Reiki is an age old healing technique re-discovered in the late 1800's. The word is Japanese in origin and means "Universal Life Force". Each person's inner self, or "Ki", is composed of energy. This energy is the basis for our health on all levels: physical, emotional, mental, and spirirtual. When this energy is not balanced due to trauma, illness, stress, etc., we lose energy and health. Reiki is used to balance our energy and restore health on whatever level the healing is needed.

A Reiki practitioner is one who has been trained to access, to a greater degree, the universal energy of the cosmos (God/Goddes). By accessing this source, the practitioner can direct extra healing energy into the patient. Reiki treatments are non-invasive hands-on treatments that do not interfere with any conventional medical practices. Treatments are relaxing, yet energizing. The energy being directed into the patient stimulates and enhances that person's own healing ene! rgies. The healing taking place actually comes from the patient's own energy combined with that of the Universe (Great Spirit, Christ, Allah, God/Goddess-whatever terminology your personal beliefs dictate). The Reiki practitioner simply amplifies the workings of those energies so that the patient heals him (or her)self.

Many illnesses can be successfully treated and cured by using Reiki. Some illnesses are simply a transition in which Reiki may be of assistance by eliminating pain or discomfort. Reiki can do no harm in any situation and is always beneficial to both the patient and the practitioner. However, Reiki should NOT be used instead of conventional treatments in life-threatening situations, but as supplemental healing aide. Reiki is not a cure-all and does not promise to cure every illness or disease, nor is it to be relied on as the sole method of treatment. Common sense, a good diet, exercise and following your regular physician's expert advice are all part ! of staying healthy in today's world. Total healing lies within ourselves, and comes from the Great Spirit and from our faith and trust that the healing is truly from above and is part of our life-plan.

Reiki must always have a "price". In our society, we usually pay for services with money, but with Reiki the payment can be anything of value to the patient...artwork, crafts, clothing, garden vegetables or plants, just to name a few examples. It has been found that "something for nothing" earns little respect, and the Reiki received must reflect a sincere desire on the part of the patient to be healed on all levels.

In closing, Reiki is good for all living things...people, plants, animals, and even fish...and requires no special tools, ideology, or location. Reiki benefits all and harms none.

Rebecca Whitfield-Primes is a Second Degree Reiki Practitioner who is studying for the next level of Master. She has been practicing for five years at this level. She also is trained as both a nursing assistant and as an EMT. Additional studies include Native American healing and herbology.

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