By Mary Amendolari
Energy is all around us and most of us are unaware of its presence. Although it is not visible to the eye, we are aware of its effects through a variety of ways. Computers, phones, TV’s and a variety of technology utilizes energy in these modern times.
Energy is the vital life force that keeps us alive and permeates all living forms. Our bodies are made of an energy system that affects the mind, body and spirit. This energy is invisible and limitless but it sustains us. When it is balanced we are in a state of health. When there are imbalances, we do not feel well and can develop a variety of illnesses. This energy is vital for overall regulation of the body and protection against illness and disease. When our energy flows freely, the body’s natural self healing abilities are activated, enabling internal harmony and healing.
Ancient civilizations knew about this energy and called it by different names. The Chinese call it “chi”, the Indians call it “prana” and to the Japanese it is “ki”. Many healing modalities, that are being utilized, deal with energy, such as Acupuncture, Qi Gong, Tai Chi, Chiropractic and Yoga. Some of these are ancient because they have been around for thousands of years. All of these deal with balancing energy and releasing blockages so our bodies can heal and be in optimal health.
Many things in life cause stress which depletes and affects our energy. Our mind, body and spirit can be affected. Over time, our bodies are weakened and we become susceptible to pain, illness, anxiety and compromised health.
Reiki is an ancient hands-on therapy that balances and enlivens the energy of the body. It helps to remove blockages in the energy pathways that can manifest into various signs and symptoms of illness. The body has an innate ability to heal itself. It knows how to heal a cut or mend a broken bone. The body’s energy is amplified by Reiki to expedite healing.
Reiki is a noninvasive technique that requires the practitioner to place his or her hands gently on or above the person. The practitioner uses various hand positions, typically starting at the head and working down to the feet. The recipient is fully clothed and can sit in a chair or lie on a treatment table. Practitioners, who are medical personnel as well as lay people, go thru a series of initiations and training so they can facilitate the flow of energy. Generally, the recipient feels very relaxed and a sense of peace and wellbeing. Some may feel tingling, heat or other sensations. Some are so relaxed that they fall asleep. It is in this relaxed state that the body can do it’s healing and balance the mind, body and spirit. The power and control of healing belongs to the recipient.
Since Reiki deals with energy, it can be used for a variety of disorders. It can help with anxiety, stress, pain, immune system functioning, acute and chronic illness, and side effects of chemo and radiation. It is a good adjunct to counseling as it helps the client’s emotions come to surface so they can be dealt with and released as needed. It is not necessary to have a medical condition to receive Reiki. Reiki can be used to keep the body, mind and spirit in a balanced state and thus keep the recipient healthy.
Hospitals are undergoing changes and are looking at ways to reduce costs and improve outcomes. These institutions are offering Reiki sessions to their patients to improve patient outcomes.
In 1990, Pamela Miles, a pioneer in Reiki, started the first Reiki hospital program at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York.
Dr. Oz was a pioneer in introducing Reiki at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in the operating room. He found that the patients that received Reiki pre and post operatively, had less pain and healed faster. As of 1997, Portsmouth Regional Hospital in New Hampshire has also made Reiki services available in their Surgical Department. It is offered by nurses, medical staff and support staff.
Dr. Nancy Eos, author of “Reiki and Medicine”, documents utilizing Reiki while treating patients in the Emergency Room. She is presently working at Foote Hospital in Jackson, Michigan.
Reiki is also being used in hospice care to help patients with pain and anxiety of dying. Families can be empowered to learn and administer Reiki to their family members. A sense of caring is communicated with this healing touch.
Currently, Reiki is being offered at Athens Regional Hospital, Portsmouth Regional Hospital, University of Michigan, Cleveland Clinic, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital, and over 800 hospitals across the US. Outside the hospital setting, private practitioners offer this modality to clients. Reiki can be used alone but should not replace any existing medical care.
Mary Amendolari, is a Registered Nurse, as well as a Holistic Nurse and Reiki Master. She has maintained a private practice for over 15 years. She now offers Reiki sessions at Pathways to Healing in Greensboro, Ga. If you have any questions or want more information on how Reiki can help you, call her @ 516-987-7157 or email her at maryamendolari@gmail.com.
The Editorial Team at Lake Oconee Health is made up of skilled health and wellness writers and experts, led by Daniel Casciato who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We aim to provide our readers with valuable insights and guidance to help them lead healthier and happier lives.
