Reiki and Meditation, Stress Reduction, and Relaxation Techniques
with Melissa Elstein
Reiki
Reiki (pronounced ray-key) is the Japanese word for "universal life force energy." Reiki energy sessions will help calm the nervous system, relax the body and mind, balance the emotions, and accelerate the healing process (physically, mentally, and spiritually). Many nurses and hospitals have recently been offering Reiki to their patients to help with anxiety and to promote faster healing. In the March '05 edition of "Prevention Magazine," Andrew Weil, MD cites a study in which Reiki lessened fatigue, and calmed patients by lowering their blood pressure and heart rates.
—Deirdre O., Esq., CSW, NYC.
During the Reiki healing session, the practitioner employs a light, gentle touch or places her hands slightly above the client's body so that this energy can be received by the client. The technique is non-invasive and the client wears comfortable clothing throughout. Soothing music, organic therapeutic-grade essential oils, and crystals may be employed for deeper relaxation and movement of energy.
Meditation, Stress Reduction, and Relaxation Techniques
Simple yet effective meditation techniques are presented to help students learn how to focus the mind, relax the body, and bring peace and calm to the spirit. Some meditation techniques taught are: mindfulness, breath observation, the use of mantra or silent word repetition, and observation of external stimuli. Other relaxation techniques offered are yoga nidra (deep relaxation in savasana: corpse pose), guided meditations and visualizations, and gentle yoga stretches done in a chair, which could easily be incorporated at the workplace or office desk.
