Article by Deborah Lloyd, Reiki Master
There are many anecdotal accounts of the wondrous effects of Reiki. Recovery time after surgery may be decreased; decades-old emotional blocks are released; spiritual healing is manifested – the list goes on and on. Perhaps, one of the greatest healing aspects of Reiki is the most basic one – the calming effect.
Our physical bodies were designed to react to immediate stressful situations, acting as a warning that danger is imminent. For example, if a wild animal was running towards you, your body would automatically release hormones of adrenaline and cortisone assisting you in a quick reaction to protect yourself. Adrenaline increases the heart rate, elevates blood pressure and boosts energy supplies. Cortisol affects the immune, digestive and reproductive systems. It also affects the region of the brain controlling fear and other emotions.
In today’s modern world, with prolonged hours, days, and week after week of high levels of stress, these hormones are released for long periods of time. How many times have you seen the phrase, “stress kills?”
The effects of prolonged stress are too numerous to recount, but here are some of the more common ones:
- heart disease
- obesity
- headaches
- sleep difficulties
- memory and cognitive impairment
- digestive problems.
Additionally, there are mental health risks including depression and anxiety.
Image by Alfred Schrock
Reiki is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to combat long-term stress. If you are working in a stressful environment, use Reiki before, during and after your work day. Set your alarm for ten minutes earlier, begin your day with ten minutes of self-treatment, to create a sense of serenity. When you have a few free moments at work, imagine the Reiki symbols and ask the energies to calm your physical and emotional bodies. After work, find a quiet space at home and again apply self-Reiki, even for just a few minutes. You will soon feel a difference within yourself as you create a new way of dealing with your workplace.
You can also send Reiki to the situation that is causing you stress. If you feel anxious about a possible future event, such as your first training as a teaching Reiki Master, send Reiki to the situation. You may be surprised at how calm you are, and how well the class was received.
Because Reiki knows the source of our concerns and anxieties, it directs itself to heal that area. Let’s go back to a difficult work environment – there may be real factors causing stress, such as rumors that a massive layoff is coming. We can be overcome with fear – Will I lose my job? How will I pay my bills? Will I be able to find another job? Reiki can help to reduce the core beliefs of fear and help us to live in the belief, “all is well – no matter what happens, I will be fine.”
Perhaps, living stress-free (or at least, stress-reduced) in today’s world is the greatest miracle of Reiki! It is possible to live this way. It takes intentional use of Reiki, and any other meditative practice you have, to create this lifestyle. Reiki teaches us the concept of unlimited possibilities. You can create the life you desire!
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Deborah Lloyd is a Usui and Karuna Reiki® Master and certified holistic therapy practitioner, providing Distant Reiki sessions and training in Asheville, NC. Deborah is the author of two books, 22 Messages from the Archangels; and, Believe and it is True: A Story of Healing and Life Lessons. She is also one of the co-authors of Reiki 101: 101 Answers for Your Reiki Questions. Reach Deborah at [email protected] and on Facebook at Deb Lloyd Healing.
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