Feeling stressed out lately? Life can be demanding as we deal with a multitude of stressors, such as a challenging job, parenting children, caring for aging parents, and/or coping with an illness.

The effects of stress can manifest as muscle tension in the neck, shoulders or back; headaches; stomach upset; sleepless nights; poor concentration; and excessive feelings of worry or anxiety.

Reiki is an energy-based healing practice that can lessen the impact of stress by supporting the body’s natural ability to heal itself. It can be helpful in dealing with:

• Acute and chronic pain or discomfort
• Pre-surgical preparation
• Post-operative recovery
• Healing of wounds and injuries
• Effects of serious illnesses
• Feelings of stress, anxiety and worry
• Sleep issues

One of the primary benefits of a Reiki session is relaxation. When we relax, our muscles become less tense, and our blood pressure, heart and respiratory rate become lower. This response is the opposite of the "fight or flight" stress response. Instead, Reiki works to help you achieve a deep state of mental and physiological rest.

After a Reiki session, people often report less pain, better mental clarity, feelings of calm, and a generalized sense of well-being. Sounds nice, doesn’t it?

Reiki is offered by a practitioner using light touch or hands just above the physical body. It is safe, gentle and non-invasive.

Here is what you can expect at a Reiki session:

1. Sessions can be scheduled for 30 to 60 minutes
2. Client is fully clothed when receiving Reiki
3. Session is  conducted on a massage table
4. Client will be laying on his/her back with bolster under knees
5. Reiki practitioner will conduct short assessment to determine reason for scheduling session,  describe how session will be offered, and answer any questions
6. Reiki practitioner will go through a series of hand placements — using both light touch and hands just above the physical body. The practitioner will focus on areas of pain or discomfort as reported by the client
7. Client may feel a variety of sensations such as warmth, a gentle pulse or vibration, sense of relaxation or sleepiness
8. At end of session, Reiki practitioner will assist client off the table and answer any questions

Consider giving yourself the gift of relaxation and stress relief.

To schedule a Reiki session at Elmhurst Hospital’s Integrative Medicine Clinic, call 331-221-6135.

Learn more about the Integrative Medicine Clinic