Reiki is translated to ‘universal healing energy.’ It is relaxing form of holistic therapy that involves gentle laying of hands either directly above or lightly on the clothed body.  Using nonmanipulative, noninvasive and gentle touch the practitioner works slowly over the front and back bodies in a progression of hand positions.

Reiki was ‘rediscovered’ by the Japanese Tendai Buddhist, Mikao Usui in the late 1800’s and passed along a lineage from Japan to the U.S and around the world. Reiki is practiced by thousands of people and available in over 800 hospitals including esteemed medical centers such as the Yale Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic, the Mayo Clinic and John’s Hopkins.

Evidence based research has shown that Reiki helps to:

•     decrease anxiety and depression

•     lowers blood pressure

•     reduce pain and fatigue

•     increase relaxation

•    support an overall sense of well-being

 Reiki may be practiced hands on or hands off, which can be helpful for patients who are especially vulnerable. Another benefit of Reiki is the practice of self-healing in which the practitioner initiates the Reiki within themselves and places hands on their own body. Reiki can be done in person or through distance and helps to treat holistic concerns physically, emotionally, mentally and even spiritually.

My Reiki Journey

After going through my own dis~ease process and journey, I turned to alternative therapies to better understand the emotional aspects and mind-body connection in healing. I received my first Reiki Attunements in 1998 and went on to study with my teacher, becoming a ‘Master’ a year later, able to teach and pass on attunements. At that time Reiki was rarely heard of and considered a New Age ‘trend,’ but starting also show positive results in a variety of settings.

Living in India for several years I studied more Reiki as well as meditation, Yoga, Buddhist practices and developed my Reiki practice, giving hundreds of sessions and teaching dozens of students. I wrote my book, after 10 years of practice, just as I was beginning to get a sense of the work. I have found that Reiki is one of the most gentle, affirming and compassionate practices that is very simple to learn and use daily.