Reiki Massage - A Female's Perspective

Reiki massage was probably the last modality that interested me when I searched for bodywork. Being brought up the oldest and always playing outside with the boys, I didn't really like too much of my feminine side. So accepting Reiki massage was a challenge for me because I would have to let go of my perception of what a massage really is suppose to feel like. Reiki unlike deep tissue where I feel discomfort majority of the time (even though it's good for me), is an energy healing. The therapist who applied Reiki on me actually did touch my body so I didn't feel too disconnected from the session.

She applied long soothing strokes to calm me down and then applied Reiki to the session. Now don't ask me what she did because I would do it injustice. What I can tell you is that I felt an enormous amount of heat flowing from her hands onto my body. It felt as if someone had place a heat pad on me and then started to crank up the temperature. Basically, my "Chi" or energy which was trapped was cleared and after it cleared, I started feeling chilly. She stated to me that it's natural to feel a little cold since the energy is now flowing better. All I know is that I felt relief from my back pain and my menstrual pain which I was experiencing for a week.

I also believe it's important that you choose a therapist is very advanced in not Reiki but other modalities like Swedish and Deep Tissue. This way, if you do not like the Reiki, you can always ask them to change the modality. In my case, I asked her to combine them and it felt amazing. I must say that I did not detoxify like I normally do but it still felt great afterwards.

What is Reiki Massage

Reiki (pronounced Ray-key) is a Japanese name consisting of 2 words Rei and Ki meaning spiritually guided life energy (commonly known as Universal Life Energy), an energy which animates us all and is found all around us. Reiki is a form of spiritual healing using "universal life energy" channeled through the practitioner to the recipient.

Reiki helps to harmonize body, mind and spirit

A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and wellbeing. Many have reported miraculous results.

Reiki in conjunction with therapeutic massage, hot rocks and other medical techniques can balance not only your physical and emotional well-being, but your spiritual as well.

How Reiki Massage Helps

Reiki is believed to relieve pain, boosts the immune system and relieve acute and chronic problems. This is believed because physical manifestations of pain are often linked to emotional, mental and spiritual states. Chronic illnesses may take a series of treatments, depending on the specific nature of the disease. Reiki goes beyond the symptoms to treat the root cause of the disease. When we treat only the symptoms, we do not always get to the true basis of the illness.

Reiki practitioners channel energy in a particular pattern to heal and harmonize. Unlike other healing therapies based on the premise of a human energy field, Reiki seeks to restore order to the body whose vital energy has become unbalanced.

What are the Benefits?

Reiki can be used in many ways and combined with essential oils and massage is a powerful tool. Reiki massage is great if you are suffering from stress or tension, and the many symptoms associated with stress and tension. It can also improve the quality of difficult relationships at home or work. the beneficial effects of Reiki and massage occur on many different levels. Reiki can accelerate the healing of physical problems, balance the emotions, and free us from restrictive mental attitudes. It may also provide a closer connection with our own inner wisdom.

Reiki encourages and supports positive personal change such as improving the diet, having more rest, exercise or leisure time, and may reduce the need for alcohol and tobacco. Reiki can allow us to respond more calmly to all events, and build on a more resourceful state of being. Reiki is a gentle energy and may be used safely by all ages, including the newborn, pregnant mothers, surgical patients, the frail and the elderly, regardless of their state of health. Reiki can enhance everyday life, and regular sessions help to ward-off illness and fatigue.

Robert Vignoli co-owns RPM Therapy, currently we have a Reiki Master / Teacher trained in multiple Massage & Somatic Therapies, such as Medical Aromatherapy, Herbology, AcuTuning Forks, Crystals, Gems, Reflexology, & Hot Stone Therapy. Visit our website http://www.rpm-therapy.com/index.html

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Reiki Symbol

Reiki symbols are sacred healing symbols that open the doors of healing for its practitioners. These symbols provide a path for the flow of energy and lead one to higher levels of awareness and manifestations. Each symbol holds some form of meta-physical energy. In written scriptures, these symbols are considered to be Sanskrit derived Japanese forms.

Reiki has four symbols, which are: Cho ku Rei, Sei He Ki,Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen and Dai ko Myo. Cho ku Rei is the symbol of power. Though Reiki energy can flow without it, the symbol provides a source of energy. It is usually used in the beginning of the healing process. It can also be used in the middle or the concluding phase; in fact, whenever energy is required for accentuating the healing process. It is used specifically for healing within the physical body.

Sei He Ki is the symbol of healing relationship problems. It represents mental and emotional healing. It is also used for protection, purification, clearing and balancing of energies. Reiki believes that, when one catches a disease, it is a representation of energy imbalances that has taken place in the emotional body (subconscious mind) and the mental body (unconscious mind). This symbol can be used for healing emotional or mental distress such as nervousness, fear, depression, anger, and sadness. It can be also used to enhance memory, as it connects with the subconscious mind, where memory is stored.

Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen is the symbol used for transmitting energy across time and space. This can be used for transmitting energy into the past as well the future. Dai Ko Myo is the Matter Symbol. It is considered to be the Light of the Buddha or the Light of the Awakened Heart. It signifies expanded wisdom and an ability to see the future. It is used to heal the soul.

Studying these symbols can open the doors of spiritual power and awakening. This is why Reiki and its symbols are growing in popularity, even today.

Reiki provides detailed information on Reiki, Reiki Symbol, Healing Reiki, Master Reiki and more. Reiki is affiliated with Mobile Computing Innovations.

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Breast Cancer and Reiki

The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2006, about 212,900 women in the U.S. will learn they have invasive breast cancer. American women have a 1 in 8 chance of developing this type of cancer at some point in their lives, and roughly 2 million have already been treated for the disease. Thankfully, death rates from breast cancer have dropped dramatically. Early detection as well as advances in chemotherapy and other treatments mean that each year yields more and more breast cancer survivors.[i]

As with any cancer, traditional treatments for breast cancer can cause their own array of health challenges. Nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and low blood cell counts often follow chemotherapy and radiation. In a recent study published in The Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Dr. Michael Hassett of Boston's Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that 16 % of breast cancer patients under age 64 required a hospital visit to manage chemotherapy side effects.[ii] Chemotherapy targets all rapidly growing cells, including white blood cells (known as neutrophils), which support the immune system. Neutropenia, meaning white blood cell counts have dropped below normal levels, lowers immune response to invaders like bacteria, viruses and fungi.[iii] Consequently, the most common and serious reason for the post-chemo hospital visits was high fever from infections. Anemia-resulting from low red blood cell count-poses additional struggles in the form of extreme fatigue.

Anti-nausea drugs, blood transfusions and lab-made white blood cell "boosters" now form part of a growing arsenal of coping strategies.[iv] But for women who feel conflicted about taking drugs in the first place, these solutions can seem too toxic or even add additional complaints. The neurtophil enhancers, for example, cause temporary bone pain as the marrow rapidly produces more cells. Leigh Leming, 54, a breast cancer survivor whose cancer later returned and metasticized, decided that this time she wanted to try something different. Unable to eat due to nausea, she now follows the advice of an Ayurvedic chef. She drinks a shot of ginger, lemon juice, and honey before each meal. "It's the only thing that keeps my food down," Leming explains. She also takes wheat grass juice to build up her blood counts, because 2 ounces of wheat grass juice contain nutrients equivalent to 4 pounds of organic produce: "The difference in my energy levels is amazing!"

A patient at St. Luke's Hospital in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Leming noticed fliers offering Reiki sessions there. Reiki (pronounced "RAY-key") is an ancient healing energy system rediscovered in the late nineteenth century by a Japanese monk named Dr. Mikao Usui. The "Rei" stands for "universal," and the "ki" refers to "life force energy" similar to "Chi" in Chinese healing or "prana" in yoga. Thus, Reiki means "universal life force energy," which works on all levels-physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. By influencing all these levels, Reiki is believed gently but dramatically to amplify people's innate abilities to heal themselves. One can perform Reiki with hands on or above the body, and even across great distances. Most people notice it as heat, tingling or a feeling of deep love and support.

Leming's friends at St. Luke's Wellness Center explained that they receive Reiki sessions prior to chemotherapy in order to offset some of their post-chemo reactions. Other patients noticed dramatic improvement in pain levels following Reiki treatments. After experiencing some of this pain relief herself-"I actually forget to take my pain pills after a Reiki session"-Leming gathered a group of patients and survivors to learn how to treat themselves with Reiki. Having received an attunement (opening of the body's natural energy paths) from a Reiki Master Teacher, they can now feel Reiki flowing through their own hands. Although her pain returns, Leming reports a greater sense of calmness and peace when dealing with pain, as well as other cancer stressors like finances and family relationships.

No formal U.S. studies have proven Reiki's effectiveness in treating cancer; however, The Canadian Breast Cancer Research Initiative recently awarded a $20,000 grant to Dr. Ahlam Mansour of the College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan. Dr. Mansour will study "the effects of Reiki on the level of anxiety, physical problems, spiritual well-being, and complete blood counts in patients undergoing their initial AC (chemotherapy)."[v] The June 1997 issue of Cancer Prevention Control shared preliminary results from a controlled study at the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton, Canada. Twenty volunteers with chronic pain, including pain from cancer, received Reiki treatments from a certified Reiki Level 2 practitioner. Study supervisors used both a visual analog scale (VAS) and a Likert scale to measure pain before and after Reiki. The study found that receiving Reiki greatly improved pain levels.[vi]

Across the United States, hospitals and hospices have begun to value Reiki. In 1997, Nancy Samson, RN, BS, began coordinating a volunteer Reiki program in the radiation oncology ward at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in New Hampshire. Today, the center hosts Reiki Certification Classes and advertises 50% reimbursement of class cost for DHMC employees. [vii] The esteemed California Pacific Medical Center's Health and Healing Clinic offers Reiki, along with acupressure, nutritional therapy and yoga. [viii] Hospices increasingly offer Reiki to patients as a means of easing pain and reducing anxiety about the unknown.

Arizona hosts one of the longest relationships between Reiki and traditional cancer treatment. Sally Soderlund, RN (Support Services Coordinator for Oncology) directs the Tucson Medical Center (TMC) Reiki Clinic. The Reiki program at TMC began over 11 years ago in the Cancer Care Unit. It has since branched out to other areas of the hospital as well. Reiki practitioners at TMC usually describe Reiki as "healing energy" and work together in two person teams. They emphasize the relaxing and healing qualities of Reiki, rather than delving into metaphysics. Although some patients report spiritual experiences during Reiki sessions, volunteers explain that Reiki is a healing system, not a religion. The TMC clinic's success continues due to patient requests for repeat sessions as well as nurse reports of improved patient mood and healing rate.[ix]

The American Cancer Society regards Reiki as a "safe" complementary cancer therapy. Their website acknowledges patients' subjective reports of Reiki's ability to speed healing and increase their sense of well-being. Like massage, Reiki induces relaxation, lowers heart rate and reduces stress levels. Studies indicate that people heal better if they can remain in a low stress state. Because massage actually manipulates tissue, though, the American Cancer Society recommends avoiding areas near tumors until research shows if tissue manipulation can spread cancer cells to other parts of the body.[x] Unlike massage, Reiki involves a light touch or no touch at all: there is no tissue manipulation. Recipients remain clothed while energy flows above and into their body. For people with multiple tumor sites, Reiki offers a chance to tap into the healing power of relaxation without any contraindications.

[i] American Cancer Society: Caner Reference Information. cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_2_1X_How_many_people_get_breast_cancer_5.asp?sitearea=

[ii] About Health and Fitness: breastcancer.about.com/

[iii] "How Cancer Can Put You at Risk of Serious Infection." Healthmonitor: July-August 2006, p. S3.

[iv] "Take Care of Yourself." Healthmonitor: July-August 2006, p. S4.

[v] Source: Office of Communications, University of Saskatchewan, Canada, usask.ca/communications/ocn/Apr24/news8.html.

[vi] Source: Olson K, Hanson J, 1997. "Using Reiki to manage pain: a preliminary report." Cancer Prevention Control 1997, June, Vol.1(2): pages 108-13.

[vii] Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center: Classes and Events. dhmc.org/dhmc/webpage.cfm?site_id=2&morg_id=0&org_id=1&sec_id=3&gsec_id=3&item_id=3

[viii] CPMC Institute for Health and Healing. cpmc.org/services/ihh/professionals/overview.html

[ix] Rand, William Lee. "Reiki in Hospitals." Reiki News Articles: The International Center for Reiki Training. reiki.org/reikinews/reiki_in_hospitals.html

[x] American Cancer Society. "Reiki" and "Massage." cancer.org/docroot/eto/content/eto_5_3x_massage.asp?sitearea=eto

Laura Bruno is a Life Coach, Medical Intuitive and Reiki Master Teacher from Sedona, Arizona. In addition to private coaching and intuitive sessions, she teaches Conscious Eating 101 classes, Intuitive Healing workshops and Reiki Certification classes around the country and in beautiful Sedona. For more information on classes, raw food coaching, transitional coaching, animal communication, and letting your gifts shine through your career, please see: http://www.internationalrenaissancecoaching.com . Laura is also the author of the long-awaited eBook, If I Only Had a Brain Injury: A TBI Survivor and Life Coach's Guide to Chronic Fatigue, Concussion, Lyme Disease, Migraine or Other "Medical Mystery," now available at http://www.ifionlyhadabraininjury.com

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How Reiki Can Improve Your Chi

Reiki is a Japanese practice that focuses on channeling your Chi energy throughout your body and by doing so your body will begin a self-healing process. A good reiki practitioner can help you feel relaxed and reduce the stress you are under. Sometimes stress is caused by a low energy flow, and this low energy flow not only causes stress but it disables your body's defense mechanism, making it unable to heal itself or slowing down the healing process. And this is exactly what reiki does - it frees your body from energy clogs and helps it to start functioning normally again.

What should you expect during a reiki treatment? You will be placed on a massage table where you can relax. It is important to wear comfortable clothing that is not tight. Depending on your need, the practitioner will treat specific areas for longer periods of time. He or she will meditate in order to begin the energy flow. This is not your regular visit to a masseuse so instead of talking you should allow your body to relax and meditate. The usual treatment lasts around 20 minutes, although it may be longer or shorter depending on your specific needs.

Who is reiki for? If you have serious health problems you should stick with conventional medicine. Although combining reiki with the conventional approach can be beneficial. Stimulating your body with reiki to begin a self healing process can have a positive effect on you and it can be combined with the medicine prescribed by your regular doctor.

If you are interested in reiki, you can learn a lot about the practice from the Alternative Medicines website. You can also go there for any additional information on art therapy, herbal medicine, rolfing, yoga, and you can also check out their alternative medicine blog for the newest information and research.

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