Maplewood Mom and Reiki Master—All in a Day's Healing

Like many Maplewood residents, Madalina Blanton moved to the area after living in Brooklyn. However, not many residents can say that they also grew up in Romania.

Blanton's childhood was surrounded with home remedies. "I had very few, if any, visits to medical doctors," said Blanton. She grew up watching her parents and grandparents heal themselves through natural methods and so it was a given that she would follow the same path.

It's no surprise that Blanton began to follow her interest in energy work. In 1995, she began to study Chi Qong and Tai Chi and then pursued herbal medicine at The New York City Open Center. "This started my personal healing journey through food," said Blanton.

By this point, she had decided to leave behind a very successful career as a designer of children's books in order to pursue her passion. "I studied at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in New York and became a Holistic Health Counselor in 2005," she said. At the time, her daughter was just one year old.

Blanton had been introduced to Reiki, a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing, in the early 1990s. Her interest in Reiki became more pronounced she became a mother. "After my daughter's birth I decided to dedicate my time to natural healing, Reiki and food. The transition was very smooth as this interest had moved from the background to the foreground of my life naturally," said Blanton.

She began to study Reiki and became a Reiki Master Teacher in 2008. Through out the last few years, she has continued to study energy work such as Reconnective Healing, Magnified Healing and Crystal Healing.

So, what exactly happens during a Reiki session? Before a client sees Blanton for the first time, either in her home office or at her space at Shakti Yoga, she asks them to fill out a questionnaire about their health and conditions that may be troubling them. When she meets with them face to face, she continues that discussion. 

"I ask them what is troubling them and why are seeking help." Blanton also presents them with a list of affirmations, a set of words or phrases that are positive in nature, such as "Everything I need is already within me."  Blanton feels that by having her clients' focus on their intentions before a session begins, it helps everyone clarify their expectations.

The client then lays down on a massage table fully clothed and Blanton begins to work her Reiki energy. It's an experience that is challenging to describe.

"People have different reactions to Reiki. Most people feel extremely calmed and relaxed. Others may stop feeling pain," said Blanton, who serves as a vehicle for the energy to follow from her hands to her client. Following her intuition, Blanton may hover her hands over the person's body or she may gently touch the person. Sessions typically last one hour to one-and-a-half hours.

Blanton offers a variety of options for clients who are interested in nutritional counseling. Again, she asks her clients to fill out an extensive questionnaire in order to get an understanding of the person's health and background. Blanton will offer food samples, health counseling sessions and unlimited email support.

Beginning in 2010, Blanton intends on making a few changes to her practice. She will be practicing in New York City one day a week. "I will also be offering individual well -being consultations where I will talk to clients about nutrition on all levels, spiritual, emotional, mental and ultimately food. Since my interest is in energy, I will focus more on the energetics of particular foods and their impact on our moods and health issues," revealed Blanton. Stay tuned.