment
During a Reiki treatment, you should be fully clothed and will usually lay flat
on a massage-like table, although seated or standing positions can be used in a
pinch. It's important to be comfortable and warm, so let your practitioner know
if you need to adjust your position. (Simple things, like placing a pillow under
your knees to relieve low back pressure or adding a lightweight blanket, can
increase your comfort level.)
When the Reiki session begins, your practitioner may close her eyes and take a
moment to gather her own energy before placing her hands on or near your body.
As the treatment progresses, your practitioner will move her hands along your
body, concentrating on areas that relate to your specific issues. When using
Reiki for stress management, for example, your practitioner may spend extra time
around tense neck and shoulder muscles. Although even a few minutes of Reiki can
reduce stress, a typical full-length treatment can last anywhere from 45 to 90
minutes.
A full-length Reiki treatment should make you feel extremely relaxed and may
even cause you to fall sleep. You should be able release the tension being held
in your body as you reach a new level of peace.
Why You Should Choose Reiki for Relaxation
Reiki practitioners believe that negativity doesn't exist solely in the brain.
Instead, they believe that negative thoughts and feelings are also stored in
other areas of the body and in the body's surrounding energy field (known as the
aura). When negative energy collects in and around the body, the flow of life
force, or Ki, is restricted. This results in headaches, body pains, feelings of
stress and, if left untreated, more serious physical illness.
The healing energy of Reiki is guided by a Higher Intelligence that intuitively
understands how to release restrictions to the flow of Ki. This energy is able
to work in harmony with the unconscious mind to dissolve negative thoughts and
help remove them from the body and its aura. As these energy blocks are cleared,
your Ki begins to flow unhindered, sending the healing life force to unhealthy
bones, organs and tissues. With a consistent treatment plan, Reiki allows your
body to heal itself and restore optimal balance and function.
Although people with serious health problems should consult their doctor before
undergoing treatment, there are no known side effects associated with Reiki,
which is proven to be a safe therapy for people in all stages of wellness or ill
health.
Stress management is often a lifelong pursuit that requires an entire toolbox of
traditional and alternative therapies for maximum relief. Consider incorporating
Reiki treatments into your self-care regimen. The only thing you've got to lose
is a little stress!
Patty Harder is a Reiki master, ordained SHES minister and self-help guru. She
is also the author of "Less-Stressed NOW! Your Complete Guide to Managing
Stress, Beating the Blues, and Waking Up Happier Every Day." To learn more,
visit http://www.5MinuteSelfHelp.com
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