Reiki Offers Respites

Residents looking to reduce stress, increase energy and relieve pain symptoms can investigate the alternative healing art of Reiki.  There are several people that practice Reiki  (pronounced ray-kee) here in Port. Two that hold the highest certification of Reiki Master decided to sublet space from Om Sweet Om and have formed a practice called "The Healing Center."

Port entrepreneurs Terri Ann Heiman and Jennifer Ellwood believe that the practice of Reiki enables spiritually guided life force energy to be channeled from their hands to the recipient.   Originally established in Japan, Reiki is considered another beneficial discipline even by many professionals in traditional medical settings. 

In fact, some doctors incorporate complementary and alternative treatments in their own practices.  Dr. Lenore Brancato, a Sands Point resident and rheumatologist, suggests Reiki as a healing modality that can dovetail with more traditional paths of wellness.  She said, "Reiki awakens the spirit and unleashes the universe's natural healing capacity to unfold.  It's as if the sense of self is at once empowered to be at peace and know what matters."

Deborah Adler, a 39 year old breast cancer survivor who incorporated Reiki into her treatment process said,  "Due to the surgery and chemo my energy levels was quite depleted. I was in a lot of pain and feeling depressed. Terri played a tremendous role in tapping into my spirit and soul that enabled me to relax my body and mind, while refocusing my energy into a productive avenue."

People with terminal illnesses as well as those suffering from chronic pain have also benefited from Reiki.  Heiman recalled the story of a young Manhasset mother with Stage 4 breast cancer.  During her visits to North Shore-LIJ and eventually the Hospice Inn in Huntington, Terri gave many treatments to ease her physical and psychological suffering. Reiki, combined with palliative care and medication, enabled the patient to experience a sense of calmness during the last months of her life.  Terri said, "It wasn't about how much time she had remaining here on earth, it was about Reiki helping to ease the pain for the transition…not prolonging but helping the quality of her time left."

Ellwood, a certified Spinning instructor who also works at The Training Station, uses Reiki combined with visualization and coaching to help clients realize their fitness goals.  She has a Master's Degree in Applied Psychology from New York University and is no stranger to the concept of placebo effects.  However, Jennifer said, "Reiki has created the optimal state in my body to recover from all my physical activity."   As a marathoner, she personally experiences its healing properties.

Michelle Lublin, a Port mom of two boys who also teaches yoga at Om Sweet Om, concurs.  She said, "It really works.  Every time I'm exposed to Reiki, it's like lightning strikes.  It's a strong valuable tool that brings me back to me."

A recent demonstration of a typical Reiki session involved Heiman and local skeptic Gary Zoll.  She gave him a quick treatment in a reclining chair.  He remained fully clothed and conversant while she put her palms face down on different areas of his body.  Although there never was any physical contact, Gary reported, "I definitely felt heat and will come back."  Heiman explained that most people generally perceive warmth while undergoing a treatment and that it's a good sign – the body is releasing and receiving intelligent energy.

For those wishing to try Reiki, there are community circles at Om Sweet Om that meet every Wednesday from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. and every first and third Thursday evening from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.  There's a drop-in fee of $20 and individual sessions can be arranged by calling 509-5630 or 944-3189.

 No experience is necessary, just an open mind and heart.