Holistic Care: One Hour Of Reiki

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I've always had a huge interest in the holistic approach to health. As a nurse I know the importance of conventional medicine in treating patients however believe that the holistic approach has its part to play too. In essence holistic care entails of treating the mind, body and spirit. There are many holistic treatments out there such as reflexology, acupuncture, aromatherapy, massage therapy. I'm all about self care and can't place enough emphasis on the importance of 'me time'. I usually would go for a facial or get a blow dry (the odd time) when I feel like treating myself! This week I felt like trying something a little different.

I had heard the word 'reiki' mentioned a few times over the years. I barely gave it a second thought until I heard about it again recently. I decided to book myself in for a reiki session to see what all the fuss was about. So, what is reiki? It's a spiritual, vibration healing practice used to promote balance throughout the body. It's commonly used for reducing stress, anxiety, pain, fatigue, reducing side effects of medication and treatment.

I was brought into a lovely warm room, not too hot, just cosy. The therapist asked me to take off my shoes, lie up on the table and make myself comfortable. She then placed a blanket over me and asked me to close my eyes. The therapist uses healing intention and placing of hands in specific positions, either directly on or just above the body. During the session the therapist's hands remain in each position for 1 to 5 minutes and rotate around the entire body. If there is a part of the body they feel needs more treatment they will spend more time in that area.

During the session I felt a lot of heat and buzzing off her hands when she was treating my head and shoulders. After the hour was up she asked me if I had any problems with my shoulders because she felt a huge amount of heat from them, particularly my right side. I told her I did and I recently needed physio on my right shoulder. She then asked if I was a nurse. I laughed and said I was. She replied, 'it's like you are literally carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders.' She suggested a neck and back massage at a later date to get some of the knots out. 

Overall my experience was peaceful and relaxing. A thought barely crossed my mind for the full hour which is very unusual for me. The therapist said it can take a few days to feel the benefits, however if anyone is looking for an hour of peace from the outside world with no interruptions I would say try reiki.

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