Reiki on the Rise in Sachem Community

Everyone encounters stress in their lives, from school to work to relationships, things can sometimes get hectic. Sometimes you need a way to not only relax and relieve this stress, but also heal, as well. Luckily, there is a way for those in the Sachem community to get in on a wellness technique known as Reiki at Wellness and Reiki in Lake Ronkonkona, NY.

In order to get a better understanding of what exactly Reiki is and how people can benefit from it, Bridget Salmaggi, a Usui and Karuna Reiki Master Teacher at Wellness and Reiki, answers some questions in order to help people understand the powers of Reiki.

Sachem Patch: What exactly is Reiki and where does it originate from?  

Bridget Salmaggi: Reiki is a system of Natural Healing. Rei  is defined as "Universal" or "All knowing"  "Divine" or "Spirit".  Ki is synonymous with Chi, embraces all things, circulates through them and sustains them. Reiki is basically Universal Life Force Energy.  Life force energy flows through all of us and can be increased to assist us in maintaining a status of well being. Reiki is a Japanese relaxation technique that helps promote this flow of energy.  It enhances well being by assisting us in being in touch with ourselves on a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual level. It works on the cause of a condition not just the symptoms.

The origin of this system of Natural Healing can be credited to Dr. Mikao Usui who lived in Japan in the late 1800's. It was brought to the United States by Hawayo Takata. As is with many holistic practices, Reiki deals with the principles of understanding the Chakra system: an energetic system that focus on the essential connection between our energy centers and our physical body.  Reiki is a complimentary healing modality that may be used in conjunction with traditional medicine, as well as other holistic modalities such as aroma therapy, reflexology, massage and acupuncture.  

SP: What are the benefits of doing Reiki? 

BS: It enhances well being by assisting us in being in touch with ourselves on a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual level. Most people experience a feeling of relaxation. When we are relaxed we assist ourselves in healing. The more science advances, the more we come to understand properties of energy.  Energy in motion assists us in attaining and maintaining a sense of balance.  Reiki works directly with this energy. Messages sent through our energy centers, our Chakra System, influence our endocrine glands, which regulate our bodily functions.

SP: Does Reiki need to be administered by a professional or can people do it on themselves?

BS: Anyone can be initiated into Reiki through an attunement process. Reiki is transmitted like light waves by the touch of a Reiki Master to a student. I have trained children as young as 10 years old. One of my most treasured teaching experiences was with a child with autism. I teach the basic hand positions, history, demonstration, etcetera and Reiki continues to teach the student each time they share in it...Once attuned you may treat yourself or others.  

SP: Can Reiki cure illnesses?

BS: Reiki has been found to be helpful in assisting people with respiratory ailments, arthritis, cancer, lupus, depression, addiction, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder [and more].  It is also used in surgical preparation as well as post operative care.

Noted Heart Specialist Dr. Mehmet Oz has a Reiki practitioner administer Reiki to his patients during surgery, his findings being that they require less anesthesia and therefore recover from surgery quicker.  

SP: What improvements in health have your clients seen from doing Reiki?

BS: My clients come for Reiki sessions for varied reasons. Generally speaking, most of my clients share that they feel a sense of inner peace and relaxation after a session.  Many express a greater sense of clarity about their lives. Some clients come weekly to maintain a sense of Mind-Body connection, some clients come in preparation for surgery, others for assistance in handling grief, addiction or depression.  I have had clients whose cysts have dissipated, my own thyroid nodules are now non-existent. Many hospitals have Reiki available for their patients undergoing Chemotherapy, such as Sloan Kettering and the Cancer Centers of America.

SP: What would you tell someone who was skeptical about doing Reiki?

BS: I would invite them to attend a Reiki Circle which basically is a gathering of practicing Reiki people and people who may not have any experience at all with Reiki. We start off with meditation and then ease into mini-Reiki sessions. It is a good way to get a feel for Reiki. There are so many healing modalities available to us.  I like to encourage people to try them all till they find the combination that works for them. One does not have to believe in Reiki for it to work, it is enough to just be open to receive the energy.  Since Reiki can do no harm, why not give it a try.  

SP: What Reiki courses/workshops does your center offer and can you give me a bit of a description? 

BS: We offer all levels of Reiki training as well as private Reiki sessions.  After being initiated into Reiki, an individual is able to give themselves Reiki as well as others.  Generally speaking we offer a Reiki Circle the last Wednesday of each month.  However, I would encourage people to check our website as the scheduling is subject to change. 

To learn more, check out their website WellnessandReiki.com.