What is Reiki?



Reiki, in a nutshell, is an energy work therapy that sends positive energy into the body. This may be done for a variety of reasons: to heal, to relax, to remove pain, to de-stress, to bring the body into balance. Reiki promotes healing by activating the relaxation response, called the parasympathetic nervous system.


The practitioner may place their hands in a series of positions on or slightly above the body. This positive energy flows from the practitioner's hands into the body. The client may feel sensations of warmth or cooling on their skin, or nothing at all. Some clients fall into a deep sleep, others comment on feeling as relaxed as getting a massage. Some close their eyes and see colors. Everyone that receives a Reiki treatment has a different reaction. Each experience is unique to that individual.


Scientifically, Reiki has shown to decrease pain levels, speed healing, relax tension in the body and de-stress the mind. Reiki has been used worldwide in hospices and hospitals to bring comfort and relief to patients and their care givers.


Reiki energy work is not a religion, it is not a religious practice. It cannot be used to control others nor bring harm to another. It can only do good - it is positive energy that brings deep healing and relaxation. It accepts everyone, no matter what your belief system.


I have spent a decade studying Reiki. I started in 2005 and finally received my Karuna Master certification in 2015. In all the years of study, I have never come across anyone or any report saying that Reiki caused harm. It's name is Japanese, translating literally to "universal life energy." If we were living in a Star Wars movie, it would be called, "The Force," that which gives us life.



We are all energy, after all. Atoms clustered together to create cells, organs and body systems, held together by an energetic force. We call it "Life."


There are other energy work therapies similar to Reiki, like LaHoChi, Healing Touch or Therapeutic Touch and Quantum Energetics. All work to send positive energy to help us to relax, feel pain-free and heal physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.


If you are interested in receiving a Reiki treatment or would like more information, my website is
http://soothingsessionsbodywork.abmp.com


I want to thank Angie Webster, from Reiki Rays (reikirays.com) for helping me write this post.

When do I need to come in next for my: Massage, Reflexology, Reiki or CranioSacral session?

Regular therapy treatments are important to maintaining your good health. Clients always ask how often they should come in. Your therapist will be able to help you determine your healing schedule based upon your past therapy treatments, health history and any issues that happen between your appointments.


A rule of thumb is, if it is an acute injury/trauma, surgery recovery, lingering illness, constant headaches, etc., you may need to come in more frequently in order for your therapist to reduce pain and inflammation. Over time, the frequency of appointments will lessen. You may also be asked to do some "homework" in between your appointments.


However, if you are looking to decrease stress and daily aches and pains; you may need to come in less frequently. Depending upon your health situation, you may only need to come in for a maintenance treatment every 4-8 weeks to keep you in tip-top shape.

Don't let the warmer temps and summer sunshine distract you into neglecting your health!

If you would like to learn more about Massage Therapy, Reflexology, Reiki & CranioSacral Therapy, visit:

http://soothingsessionsbodywork.abmp.com
http://pinterest.com/ssbodywork
http://facebook.com/soothingsessionsweyauwega

B-R-E-A-T-H-E is my Healthy Day tip #2!

Have you been enjoying our first of my five TOP HEALTH TIPS? These tips are designed to help you feel your best between your Massage & Bodywork visits...and make your day more relaxed, too.


And now on to Tip #2: Breathing


How often have you had someone tell you "take a deep breath" or "just breathe through it"?
Breathing is one of our most basic bodily functions...you draw your first breath of air at your birth and then continue, almost unconsciously, for the rest of your life. But are you getting the proper amount of oxygen?
Oxygen plays a vital role in the biochemical activity called "metabolism." Without oxygen, our cells die, our bodies stop making necessary enzymes to "burn" food, to repair cells, to make new cells, etc.

When we are stressed or busy, we often don't breathe as deeply as we need. When we are relaxed (like when we sleep), we breathe in deeply.

Dr. Andrew Weil (drweil.com) has 3 breathing exercises that I have found helpful. My favorite is the 4-7-8 or "Relaxation" Exercise:

 

1. Sit up straight (you can also close your eyes, too, if you want).
2. Close your mouth and inhale deeply (into your belly) to the mental count of 4.
3. Hold your breath to the mental count of 7.
4. Open your mouth and exhale - making a "WHOOSHING" sound - to the count of 8.
5. This is considered ONE complete breath. Now REPEAT the cycle THREE more times.

I know, easy, right? Do this to help you fall asleep at night or whenever you are having a bad day or have something stressful happen. Check out Dr. Weil's site, practice his recommended breathing exercises and let us know how they are helping you!

And if you'd like to try a more advanced deep breathing technique, try the "alternate nostril" breath. That's right, you hold one nostril closed as you breath in. Alternate sides until you finish your Dr. Weil's breathing technique. NOTE: Because of the large amount air intake through the open nostril, the inside of your open nostril may have a burning sensation or you may feel a little dizzy. It's normal and will clear up when you finish and return to your normal breathing pattern.

All you need is a little practice. You can practice these techniques one, two or more times per day...especially when you are feeling stressed. This act of conscious breathing can clear your mind so you can focus on difficult situations. Now, my message to you is...

We're reaching the middle of my TOP 5 health tips.  Stay tuned for next week's tip!

#1 of Kim's Top 5 Healthy Day Tips

Tip #1: Stretching before you get out of bed. These are very simple...you may even be doing them without realizing it.

* An easy one is while lying on your back, you raise your arms above your head and feel the s-t-r-e-t-c-h all the way down and through your toes. Don't force yourself to stretch. It's supposed to "feel good," not hurt.

* You can also pull your knees to your chest. Use your hands (or a towel or a yoga strap) under your knees to assist you. Don't be surprised if you pass gas, it's completely normal! This low back stretch in yoga helps to "clear the pipes," so to speak, and get your digestive tract ready for the day.

* Now put your feet down on the mattress, knees bent. Carefully move your knees to your left while twisting your upper torso to the right. Hold for a few moments, breathe and reverse. You can use your arms to help you. You might remember this "twist" from high school phy. ed. classes. Once done, sit up and swing your legs over the side of the bed.

* Sitting up, you can do a few shoulder, wrist and ankle circles. Slowly turn your head from side-to-side, then down.


* Stand, and do one more stretch with your arms over your head.


Your body is awake. You are ready to start your day.

Did you like this health tip? Find more on my Pinterest page: www.pinterest.com/ssbodywork.

Discover a Natural Way to Better Health with Massage, Reflexology, Reiki and CranioSacral Therapy!

 Maintenance? Isn't that just for my car?

Regular treatments are important to maintaining your good health. Clients always ask how often they should come in. Your therapist will be able to help you determine your healing schedule based upon your past treatments, health history and any issues you report between your appointments.


A rule of thumb is, if it is an acute injury/trauma, surgery recovery, lingering illness, constant headaches, etc., you may need to come in more frequently in order for your therapist to reduce pain and inflammation. Over time, the frequency of appointments will decrease. You may also be asked to do some "homework" in between appointments.

However, if you are looking to decrease stress and daily aches and pains; you may need to come in less frequently. Depending upon your situation, you may only need to come in every 4-6 weeks for maintenance treatment to keep your health in tip-top shape.


Don't let the warmer temps and sunshine distract you into neglecting your health!

Kimberly Rogers, owner of Soothing Sessions Bodywork, is a Wisconsin Licensed Massage Therapist who has helped her clients over the past decade find relaxation and relief through therapeutic Massage, sole-soothing Reflexology, stress-relieving Reiki and pressure-relieving CranioSacral Therapy.


To learn more about the therapies I offer and the locations I work from, or to schedule an appointment, visit:
http://soothingsessionsbodywork.abmp.com
http://www.massagebook.com/massageatsplash
www.pinterest.com/ssbodywork
https://www.facebook.com/soothingsessionsweyauwega
https://www.twitter.com/bodyworksession

May 12th-17th, 2014 is: "Military Families Deserve a Massage!"

May is Military Appreciation Month.

 

As part of this month, Military Families are recognized for their service on the home-front. As the wife of a WIARNG soldier, I would like to honor my fellow families.

From Monday, May 12th through Saturday, May 17th: Military family members are eligible to receive a FREE massage therapy session.

 

Family members: Choose a 30-minute or 60-minute table Massage. The session is complimentary, to thank you for your service on the home-front.

 

This event is open to parents, spouses and children of active duty Military Personnel, National Guard and Veterans of all service branches.

 

 

 

To receive your FREE 30 or 60 minute Massage session, call to reserve your spot: 715-256-1405.

 

At check-in: You will be asked to show your military dependent I.D. or a picture of you with your military loved-one in uniform.

  

 

 

You can see my board about this event on Pinterest - www.pinterest.com/healthconcepts,

Or

Join this event by liking/following on Facebook - www.facebook.com/healthconceptswaupaca.

Please share this information with deserving families in the Military.

Show your support!

 

 

 

Visit my website! www.soothingsessionsbodywork.abmp.com

Spring "BodySense" digital magazine is ready to view!

Stop over to my website and read the latest edition of "BodySense" magazine, provided by ABMP. Inside the magazine, you will find the following articles:

• Healing Power of Reiki
• Foot Care for Spring & Summer
• Skin Care using Scrubs
• Reflexology
• and more...

While you are there, feel free to view the archived "BodySense" magazines and the rest of my website. Just click on the link below:

http://www.soothingsessionsbodywork.abmp.com/body-sense-magazine

Thank you for choosing to read my blog & visit my website. And a big THANK YOU to Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) for providing wonderful magazines in paper and in digital formats! ♥