Please enjoy this Q&A between Provence Wellness Center in New York City and Lisa Dee on the benefits of Reiki and more!
Where does Reiki come from?
The knowledge that unseen energy flows through all living things and has a direct impact on health quality is part of the wisdom of world cultures for millennia. Many ancient cultures including the Japanese, Chinese, Indians, Hindu, and
Egyptians embraced the belief that life energy flowed through the body deeply affecting our bodies, minds, and emotions. Much scientific research verifies the reality of “life force energy, and medical science is beginning to recognize the role this energy plays in the functioning of the immune system and the healing process. This research verifies that energy does extend throughout and beyond the physical body and that disruptions or imbalances in its flow correlate to physical and emotional illnesses. Reiki addresses these imbalances to support your health and well-being.
Does it matter the severity of the condition in which Reiki can treat & What can be treated with Reiki?
Reiki has had a positive effect on all forms of illness and negative conditions. This includes minor things like head or stomach aches, colds, flu, tension and anxiety as well as serious illness like heart disease, cancer, leukemia, etc. The side effects of regular medical treatments have also been reduced or eliminated. This includes the negative effects of chemotherapy, post operative pain and depression as well as improving the healing rate and reducing the time needed to stay in the hospital. Reiki always helps and in some cases people have experienced complete healings which have been confirmed by medical tests before and after the Reiki treatments. However, while some have experienced miracles, they cannot be guaranteed. Stress reduction along with improvement in ones physical, mental and spiritual outlook are what most experience and change them completely.
Is Reiki a religion?
Absolutely not! It is spiritual in nature but not religious. The recipient does not have to believe in anything other than that our bodies have the innate ability to heal.
Why should someone come you for a Reiki session?
I have been working in the healing arts since 2006. And come with an array of experience working privately, in spas and within the medical community.
As far as my sessions, I can’t promise how healing will occur because our contact with Reiki is what produces the benefits described. Reiki will always be beneficial, never harmful. A session is generally extremely relaxing, it relieves everyday stress and toxins, and brings about healing on all levels gradually, in a way our bodies can tolerate it. I also incorporate, forms of Shamanism (rhythm healing and working with totem animals), acupressure and aromatherapy/therapeutic grade essential oils within sessions. This all depends on the needs of the individual.
You specialize in Reiki and metaphysical healing. What inspired you to pursue this path of medicine?
When I was faced with an illness and frustrated by conventional medicine, I had the happy accident of discovering Reiki. Receiving regular treatments from a Reiki Master Healer dramatically improved my health and mental outlook. It transformed my life in ways I never could have imagined. I felt called to study Reiki myself, and to share this gentle yet powerful, healing modality with others. Hence, I also incorporate Therapy of The Soul™ type of healing. The method is based on Eastern and Western Mystical practices of healing. This was also introduced to me via my Reiki Master Healer and I have seen within myself, clients and students change happen exponentially beyond all of our expectations.
Why do you think so many people are turning to alternative therapies as a form of treatment?
In these current times, people want to feel empowered and learn new ways in how to transform negative thought patterns into positive ones that will help them obtain a healthier life. I speak for myself. Traditional medicine has it place and I am all for it. However, medicine does have side-effects, does not get to the “root” cause of the condition, and does not allow for growth and change.
Reiki, shamanism, metaphysical healing and holistic nutrition were key tools in which changed me completely. I was not familiar with any of the above until I was forced by illness to look further into ways to help me out of my challenge, even if it was not considered the norm. Needless to say, years later, I am pleased to see that alternative treatment (Reiki in particular) is more mainstream and even recognized by the National Center for Complimentary and AlternativeMedicine as energy medicine and is used widely in hospitals (such as Memorial Sloan Kettering, New York- Presbyterian and NYU Langone Center In addition, to Urban Zen by Donna Karen and other hospitals, clinics and spas worldwide
Have there been any studies in the use of Reiki?
As I mentioned in the above, Reiki is actively being used throughout the world in an ever- growing number of hospitals and mental health centers. Reiki is NOT a substitute for medical and their health care treatments. Reiki is recognized in today’s health field as a complementary approach along with Western medical treatments, psychological counseling, and other traditional treatments. Reiki is known to enhance medical treatment, acting to reduce negative side effects, improve healing time, and promote a positive outlook. Reiki is also used to offer support and to reduce the discomforts of pregnancy and childbirth.
A study done in 2007 by the National Health Interview Survey indicates that 1.2 million adults and 161,000 children received one or more sessions of energy healing therapy such as Reiki in the previous year. According to the American Hospital Association, in 2007, 15% (or over 800 American hospitals) offered Reiki as part of hospital services.
Dr. Mehmet Oz, one of the leading cardiovascular surgeons in the United States, was an early pioneer of the use of Reiki in hospitals. Dr. Oz has allowed the use of Reiki during open heart surgeries and heart transplant operations at the New York-Presbyterian in New York City and he has promoted Reiki on his own television show as well as on the Oprah Winfrey show. Says Dr. Oz: “Reiki has become a sought-after healing art among patients and mainstream medical professionals.”
