A Look Into Reiki: An Alternative Healing Method

Is it possible to rejuvenate or even cure someone just by using hands on healing techniques on or close to a person's body, tapping into an "unlimited supply of life force energy?"

In short, the answer is yes, it can happen and has been proven. Energy transfer between two people for healing was re-discovered by Dr. Mikao Usui in the latter part of the 19th century, and is widely used today as a form of healing known as Reiki.

Reiki helps to treat the whole body not only physically but mentally as well, aiming at recharging one's emotions, mind and spirit. 

A typical Reiki treatment, takes place in a "stress free" room setting, complete with dim lights, calming music and candles. The client will lay on a massage table fully clothed. Blanket and pillows are provided for comfort. The Reiki practitioner will begin the treatment by gently placing their hands on or above the client to "channel the Universal Life Force Energy." 

The Reiki practitioner will ask the client to breathe in deep, which helps to fully relax one's muscles. A client's body will instantly feel heavier as it enters relaxation mode. Reiki will then flow through a energy field, "breaking up blockages that have been preventing the life force energy from entering your organs and tissue."

Many who have experience Reiki discover that the treatments are very relaxing and stress reducing. Treatments that are done on a regular basis can even help to manage chronic conditions, weight loss and anger management.

Roberta Cottrell, owner and Master Teacher, of the Reiki Room in Foxborough sat down with Patch to talk about her personal journey in exploring the true healing powers of Reiki.

Cottrell first discovered Reiki in 1999 when an ad in a local paper caught her eye.  The ad was for a Reiki Level 1 Class. Cottrell signed up for her first class, and shortly after she instantly knew "that very day that she was supposed to be doing Reiki."

If you ask Cottrell, though, how she really discovered Reiki she will tell you, "It came and found me."

Reiki is becoming more and more popular everyday.

"It is in some of the major hospitals now," said Cottrell. "It is becoming accepted as complimentary by the medical community."

Cottrell also holds Tong Ren Healing sessions every Thursday night at the Reiki Room.

Attendees of a Tap Into Wellness™ Tong Ren Healing Session are first given a card on which to list out the issue or issues that they are dealing with such as illnesses, anger or diagnoses. "The cards are used as a basis for tapping the targeted points pertaining to the issues listed." Any issues that are written down remain confidential for each attendee.

Many who practice in Tong Ren say that they instantly feel warmth and tingling in their hands followed by more warmth and relaxation. Cottrell says that, "each person benefits not only from his own personalized tapping, but also from the group treatment." 

"Attendees always feel better when they leave, whether its Reiki or Tong Ren, I have people who come back every week," says Cottrell. 

Reiki provides a true form of relaxed healing, differing from tpyically methods of relaxation such as massages or facials. Reiki allows participants to truly allow themsleves to drift away from their problems and allow their body and mind to fully recharge.