What is Reiki? Reiki is a healing system that uses universal or life force energy to heal your body, mind, emotions and spirit.  Although Reiki's source is universal life energy, it is not religious or part of any religion.  Anyone of any religion, or non-religion, can use and benefit from Reiki.  Reiki supports your unique healing process and needs, bringing about healing in the manner that is in line with your Highest Good.  As Reiki works with what is in your Highest Good, it is safe for adults, pregnant women, children and animals.  It will move you toward healing in the way that is best for you. During a Reiki session, the fully clothed client lies on a massage table and relaxes as the practitioner gently places her hands on various locations of the body or energy field.  Sometimes the practitioner will not physically touch the client, but will place her hands a few inches away from the body as much of the healing takes place on this energetic level.  The Reiki practitioner channels Reiki-or Universal life force energy-into all levels of your being.  Reiki is safe, gentle and non-invasive.  There is no pressure or massage during a session.   Healing energy is simple transferred to all aspects of oneself, bringing relaxation and rejuvenation. It is a 'laying on of hands' that flows life and love energy to wherever it is needed. Reiki energy reduces stress, helping to strengthen your body's own natural healing wisdom.  It is estimated that at least 75% of doctors visits are for stress related illnesses.  Some of these stress related illnesses include; high blood pressure, decreased immune system function, pinched nerves caused by muscle tension, imbalanced blood sugar, weight gain and addictions.  Reiki has been proven to promote relaxation, decreasing stress and its many effects on the body.   Click here to read a study confirming Reiki can reduce anxiety and blood pressure Click here to read about Reiki and its benefits for sufferers of MS   Other studies of interest: Brewitt, B., Vittetoe, T, and Hartwell, B., 1997. "The Efficacy of Reiki Hands-On Healing: Improvements in spleen and nervous system function as quantified by electrodermal screening". Alternative Therapies , July 1997, Vol.3, No.4, pg.89 "Improvement in spleen, immune, and nervous system function were quantified by electrodermal screening, and a reduction of pain, an increase in relaxation, and more mobility was reported in patients with chronic conditions such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, fibromyalgia, thyroid goiter."   Cancer Prev Control 1997 Jun;1(2):108-13. Using Reiki to manage pain: a preliminary report. Olson K, Hanson J. Cross Cancer Institute , Edmonton, Alta. karino@cancerboard.ab.ca "The purpose of this study was to explore the usefulness of Reiki as an adjuvant to opioid therapy in the management of pain. Since no studies in this area could be found, a pilot study was carried out involving 20 volunteers experiencing pain at 55 sites for a variety of reasons, including cancer. All Reiki treatments were provided by a certified second-degree Reiki therapist. Pain was measured using both a visual analogue scale (VAS) and a Likert scale immediately before and after the Reiki treatment. Both instruments showed a highly significant (p < 0.0001) reduction in pain following the Reiki treatment." PMID: 9765732 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]  Reiki can aid in the healing of practically every illness, emotional and mental upset.  It works well with other modalities and will not interfere with your current medical or alternative treatments.  Reiki's benefits are being put to use in hundreds of hospitals across the country as doctors, patients and nurses realize the value of Reiki's ability to relax and nurture patients in their recovery process.  Reiki speeds healing and helps to relieve stress on many levels, physical, emotional, mental and spiritual.  Benefits are often felt after the first session.  With chronic or serious illness, several consecutive sessions are recommended to jump-start the healing process.  Reiki's effects are cumulative.  The more sessions, the better!  However, ANY Reiki session is better than none and Reiki will always help move you toward balance and wholeness, regardless of how many sessions you are able to participate in.  Relax and let Reiki aid you in your healing journey. Reiki facilitates healing in adults, children and animals.   And, of course, some practitioners offer Aromatherapy with their Reiki sessions!   If you would like to try out this loving, healing energy or need healing and may not be able to currently afford a Reiki session, make an appointment to receive a FREE 30 minute Reiki session at Theraroma on the last Sunday of every month from 5:30-7:30 PM. To make an appointment, just call Theraroma at 252-473-OILS (6457). If you would like to make a Reiki appointment with a practitioner to enjoy longer, more personalized sessions, we'd be glad to refer you to one of the numerous Reiki practitioners on the Outer Banks!  Theraroma also offers Reiki training several times a year. Check our Workshops and Events  page to keep updated on when they occur. REIKI I TRAINING Sunday, October 17, 2010 10:00am-6:00 pm  Reiki means “Universal Life Force” and is a powerful, yet gentle healing modality that flows healing energy to every part of your body, mind and spirit.  It is simple to learn and easy to use.  You can use Reiki to bring healing to yourself, your loved ones and even your pets!  Reiki is so effective that many major hospitals are incorporating it into their patients’ care.  Giving and   receiving Reiki is relaxing and balancing for all involved.  We will cover the history of Reiki, its many uses, provide a Reiki I attunement and all students will give and receive a full hands-on Reiki treatment so that you will feel confident in its use when you leave. Come learn a skill that will last a lifetime in a relaxing, empowering environment! Cost for this full-day workshop with light snacks provided is $100 You can register over the phone with a credit card at 252-473-OILS (6457) or stop in the shop to pay and reserve your space   Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have regarding this gentle and powerful healing system.