Tag: physical wellness

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Aromatherapy: What to Expect After Your Appointment

Will you get a prescription? Have to go for more tests? What’s next?

Suggestions or Recommendations

Aromatherapists do not write prescriptions, for drugs, oils, or herbs. They will give suggestions or recommendations. Just as when you go to the doctor, you have the right and the responsibility to decide whether you will follow those suggestions, and do so safely.

Since you took the steps to find and go see an aromatherapist, it is assumed that you will follow those recommendations, but you should make a note if you choose to change the procedure or stop using the oils on your own. This will be helpful as your aromatherapist works to support your wellness goals.

Keep a Symptom Journal

It can sometimes be difficult to tell whether essential oils are helping, due to their usually-gentle nature and they ways in which they work to support your body. Keep a journal where you note the severity of any complaints addressed during your appointment. This helps both you and your aromatherapist see what works best, and what might need to be changed.

Tell Your Doctor

If you are on maintenance medication, or have a condition which requires you to be under the care of a medical professional, let them know you’re using essential oils.

It is highly unlikely that your doctor has any knowledge of essential oils and their function. Expecting that they will be supportive of your choice may be asking a bit much. It is difficult for a professional in any field to endorse something they don’t understand, especially when that “something” can interfere with their work. This is no exception. It is also fair to say that your aromatherapist is highly unlikely to have broad knowledge of prescription drugs, and how each of them functions. They are complementary fields, and yet rarely join together.

This is OK! Your wellness is your responsibility, right? If you are comfortable that interactions have been checked and your needs have been taken into consideration, then you continue with your wellness path! No one has to approve. You get to consider the advice from all of the counsel you seek.

So why tell your doctor if you don’t think they’ll approve? So they know. Some essential oils can thin the blood, lower blood sugar readings, or lower blood pressure. If you need to have emergency surgery or other urgent procedure, you won’t necessarily have time to check in with your aromatherapist. If your doctor knows that you use essential oils, and which ones, they are more able to quickly check for possible issues. Just be honest, and stay steadfast in advocating for your own wellness.

Follow Up

In the event you feel great success using your essential oils, let your aromatherapist know! They will be able to keep your blend on hand, so that you won’t have to wait when you run out.

In the event you do not see the results your aromatherapist hoped, let them know that, too! Just like anything else, no one remedy works for every person every time. If that were the case, illness would be a thing of the past. Sometimes, it takes a few visits to find just the right blend or balance. Unless it has been many visits with zero improvement, it is unlikely that you were “given the wrong thing.” Think of it like going to the doctor for a headache. The doctor is likely to give you hydration and aspirin first. This is the right and proper first line treatment for a headache. If aspirin doesn’t work, the doctor may try different drugs, or order testing, but they weren’t wrong to have given the aspirin. An aromatherapist may begin with the common, most obvious choice, then move to more rare or less obvious oils if those are ineffective.

Drink Water

OK, this really isn’t all that important to aromatherapy, although it is important to be well hydrated so that you body can most effectively use and then dispose of the oils. I just really wanted to take this time to remind you that you probably need to drink more water. #hydrate

Ask Away

Don’t hesitate to ask your aromatherapist any questions you have when you follow up. Or, drop them in the Wild Wellness Discussion Group!

More on Aromatherapy

What is Aromatherapy?

How Do I Find an Expert Aromatherapist?

How Do I Prepare For My Aromatherapy Appointment?

What to Expect During Your Aromatherapy Appointment

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Aromatherapy: Find an Expert Aromatherapist

There are a lot of people who use the term “aromatherapist” to describe what they do. Learn how to find one who really knows how to help!

Types of Aromatherapy Education

Traditional aromatherapists may have no formal training – the kind that results in a certificate. These individuals are likely to be highly educated on which oils to use for what maladies, and probably know of more than one oil to treat common ailments. A traditional aromatherapist may use products from several brands, and have their own philosophy related to the ingestion of essential oils. Sometimes, these individuals will ask a fee for their knowledge, other times they are just the wise person in your tribe.

Sales-based aromatherapists have been trained by a specific company to sell essential oils. They have been issued a certificate, and have received some formal training. They likely limit their practice to a single brand, and are unlikely to know much about oils not carried by that brand. They may or may not have an understanding of how the oils function, and are unlikely to be able to suggest oils for very specific needs. These individuals may also have a very hard stance on the ingestion of essential oils, pro or con, based on the philosophy of the brand. These individuals are highly unlikely to charge a professional fee for your visit, but are likely to offer high-priced oils.

Independently Certified aromatherapists have undergone formal training through an organization that is not in the business of selling the oils themselves. These individuals are likely to be able to explain how and why certain oils work for specific ailments. They may have developed a philosophy on ingesting oils that is based on a risk-versus-benefit model, rather than a staunch stance expected to work for every client. An independently certified aromatherapist may also have an understanding of the basic chemistry of oils, and some knowledge of their potential to interact with other foods or medications. They will very likely charge a fee for their professional services, as well as for any blends they create for you.

Which is Right for Me?

That depends on what is wrong with you! OK, there’s nothing “wrong” about you, probably, but your choice will depend on your level of need. If you’re interested in diffusing some nice-smelling oils that might help you be calm or feel an energy boost, any of the above will be perfect!

If you are interested in addressing a specific need or ailment, if you are on medication for a diagnosed condition, or if you don’t feel you respond to essential oils suggested by your friendly MLM oil salesperson*, you may wish to seek out someone who has been differently trained to work with these specific situations.

How Do I Find an Aromatherapist?

You probably have a friend on social media, or within your real-life group, who sells essential oils or knows who does. If you’d like to try out some lavender to see if it helps you sleep, just post that to Facebook and pick someone who answers. Or ask about it at church. Trust me, they’re out there.

If you’re looking for a traditional or independent aromatherapist, you may have to dig a little more deeply. Traditional aromatherapists are usually also herbalists, midwives, acupuncturists, or have jobs in other alternative healing methods. They may work at spas, massage therapy offices, or from their homes. Traditional aromatherapists may be more difficult to find – you might ask someone you know who takes herbal supplements, or enjoys alternative methods of healing. Independently Certified aromatherapy professionals may be found in the same way. Certified aromatherapists may also be found using the various registries available from the educating institutions, like these, but it is important to remember that not all professional aromatherapists choose to pay to maintain these associations:

National Association of Holistic Aromatherapists

International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists

How Do I Know?

Ahhh… This is the good stuff. In order to really know if an aromatherapist is the right one for you, you’ll need to ask some questions of them. It’s OK! They likely understand that this is a normal part of the process, and should not feel threatened to answer your inquiries.

It is acceptable to ask directly about their education and where they get their information. Ask specifically about your needs, and their experience with those issues or similar ones. Definitely inquire about their philosophy on ingesting oils, and more importantly, why they take that stance (For an independent analysis on the safety of ingesting essential oils, check out this no-nonsense article!). Most important, listen to their answers! Those responses should come from the person, and not be parroted information from a brochure or corporate memo, no matter where they were trained!

Most Important

There are two “most important” issues.

First, you should feel comfortable with your aromatherapist. You should feel secure that their knowledge matches your needs.

Second, you should see an improvement in your issues. If you do not, your aromatherapist should be able to do some tests and make some adjustments based on your responses, so that different oils with the same compounds can be used. This improvement may not be immediate. If you are using aromatherapy to support medical treatments or for more general use, this may not apply as readily. Again, this may come down to feelings – do you feel like your medical therapy is working better since you added aromatherapy?

Once you find the right aromatherapist for your needs, what’s next? Find out in the rest of the Aromatherapy series!

*MLM salespeople are not scammers. Scammers are scammers. MLM salespeople have not fallen victim to a pyramid scheme. They are normal people who believe in a product or brand, and choose to be in business for themselves as an ambassador for that brand. They can be very knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly. For more on the real truth about Multi-Level Marketing companies and essential oils, please click over here: Choosing Quality Essential Oils: To MLM or Not to MLM

For More on Aromatherapy:

“What is Aromatherapy?”

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What is Aromatherapy?

It seems simple. It’s “aroma” therapy, so it’s about smelling things. Right? If it would surprise you to know that even a person with no sense of smell can benefit from aromatherapy, read on! Of course, there are other reasons to keep reading, so don’t let any lack of surprise stop you.

Definitions

Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of plant-derived, aromatic essential oils to promote physical and psychological well-being. Aromatherapy uses the chemical compounds from plants to boost specific brain functions, stimulate hormone production, lower bacterial loads, and encourage functions like digestion and detox.

Essential “oils” separating from the water during steam distillation.

Essential oils are not oils, really. They are the non-water-soluble compounds found in the plant, not including woods and fibers. For more extensive information on what essential oils are, exactly, check out these articles:

Essential Oil Terms and Definitions

Essential Oils: The Truth About Labeling

How Does Aromatherapy Work?

When used at its best, aromatherapy works in a way that is similar to other medications! Through both modern science and traditional observation, people have discovered that certain compounds help to resolve certain maladies.

These compounds can enter the body in many ways! They do not have to enter through the nose, and you do not have to smell them. There is much dispute over the safest and best ways to introduce essential oils to your body. Most common is by inhalation, but when done with a knowledgeable professional, both topical use and ingestion may be options. This is a much-debated topic, so more information can be found here:

Essential Oil Safety: Ingesting Essential Oils

Why is it Called Aromatherapy if You Don’t Have to Smell It?

Most of the compounds that are extracted from the plant in making an essential oil are the compounds that you smell when you sniff that plant. Since plants and their extracts have been used for centuries, it was first thought that smelling the aroma was what did the trick. Now, we know better, but the term sticks. Since those oils generally do have distinct odors, it isn’t an inaccurate description.

Who Can Benefit From Aromatherapy?

While current laws prevent most aromatherapists from diagnosing or treating disease, they might suggest specific oils to help you meet your goals. These goals might include all kinds of mental and emotional wellness. They might include boosting the immune system, or aiding brain function for clarity. Aromatherapy can be used to assist someone in losing weight, easing the symptoms of an illness, or in lifting physical pain from illness and injury.

Is Aromatherapy Safe?

Of course! Or not at all. Essential oils are kind of like modern prescription medication – safe if it’s right for you, potentially deadly if used improperly.

To be clear, it’s not easy to die from essential oils. It’s remotely possible, with a probability of something less than that of being eaten by a bear in Manhattan. But safety is an important issue. The possibility of injury or death is higher if you are on medications or have maladies that are not disclosed to your aromatherapist. That risk also increases when you are using the oils without training, or are connected with an aromatherapist who doesn’t have proper knowledge.

Learn More!

Coming up, we’ll discuss how to find a well-educated aromatherapist, how to prepare yourself to use aromatherapy successfully, what to expect during an appointment with your aromatherapist, and what to expect after that appointment.

If you haven’t already, please join us on Facebook in the Wild Wellness Discussion Group by Prayana Coaching! There, you can get answers and feedback from the whole group, participate in wellness challenges, and find support on your wellness journey!

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Reiki: What to Expect After Your Session

Now What?

You’ve learned what Reiki is. You chose a practitioner, prepared as much as you chose, and experienced a peaceful time. What’s supposed to happen now?

You may notice any, all, or none of the following. It is not necessarily an indication that Reiki isn’t working for you, or that you’re not with the right Reiki healer. Each of us comes to the table with different needs. More subtle shifts in energy will likely be more noticeable than larger ones, in a twist no one expects! But note any of these – it will help both you and your practitioner to be prepared or know where to focus for next time.

You May Feel Sleepy

This is maybe the most common easily-noted effect of Reiki treatments. Many people prefer to schedule their appointments for a time when they are able to go home and sleep or nap immediately afterward.

You May Feel Energized

In a previous article, I briefly discussed that your Reiki experience will be personalized to your needs. In some cases, an individual opens emotional or physical healing that has them leaving the table feeling lighter, more capable, or stronger.

This is not a result of the Reiki itself. If Reiki just gave people physical energy, it would be far more popular than coffee. It isn’t. No practitioner can just personalize their practice to give you some pep. But when a client is able to release heavy emotions, or find a great reduction in physical pain, they may feel a surge of energy. Yay!

You May Feel Thirsty

Reiki can boost the body’s natural digestion and detox. In order to detox, your organs need water. Ideally, they need it all the time! As your body is aligned to a place where it wants to eliminate waste, your thirst is telling you to help it do that job.

Don’t make your body tell you this. Just drink plenty of water before and after your Reiki session.

You May Feel Empowered

If you have come to your session full of stressors and questions, you may find some clarity with Reiki. Use this carefully! Don’t make any major decisions, like quitting a job or moving cross-country, for a day or two after your session.

You May Feel Healed

Be careful! I mean, yay! For real, Reiki is amazing and some people have shown dramatic improvement in physical ailments after receiving Reiki. This is the goal! But there’s a “but” …

Minor issues such as a strained muscle or tension headache might, in fact, be rendered healed after Reiki. When it comes to more serious ailments, however, please take a beat before making decisions.

Before you stop taking any medication on the basis that you feel better, please check with the doctor who prescribed the medication. You may wish to have testing completed, or to ease off the medication slowly to avoid detrimental side effects. Before you go ahead and do some kickboxing with your torn rotator cuff, make sure it IS good and doesn’t just FEEL good right now.

Reiki is healing. It is just important to remember that, as with any medicine or healing modality, you sometimes want to make sure things are OK rather than just making that assumption.

See More on Reiki

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out:

“What is Reiki?”

“Finding a Reiki Practitioner“

“Prepare For Your Reiki Session“

“What to Expect During Your Reiki Healing Session.“

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Reiki: What to Expect During Your Session

When You Arrive

Many Reiki practitioners operate from their own homes, or travel to your home. This is perfectly fine, but may change the exact parameters of how the welcome occurs. 

If you are in a setting like a spa, chiropractor’s office, or dedicated Reiki studio, you should expect to be greeted warmly. These spaces are not always calm and serene! Don’t worry – in most of these spaces, you will be shown to a private room similar to those used for massage or other therapies. 

Beginning Your Experience

Your comfort is important, so your practitioner will likely ask about the room temperature and lighting. You may be offered aromatherapy, crystals, or other supporting services, if these options were not discussed during your initial consultation or when you made the appointment. Not all Reiki practitioners incorporate these paths within their practice; if they might be important to you, make it one of the questions you ask before you set your appointment!

Your practitioner will also review any specific issues you would like to address. They’ll briefly cover their process, so that you know what to expect within their personalized practice. 

Do I Undress?

Nope! Some Reiki practitioners will offer clients a moment to remove belts, and any jewelry that might be uncomfortable. Many will remind individuals who wear bras and pantyhose that those items may be best removed – if doing so will make the client more comfortable. If the client chooses to remove any items of clothing, the practitioner will step out of the room and provide time for that to happen. 

Beyond those minor things, Reiki is performed while everyone has clothes on. (Some spaces and organizations offer nude Reiki. These may include family-friendly nude campgrounds and adults-only resorts. Seek this only according to your comfort level.)

Now What?

In most cases, you will lie on a table similar to, or exactly like, a massage table or doctor’s exam table. Reiki can be performed with the client in any position, so if your experience needs to differ from that, you can experience just as much peace and healing. This article is focused on a typical in-office experience. 

Your practitioner will spend a few moments in prayer or meditation, either silently to themselves, or aloud with you. They may recite a poem or prayer to open the session.

Hands Off?

At this point, most practitioners will begin, either at your head or your feet. Most will use very light touches as they work to transfer and balance energy. This will not be the touch you might feel during a massage; there is no manipulation of muscles or manual movement of your body. Most practitioners will lift their hands away from the body when they reach sensitive areas, such as the genitals, breasts, and neck. If there are any places on your body that you would prefer not to have touched, please feel free to speak up! Your practitioner wants to know!

In some places, it is not legal to perform Reiki with your hands touching the client unless you have a massage therapy license or similar. Practitioners in these areas may choose to use an alternate method, completing the entire session without touch. While this can be more challenging for the practitioner, it is perfectly valid Reiki and will have the same impact as otherwise. If it is important to you to have one style or the other, feel free to ask!

During This Time

You may be silent. You may speak. You may sneeze, cough, cry, feel angry, or fall asleep. You may experience any of a full range of human emotions and needs. You may need to use the restroom. This is OK! You are a human, and you are expected to have emotions and needs. You are not a disruption to the session, and it is your needs that are paramount during this time!  Your practitioner can get started again when you are ready. 

Your practitioner may also speak. They may ask you questions about what you are feeling, or check in to make sure you are comfortable. Depending on your needs, they may help you to turn over, or adjust your headrest. Other than that, you are free to meditate, sleep, or whatever you like!

What Does Reiki Feel Like?

Reiki Feels different to different people. As your energy shifts and balances, you may feel warmth in one or more areas of your body. You may feel deep emotions, and should feel safe to do so. Some clients feel very mild physical tingling. Many clients feel only deep peace. 

As your practitioner works using Universal Energy to help you heal, there are almost an infinite number of sensations or feelings that you may experience. If anything feels uncomfortable, if you experience something you don’t understand, or if you feel any pain that did not exist prior to your session, know that you always have the authority to stop! Ask what’s happening, ask your practitioner to move to another place on your body, or stop the practice for a few moments to chat. It is your session!

As Your Session Ends

Your session itself will likely end several minutes before your “end time.” This is because a short discussion to help clear any emotions or issues that have arisen is often a necessary part of Reiki. If you removed a belt or bra, you will be given an opportunity to get your outfit back in the order you chose that morning. You should be offered some water, and time to adjust before you’re expected to make your way out into the real world. 

If your path might include additional appointments, you’ll likely be offered the opportunity to make your next appointment. If you’d like to return, it’s a good idea to go ahead and schedule! Your practitioner may work in several locations, so an appointment when one is convenient for you is best made early. 

Up Next:

Reiki: What to Expect After Your Session

Also see: “What Is Reiki?”

 “Reiki: Finding a Practitioner”

 “Reiki: Prepare for Your Healing Session”

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Reiki: Prepare for Your Healing Session

There really isn’t anything you have to do prior to your session. We’re here to discuss some of the ways that you may prepare to get the most from Reiki. Many clients are only able to do a couple of these things, while others rush in still anxious from their workday without having given any of them a thought. That’s OK! Your Reiki will still work!

If you have the time and inclination, consider some of these beneficial ways to prepare:

Eat Something

If you are hungry, your focus is likely to be on food! Your attention is not necessary in order for Reiki to be effectively performed. But you are likely to get more from the experience if you feel as comfortable as possible. Most humans do not feel comfortable when they are hungry!

Drink Something

Preferably, drink water. Reiki can encourage your body to eliminate waste more efficiently, and you need to be hydrated for that to happen. You will likely be offered water after your session, but it’s relatively important to go hydrated.

Reiki will not stop working because you had a Pepsi instead, but maybe have a water.

Meditate or Pray

Depending on your spiritual or religious path, meditation may take many forms. You might pray for a peaceful and successful session. You might use a repeated mantra, listen to guided meditation, or take an intentional walk. The idea is to take some time to connect with your spiritual side, and with any energy, spirit, deity, or entity that helps you to feel the potential for healing.

Give Yourself Time

Allow yourself a little extra time so that you can ignore the slow car in front of you, catch the next bus, or take that far-away parking space. You may also be asked to fill out some paperwork prior to your first session, so be sure to allow for a little extra time that day!

Dress Comfortably

Reiki is performed while everyone has clothes on, unless it is performed during a massage or other procedure where it would be normal to disrobe. You may or may not be given an opportunity to remove belts, uncomfortable bras, jewelry, or binding clothing. If you are able, just go comfy!

Know Your Needs

If you haven’t had an opportunity to talk to your practitioner in advance, you will likely be given that opportunity before they begin. It’s really part of the session! It can be helpful if you are able to express your reasons for seeking Reiki healing. Your practitioner will be able to tailor their practice to specifically address certain needs.

Things you might tell your practitioner include:

  • Specific emotional issues
  • Injuries, stiffness, pain, or tension in any area
  • Recent surgeries or medical procedures
  • Concerns you may have, even if they have not been diagnosed by a medical doctor

Up Next

We’ll look at what happens during an actual Reiki session in Reiki: What to Expect

If you haven’t checked out our other articles on Reiki, be sure to click back for “What is Reiki” and “How to Find a Reiki Practitioner.”

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Reiki: Finding a Reiki Practitioner

There are many, many people certified and trained to perform Reiki. People from all walks of life, all colors, shapes, sizes, and belief systems have taken the class.

So how do you know which one is right for you? Aren’t they all doing the same thing? Read on, my friend, we’re going on a journey for those answers!

Is All Reiki The Same?

In theory, yes, all Reiki is the same. In practice, that is not the case.

All Reiki practitioners will have learned that a poor diet and unwell body can inhibit mental clarity and energy flow within the practitioner. When this happens, the client may not receive the full benefit of the session.

That’s just an example. Beyond diet, lots of habits or issues can impact a practitioner’s effectiveness! Excessive alcohol use, lack of regular Reiki meditation and practice, and a chaotic lifestyle are other issues that might mean an individual isn’t in the best shape to practice Reiki.

Why does all of that matter? Because there are two distinct ways in which people generally experience Reiki. One is when they are at some sort of gathering, and they express difficulty with an issue that might be aided by Reiki. A friend jumps up and says, “I know Reiki! Come on!” They go to a private space, have a Reiki session, and wait to see what happens. When someone tells me that Reiki “didn’t do anything,” this is frequently the setting in which it was received.

In the other scenario, a client makes an appointment with a professional Reiki practitioner. That practitioner maintains a nutrient-dense diet, and stays well hydrated – almost as if it were their job 🙃. That practitioner regularly meditates on the Reiki Principles, and applies them within their daily life. They are intentionally prepared for the session, mentally and physically, and will call to reschedule if they are not. You, the client, arrive for your appointment and are given space to explain your needs. Your healing is tailored to the areas you would like to be addressed. When your session is over, you are offered water, and given time to discuss any feelings or concerns that have arisen. Your practitioner calls in a day or two to inquire about any specific areas that were addressed.

These experiences are not the same. They will not feel the same, and they will not heal the same. It is true that Reiki is available to all; that is fundamental to Reiki. It is untrue to say that all who practice Reiki do so with equal outcomes.

How Will I Know?

If the practitioner is a friend, you’ll know! If you’re regularly partying with this friend, see them participating in drama, and know that they regularly pack their bodies with fast food and soda, there are some clues! Don’t ignore your friend’s Reiki work necessarily – they’re trying something, and you might still benefit. But maybe this isn’t the person with whom you give Reiki a serious try. As their Reiki practice grows, so might their desire to shift their habits. Allow them grace for growth and space for learning.

What If I Have No Friends?

What happens if you don’t know anyone who is certified and trained, or don’t know anyone you’d trust?

Spas, massage therapists, chiropractors, wellness centers, herbalists, midwives, and even medical centers may hire or have contracts with Reiki professionals. It is perfectly acceptable to call one and ask! Much of the time, you’ll at least be able to get a recommendation. Local groups on your favorite social media platforms are also great places to ask for recommendations!

Once you have your recommendation, call or message the practitioner to ask for a consultation. In most places, this is free. During this consultation, ask questions! Ask if they do anything special that helps their Reiki practice, and, as we’ll discuss later, ask about their training.

Even more important than asking questions is just getting a “vibe.” If you aren’t comfortable with the practitioner, or if they give you a sense of an anxious, depressed, or scattered mental space, take a beat. Thank them, and leave without scheduling your appointment. Think about what really bothered you. Consider whether it was really the practitioner, or if you were hungry, annoyed, or had a headache and need to reevaluate them mentally.

It is likely that they will follow up with you. If you have decided that you want to make an appointment, then do so. If not, it is OK to say, “No, thank you. I have decided to pursue a different path.” Then you call a different massage therapist or spa and ask if they know of someone else. Easy peasy.

Aren’t There Levels? Do I Need a Reiki Master?

Since this article is being written by a professional Reiki Master, I’m going to say “yes!” But no. Or maybe. Yes, there are levels. Maybe it matters. Here’s why:

Most of the time, a Reiki Master will have had instruction and practice over several years. This kind of dedication generally indicates that they are willing to follow a lifestyle that supports their Reiki journey. Of course, that is not always the case.

Sometimes, a Reiki Master has not had years of Reiki practice and training. In some cases, this indicates that they bought a certificate online and watched some videos in order to become “trained.” In other cases, this means that the practitioner has had many years of similar study, is already adept and comfortable with energy work, and has proven their value as both a practitioner and an instructor. That last one is rare, and that practitioner will still have been required to take all of the training.

So, do you need someone with a certificate declaring them a “master” ? Not unless you believe that sheet of paper has special powers. It may be an indication that you have found a Reiki practitioner who is dedicated to the practice, and will provide excellent service. It may mean that this person paid extra to get their certificate, because it means they can make extra money teaching Reiki classes.

Ask them how they were trained – it’s OK. They expect it, and some even know each Reiki master who has trained under which other Reiki master in their “lineage” all the way back to the doctor who refined this method. Check out the practitioner’s website or brochures, to see if the focus seems to be on healing versus business. They have to make a living, so expect that they advertise and advocate for themselves! But once they get you to their space, what is the focus? You can figure out pretty quickly how you feel about the depth of their practice.

Some professional Reiki practitioners are simply happy practicing with a Level 1 certificate and training. THIS IS NOT BAD! This is personal choice, and it does not mean that their abilities or knowledge are lesser. Read that again. It is entirely possible to acquire knowledge and ability outside of formal education in every area of life. Reiki is not an exception. Far more important is a practitioner’s dedication to maintaining Reiki practice and study, and to a living a lifestyle that supports their practice.

Most Important

Without question, the most important factor in choosing a Reiki practitioner is YOU! If you are comfortable with someone, and feel as though they might help you on your healing path, they’re probably the right person for you. In the rare event that you do not feel more peaceful, the session feels awkward to you, or you don’t see a benefit after a session or two, it’s OK to seek out new recommendations. No Reiki practitioner should push you to continue if you are uncomfortable or are not feeling a benefit.

Next Up

How to Prepare for Your Reiki Healing Session

And if you haven’t already, click back to “What is Reiki?” for a no-nonsense explanation complete with studies and evidence and whatnot.

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What Is Reiki?

Pronounced “RAY key”, Reiki is a form of alternative healing. It is part of the family of techniques which are sometimes referred to as “energy healing”. The specific system of Reiki was developed by a monk in Japan during the mid 1800’s. However, the idea that healing energy can be transferred through one person to help heal another is much older than that, dating back to Biblical times and even before.

This energy can be thought of in many ways. Some view the Universal Energy as being their idea of God. Some believe it is a gift that comes from a specific God, as in the laying on of hands in a Christian service. Others view it as a physical, cosmic energy literally created by the expansion of the universe. 

Is Reiki a Religion?

No. Reiki is performed by practitioners of many religious and spiritual belief systems, including atheists. It is seen as a form of spiritual healing by some, and may be incorporated into someone’s personal religious path, but it does not have the markers of a religion itself. There is no required belief in anything – not even in Reiki! Skeptics welcome!

Reiki practice can optionally include some terminology and ideas which stem from Buddhist and Hindu practices. However, this is not a religious ceremony, nor is Reiki a part of either religious path. It is an entirely separate practice.

“Energy Healing”, Huh? Sounds Like a Scam.

No kidding! It totally does, especially when you’re used to very intense physical medicine, like surgical procedures and actual pills that kill the bad bugs to make you better. I was a total skeptic the first few times I tried Reiki, too! But when it worked for me, I had to try to figure it out. I understand a placebo effect, but for that to happen, you have to actually think you’re doing something that might actually, work, at least somewhere in that brain. I totally did not expect to feel anything, much less have my anxiety mitigated for several days after.

Oh, you’re the kind of person who likes to see some evidence, rather than taking my word for it? Yeah, that makes sense.

From the National Institutes of Health (NIH):

Reiki is a safe, gentle, and profoundly  relaxing healing modality… This review has found  reasonably strong evidence for Reiki being more effective than placebo,  suggesting that Reiki attunement leads to a quantifiable increase in  healing ability. Reiki is better than placebo in  activating the parasympathetic nervous system, as measured by reduced  heart rate, reduced blood pressure, and increased heart rate  variability. For patients with chronic health conditions, Reiki has been  found to be more effective than placebo for reducing pain, anxiety, and  depression, and for improving self-esteem and quality of life

From PsychCentral, by Deborah Bier, PhD:

Reiki is becoming an increasingly accepted  presence in hospitals and clinics… It is seen as an effective and cost-reducing  method to improve health outcomes and quality of care. Hospital staff,  such as physicians and nurses, are adding Reiki treatments to their  work. Scientific validation of Reiki’s effectiveness have helped bring  this method to the mainstream, where it is able to aid patients in all  realms, including those with mental health challenges.

Is Reiki Medicine?

For the purposes of legal definitions in the United States, no, Reiki is not medicine. One does not need a medical license to practice Reiki. Reiki practitioners do not diagnose disease or prescribe medications.

A Reiki practitioner may ask about physical or mental concerns. They may sense a different energy in some part of your body, and suggest you could have something going on there. This is to help you check in with your body, and notice for yourself whether there might be reason to seek medical attention. In other words, if a practitioner suggests they felt an different energy in your abdominal area, you might think “Yes, I have wicked gas right now.” You might also think, “Oh, maybe I should grab that pregnancy test”, or “Shoot, I was supposed to have had that follow-up with the gastroenterologist.” They’re not telling you that you’re sick, but that your body seems to need some kind of attention in that area.

Is Reiki Alternative Medicine?

In short, yes. If you consider medicine in terms of “allopathic” vs “everything else”, then Reiki is part of “everything else”. Allopathic medicine is what we think of as “modern medicine”, including the part before it got so modern. Surgery, medication, germ theory, Grey’s Anatomy, etc.

Alternative medicine is usually everything else. Chiropractic care, massage therapy, herbalism, homeopathy, Ayurveda, acupuncture, and many others can be considered “alternative”. But many people like to think of most of these as Health Care, rather than “medicine”. Yes, they may help you in the same ways as medicine, but thinking of them all as different paths for different purposes helps keep them separate.

Medicine will help you set a broken bone. Chiropractic care may help keep your body from getting other aches and pains while you’re favoring the broken leg. Good nutrition may help the bone knit together more quickly, careful yoga will help keep the blood flowing to the areas that need it, and Reiki can help with the pain and potentially speed healing. They’re different, and a person may make use of any or all of these methods to stay well, or to heal.

Up Next

Check out this excellent article on how to Find a Professional Reiki Practitioner

As Always

I am not a doctor (sorry dad!) I do not diagnose or treat illness. As an herbalist, I may make recommendations about which foods, herbs, and plants may best help you in your desired healing, but it is always recommended that you check with your doctor or pharmacist before you make any change to your medication, exercise, or diet routines. Don’t take chances with your wellness.

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What is Yin Yoga?

Yin Yoga is a style of yoga that includes holding poses for relatively long periods, usually between two and ten minutes. Depending on the practice, Yin Yoga may be supported with props or not. 

In Yin Yoga, the focus is on releasing and finding stretch in connective tissue, like ligaments and fascia, rather than the muscles. It includes deep release that is beneficial to both mind and body. Yin Yoga can help speed recovery, benefit other yoga and fitness practices, and increase mobility.

It can take several seconds for the body to begin to release muscles when a person stretches. Some say it can take six seconds for muscle release to even begin! It takes far more time for muscles to fully relax so that the supporting structures can also find space to release their tension. Yin Yoga is one of the few methods available for this kind of release.

Beyond the physical, a Yin Yoga session can assist with emotional release and mental well-being. As your brain tells your body to relax, the mind begins to find some calm due to the chemicals your body sends out naturally. As you remain still, focused on your breath and yourself, you may also experience deep emotional release, a sense of power, or comforting peace. 

Is Yin Yoga Different from Restorative Yoga?

Many people may have experienced Restorative Yoga, and wonder about the difference. In Restorative Yoga, the student is intended to be absolutely comfortable, completely supported. In a Yin Yoga practice, minor discomfort (never pain) is welcome. You are encouraged to find your “edge”, your point at which you feel stretch but not pain, and just be there. 

Do I Need Yoga Experience?

In general, you do not need any previous yoga experience to enjoy Yin Yoga. Each pose will be fully explained so that your practice can be both effective and safe. In most classes, you’ll also be given options in each pose. Each of us has a unique body, and sometimes you just don’t “bend that way.” That’s OK! A quick modification can help you reach your goals, including increased flexibility.

What Do I Wear?

You will want clothing that moves with you, like leggings or sweatpants with some stretch. The same goes for tops – stretchy is good! Clothes that bind or inhibit motion can really interfere with this style of yoga. 

Anything Else?

Yup. Otherwise I wouldn’t have included this paragraph! You may experience muscle soreness, emotional release, or physical detox after a Yin Yoga class. These are all good things, and indicate a beneficial practice. Muscle soreness is the easiest to understand – you’re stretching your muscles in ways they might not be used to, and they get a little sore. “Detox” isn’t just about drugs and “chemicals.” A session of deep Yin Yoga can aid the body’s natural systems of waste elimination, supporting the natural detox it does every day. Emotional release can occur during your practice, or in the hours after. Drink extra water before and after your session to help these functions progress normally. It’s also “normal” to experience none of this; it will depend entirely on your mind and body.

Whether you enjoy intense workouts and need this recovery time, or just want to find a little extra peace and flexibility, give Yin Yoga a try!

As always, if you try and discover Yin Yoga isn’t for you, that information can help your coach introduce you to other options with similar goals! Always work with your coach; it helps us find the very best ways to help you on your journey.

New Moon Yoga and Energy Renewal Clinic

The New Moon is a good time to clear out the old and unnecessary, then invite all things new and positive. Join me on this journey for body and mind using restorative yoga, vibrational and music healing, meditation, and gentle aromatherapy. This special event will leave you refreshed and ready to set new goals and intentions! Reservations required, spaces strictly limited by regulation. Please register in advance by calling 304-224-1938.