Reiki

Reiki is a hands-on healing practice that provides relaxation, comfort, and a sense of well-being, and also supports any healing process in the person receiving it.  Reiki was developed in the 1920s in Japan and spread to the West in the 1930s. The Japanese word “Reiki” can have a number of meanings.  It is often translated as “universal life force”. The ‘ki’ part is the same as the Chinese word ‘qi’, the energy believed to flow in the meridians of the body.

In a Reiki session, the practitioner places their hands lightly on the recipient’s fully-clothed body in a number of locations, or hands may be a few inches off of the body.  There is usually a feeling of relaxation and warmth, but other sensations are possible.  Treatment can be given on a standard massage table, in a chair, or standing. Reiki is usually done on the table for a full session, which can take 45-60 minutes.  Following a treatment, it is important for the recipient to increase hydration in order to enhance detoxification.

Reiki is especially helpful for chronic pain and other chronic conditions such as irritable bowel, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue, as well as in acute illnesses or injuries. It has potential to enahance the effectiveness of any other ongoing treatment method; supporting healing wherever needed.  It is also very helpful as an adjunct to cancer therapies, often reducing the side effects of treatment and providing a sense of well-being.

The best way to tell if Reiki is right for you is to experience it for yourself.  Appointments are available with Usui Reiki Master, Dr. Robert Weissberg at the Marino Center in Cambridge.  Dr. Weissberg has practiced Reiki since 1999, and has been a Teaching Master since 2004. He is also a primary care physician here at the Marino Center,