Frequently Asked

Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by "laying on hands" and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy. The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words - Rei which means "God's Wisdom or the Higher Power" and Ki which is "life force energy". So Reiki is actually "spiritually guided life force energy." A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and wellbeing. Many have reported miraculous results. Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of spiritual healing and self-improvement that everyone can use. It has been effective in helping virtually every known illness and malady and always creates a beneficial effect. It also works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery. An amazingly simple technique to learn, the ability to use Reiki is not taught in the usual sense but is transferred to the student during a Reiki class. This ability is passed on during an "attunement" given by a Reiki master and allows the student to tap into an unlimited supply of "life force energy" to improve one's health and enhance the quality of life. Its use is not dependent on one's intellectual capacity or spiritual development and therefore is available to everyone. It has been successfully taught to thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds. While Reiki is spiritual in nature, it is not a religion. It has no dogma, and there is nothing you must believe in order to learn and use Reiki. In fact, Reiki is not dependent on belief at all and will work whether you believe in it or not. While Reiki is not a religion, it is still important to live and act in a way that promotes harmony with others. Mikao Usui, the founder of the Reiki system of natural healing, recommended that one practice certain simple ethical ideals to promote peace and harmony, which are nearly universal across all cultures.

The Reiki treatment is typically done on a massage table, the lights are dimmed, and quiet, gentle and calming relaxation music is played. The client remains fully clothed and shoes, glasses and any bulky jewelry are removed. Sheets, blankets and a bolster under the knees are provided for the utmost in comfort. The client is always in charge of the session and a strong rapport should be encouraged between the practitioner and client. The client’s comfort is the first priority. It is not unusual for the client to fall asleep or go into a meditative state during the Reiki session. Snoring is always welcomed because when the body is in this relaxed state, it is better able to work on repairing itself. If the client is comfortable with closing their eyes during the session, it is strongly encouraged so that a deeper relaxation may occur. Throughout the session, the practitioner typically remains silent, allowing the client to deeply relax into the treatment.

Having regular Reiki treatments can be very beneficial for anyone with a chronic illness. It will ease stress, depression, anxiety, pain, and other discomforts of being ill. Even someone who is attuned themselves can benefit from receiving Reiki from another practitioner on occasion, particularly if they have an ongoing illness. It is very relaxing to simply lay back and rest while someone else gives the treatment, allowing you to simply be pampered and receive. Consider allowing yourself this opportunity now and then, if you can.

An End-of-Life Doula is a non-medical professional who offers a variety of services. I offer caregiver support, advanced directive planning, patient education, vigil sitting and follow up grief support. As an End-of-Life Doula I work with any agencies that you already work with to help coordinate the care of you and your loved ones. It is my role to make sure you understand what is happening, how best to prepare for the next phase, and be of any assistance I can offer. I help you navigate through the process of dying, and together we will a course of action that works with your beliefs, thoughts, and those of your loved ones. I believe that dying the way that you desire should be the norm and not the exception.