Benefits of Reiki

I learned about Reiki sixteen years ago when I was looking for holistic practices that can help boost the immune system and reduce stress. I was surprised to discover that in addition to enhancing the immune function and promoting relaxation, Reiki can also reduce pain and fever. While my mind tried to find a scientific explanation for how Reiki actually works, my body continued to benefit from it. After trying Reiki for myself I attended several trainings and became a second degree Reiki practitioner.

Nowadays Reiki is being introduced into a variety of medical settings including Harvard University Center for Wellness, Boston Children’s Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Tufts Medical Center, Mass General Cancer Center at Emerson Hospital, and many more. It is more commonly known, but people still frequently ask me: “What is Reiki?”

Reiki is an energy medicine practice that promotes physical and emotional well-being. Reiki, much like acupuncture, works on the ability to balance the human energy field. It improves energy flow while reducing stress and allowing the body to heal itself naturally.

During Reiki session the practitioner gently places his/her hands on or near the body of the person receiving the treatment. It can also be remotely and used for self-treatment.

Reiki sessions have cumulative effects. After the initial treatment some clients choose to continue receiving Reiki regularly for maintaining balance and addressing chronic conditions.

Several research studies indicate that the benefits of Reiki include

• Relaxation
• Recovery from stress and fatigue
• Pain relief
• Improved mental clarity
• Increased sense of well-being

Reiki has a spiritual component and is based on principles of compassion and gratitude. It can be combined with traditional and complementary therapies to enhance their effects. If you decide to try it, it may assist you in functioning in a more balanced and harmonious way.

Lana Emelyanov is a licensed therapist with over 10 years of experince as an individual, couple and family therapist.

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