Welcome back everyone! It’s another Health and #WELLNESS WEDNESDAY and time for another discussion of Complementary and Alternative Medicine — also known as CAM. For several weeks we’ve been discussing various CAM techniques. And today, we’re going to finish up this series with a close look at the practice of REIKI.
Now, Reiki originates from another eastern tradition — coming to us this time from Japan. It is an ancient technique which has been used for thousands of years to reduce stress, improve relaxation and promote healing. It is based upon the philosophy that an unseen “life force energy” flows through us — and that it is this “life force” that nourishes the human body and keeps us alive.
The word Reiki is actually two words — Rei which means “higher power” — and Ki which refers to the above mentioned “life force energy.”
In essence, Reiki is a technique that realigns the flow of the body’s energies. It allows our “life force” to move freely throughout our bodies — and to be concentrated in areas of our body that have been weakened or, perhaps, injured in some way.
If you remember our discussion of acupuncture, Reiki may sound somewhat similar. And, in fact, it is because Reiki also is based upon the theory that the energy in our bodies flows along certain pathways. And, when those pathways become unbalanced or blocked in some way, illness, discomfort or pain will result.
One of the big differences, however, between the two techniques is that acupuncture uses tiny needles to promote healing — while Reiki only uses the touch of a hand.
Now, during a typical Reiki session the patient will be asked to remove her or his shoes and to lie down — usually on a regular massage table. At this point, the practitioner will place her or his hands very lightly on different parts of the patient’s body.
Sometimes, there is a pattern of placement that the practitioner follows. For example, the practitioner may begin with the patient’s head, moving to the shoulders, the torso, the legs and so on — allowing the hands to rest on each body part for two to five minutes. Yet other times, the practitioner may lay her or his hands directly on the area of the body to be treated — and then gently move the hands in a random order over the patient’s body.
So in a way, Reiki is somewhat like the typical massage therapy with which we’re all familiar. The touch of Reiki, however, is much lighter. And, rather than massaging the tissues of the body, the hands of the Reiki practitioner barely skim over the body — sometimes coming to rest for just a few minutes.
Reiki has been used to treat people of every age, including adults, children, babies, the elderly and even pets! And, it has been used to treat a variety of conditions and illnesses. And, here are SEVEN OF THE MOST COMMON HEALTH BENEFITS derived from this technique.
1) Decreases Stress and Increases Relaxation;
2) Improves Functioning of the Body’s Immune System;
3) Alleviates Insomnia and Improves Sleep;
4) Relieves Emotional Distress and Sorrow;
5) Relieves Menopausal Symptoms;
6) Reduces Pain and Discomfort from Migraines, Arthritis and Sciatica, and;
7) Speeds Up Recovery from Surgery and Long-Term Illness.
So you see, Reiki is used in many ways to help people suffering from a variety of minor and major ailments. It has become a vital part of CAM programs in hospitals and out-patient facilities throughout the country.
Indeed, many Reiki practitioners work out of hospitals, clinics and medical facilities. And, this might be the best way to find a practitioner near you. You might also try your local community center or nearby university or college for information.
There are several different types of Reiki techniques. So be sure to ask any questions you may have — and ask your friends or personal physician as many practitioners rely on word of mouth from their regular patients and clients in attracting new ones.
And that, friends, brings us to the end of our series on Complementary and Alternative Medicine. I hope you’ve found it helpful — or at least interesting!
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Before we close, I want to mention that not only are we coming to the end of our series, but to the end of a season as well. On Wednesday, September 23 the Autumn Equinox takes place. And, if you recall from our previous discussions, the Equinox is defined as the time of year when the day and night are of equal length. So, over the next 24 hours we will officially enter the season of Autumn!
Now this means, of course, that it’s time to look ahead as we enter this final season of the year. It’s time to tie up loose ends, take stock and fulfill resolutions we made at the beginning of the year. It’s time to concentrate and focus on good work — and take solid steps forward to accomplish everything we can over the next three months.
And finally — for all our sky watchers and star gazers — we have a celestial event coming up on Sunday, September 27. We have a Full Moon — but, we also have a Total Eclipse of the Full Moon — AND the Full Moon that night is also a Harvest Moon! Now, the Harvest Moon is the Full Moon that occurs closest to the September Equinox. So, we have three interesting events following this year’s Equinox — a Full Moon, a Harvest Moon and a Total Eclipse — all at the same time.
What’s more, this combined event will be visible to observers in North and South America as the long total lunar eclipse will last approximately 72 minutes! This is going to be fun!
So, enjoy the change of seasons — the fabulous autumn weather — the bounties of the year’s harvest — and the anticipation of all the holidays ahead.
Thanks for joining me everyone! Stay in GOOD HEALTH and until next time,
TAKE THE COURSE AND TAKE CHARGE!
Image courtesy of ssomai at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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