Happy now, beautiful souls! It is a crisp, cold morning here in upstate NY- the perfect day to cozy up with a cup of tea, a good book, or get started on a new blog post! I do like to hibernate a bit more in the winter. My body and mind crave warmth, comfort, and seclusion. I have learned over the years to pay serious attention to my body as the body mirrors the mind. This process of understanding the mind-body-spirit connection has been made more apparent with Reiki.

So first, let us take a look at what Reiki is and the science-backed benefits it provides. REIKI (pronounced Ray Key) is a stress reduction and relaxation technique where through the laying of hands, the practitioner channels Universal energy through the body to assist in removing emotional blockages, stress, and anxiety. REIKI energy balances & works on the four levels of existence: Physical, Emotional, Mental, and Spiritual. Reiki activates the parasympathetic nervous system allowing for more profound relaxation and renewal.

The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) regulates functions outside of voluntary control, such as the cardiac muscles, digestion, and relaxation. When we can activate or be in touch with the PNS, we can reduce stress levels and, in turn, lower heart rate and blood pressure and raise our levels of joy.

Let’s look at an example. We have all been in a situation where our sympathetic nervous system (AKA Flight or Fight response) is activated, like when we get cut off in traffic; a flood of adrenaline ups our heart rate and breathing. Unfortunately, this system is in overdrive with our modern way of life. We tend to respond in traffic the way our ancestors would have responded to being chased by a tiger. These constant reactions create unregulated stress in our bodies. Long term, this can have serious health effects.

Scientific research has shown that we can reduce the stress reaction by activating our PNS with various techniques such as Reiki. During a Reiki treatment with me, the client lays comfortably, clothed, on a massage table, and is guided into a relaxed state with meditation. You will be asked to gently focus on the present using your breath to bring you back to the moment when your mind drifts. While you enjoy healing music such as solfeggio frequencies, I will first access your energy by placing my hands on your shoulders, followed by hand placements at specific energetic points on the body. You may feel a subtle shift of consciousness or release of emotion, warmth, or tingling sensation as REIKI energy flows through your body. Once the treatment is complete, you may feel relaxed, refreshed, or exhausted. I will advise you to drink plenty of pure water to aid in detoxifying your energetic body.

I routinely perform self-treatments to assist in healing my own health issues or dis-ease. I have found that my state of mind greatly influences the levels of pain I experience, for our body is a reflection of the mind. Our thoughts precede our actions and our physicality. Reiki has helped me to slow down, to find presence, and to be instead of do(ing). Now when I experience pain, I know it is due to an imbalance in my mind-body-spirit system. I can actively participate in my treatment and healing. Migraines and stomach upset frequently have less to do with physical dis-ease than mental dis-ease. Stress and trauma can cause flare-ups in my IBS, fibromyalgia, and endometriosis. Being aware of my mental state allows me to see the patterns of cause and effect. This awareness takes time to cultivate but offers one a chance to begin healing from within.

When we learn to cultivate practice for our mental well-being, our physical body follows suit. Healing modalities such as Reiki, breath work, meditation, and Qi Gong can all help us become in touch with our mind-body-spirit connection. We must heal wholly at each level to live a balanced life. If you would like to know more or would like to begin on a healing path, don’t hesitate to contact me for a free 15-minute consultation.

Namaste.