As Integrative Medicine gains acceptance and expands, we can start to feel a little lost among the herbs in our medicine cabinets and balancing acupuncture and therapy appointments. In the age of Telehealth, the array of approaches to healing are at our fingertips and we must look for virtual resources to provide for the well-being of both our clinicians and clients.
Robert Schiller, a chairman for the Department of Family Medicine, suggests Reiki (pronounced ray-key), as one of the best places to start. He explains, “self-treatment, simple techniques, and the use of energy and spirit, Reiki introduces the practitioner to essential elements of Integrative Medicine, and its ability to make even the most conventionally oriented physician more effective and compassionate.”
How does Reiki work?
Consistent with conventional physics, Reiki, a traditional Japanese healing technique, is based on a principle that a vibrational continuum, or an unseen life force energy, flows through each of us. This makes Reiki one of the best virtual resources for integrative care. Because this energy can be channeled across time and space, a Distance Reiki session is just as effective as being in person and can be utilized to promote stress reduction, recover from medical procedures and improve overall well-being.
Why is it important to our work on Trauma?
Emotional or physical trauma, even secondary, can have a huge effect on the human body. Dissociation is a by-product of trauma and, in this state, it is challenging for a person to feel connected and present with themselves as well as others. While there are many holistic therapies like qigong, shiatsu and yoga that can aid in this connection, Reiki is the most subtle approach to restoring balance to our bodies, minds and spirits. Reiki vibrations help quiet the mind and create space in the body in order to soothe the spiritual distress brought on by high levels of pain or anxiety.
We will dive deeper into the relationship between Reiki and trauma in a later post.
How can Reiki benefit our healing?
After receiving Reiki, people have reported feeling seen and supported. Research shows that a greater self-awareness can lead to stronger self-esteem and self-agency. This tremendously helps the client take responsibility for their treatment, a cornerstone to Integrative Medicine, and build a stronger rapport with their therapist and team of health care providers needed for holistic healing. For our tired and depleted providers, Reiki is a wonderful tool to bring balance to the overloaded system. By experiencing a Reiki treatment, mental health care practitioners not only benefit directly from its therapeutic effects, but they will also be able to describe the effect of Reiki more effectively to their clients.
Clients and healthcare practitioners alike can benefit from this gentle, virtual healing practice.
Start your healing journey with ITTC today by scheduling a free 15 minute Zoom consultation with our Reiki practitioner. You can ask questions, address any concerns and focus on a plan for your healing so you can book with confidence.