By Tobi Schwartz-Cassell
Most of us have heard of Reiki (pronounced Ray-Key), but maybe we don’t know exactly what it is. And it’s hard to describe, unless you’ve experienced it. But even then, it’s hard to define.
I have experienced it and I still can’t explain it, other than when it was over it felt like I’d woken up from a nice, long nap. But instead of waking up cranky, I felt great!
But Reiki is so much more than that. So, I asked two Reiki Practitioners to shed some light on this ancient holistic phenomenon: Bridget Papagno, aka the Essential Lightworker, a Reiki Master, and Karen Drosnes, Reiki Level II Practitioner, owner of Soul Connection Holistic Coaching.
Tobi Schwartz-Cassell: What is Reiki?
Bridget Papagno: Reiki is one of the holistic techniques used to help reduce stress and promote relaxation and healing. We conduct the healing by “laying on hands,” which is based on the idea that “life force energy” flows through us.
Karen Drosnes: Life force energy is what keeps us alive. If a person’s life force energy is low, she or he is more likely to get sick or feel stressed. If it’s high, that person is more capable of being healthy and happy.
TSC: Is Reiki like a massage in that you have to remove your clothes?
KD: No. When coming in for a Reiki treatment, you remain fully clothed. But just like massage, you can lay on a table or sit in a chair.
TSC: What can a client expect when she or he comes to you for the first time?
BP: The Reiki practitioner will place their hands on parts of your body—with your permission, of course!—while sending intentions of love and healing to you. She or he will channel Reiki energy to you through their palm chakras.
KD: It’s possible that you might notice sensations where the practitioner’s hands are. People often do. Heat and subtle movement can also be felt, sometimes. Or, you may notice that areas of your body become more open, and feel more comfortable. If you came in with pain, it will likely diminish, and possibly disappear.
BP: But keep in mind, that no matter where the Reiki practitioner’s hands are, no matter how relaxed that light contact might make you feel, the most important benefit of Reiki healing is what’s happening inside your body. And that’s the best part, because that’s where your body remembers what it knows best—how to heal itself.
TSC: Are there any dangers in receiving Reiki?
BP: There are no known risks, and Reiki has been practiced for at least 3,000 years! There is no known danger associated with it. But as with everything, you need to check out anyone you’re considering going to for any Energy healing, whether it’s Reiki, acupuncture, acupressure or massage. Not every practitioner is right for you, and that’s okay!
KD: You need to be comfortable with someone you are allowing to work in your energy, so you will receive the most out of your treatment. Also important for you to know is that Reiki is not a religion or specific spiritual belief system. It’s open to all energy, meaning everyone—humans, pets and even objects!
TSC: What are the benefits of Reiki?
BP: Reiki promotes health and wellbeing by assisting with pain management, encouraging mental clarity, releasing stress, relieving depression, and reducing anxiety.
KD: It also aids relaxation, improves sleep, soothes digestion, strengthens self-esteem, heightens self-awareness and intuition, and even offers support for substance abuse recovery.
TSC: What do you, as a Reiki Practitioner, get out of it?
KD: Being of service to others is my purpose here on Earth as a Light Being. As I assist others in their healing process, I too receive healing of the mind, body and Soul and we all have something to heal from. My heart fills with joy when others receive just what they need to live a more healthy and fulfilling life.
BP: What I get out of giving Reiki is healing and joy. I am a channel for the energy, so it flows through me, to you. Witnessing people leave my office feeling lighter, relaxed and in less discomfort, warms my heart EVERY TIME. Watching them experience their own body’s ability to heal is amazing. I truly appreciate every client who allows me to help them help themselves.
TSC: What is a Reiki Share?
BP: Rather than one-on-one practice, we come together in community. We gather for an evening of well-intentioned people, joyfully and carefully using healing energy! Everyone there has a chance to both give and receive Reiki. No experience is required. Depending on how many people are present, everyone usually spends about 8-15 minutes on the table and the rest of the time offering to others. You will get Reiki from a whole bunch of people at once. (Click here for Bridget’s Reiki Share schedule)
TSC: What can someone expect to pay for a Reiki session?
Both Karen and Bridget agreed that the cost of a session in our area ranges between $60 and $130 per hour.
Readers, have you ever had Reiki? Would you recommend it to a friend? Do you administer Reiki? If so, what are your thoughts about it? I’d love to know you think of Reiki, so please comment below.
Hope to see you at our Dec 6 Women’s Shopping Expo! Bridget and Karen will both be there! It’s FREE but you MUST register. Click here for the info.
Click here for info on Bridget Papagno
Click here for info on Karen Drosnes
❤
