Tapping in to the Universal Life Force Locally

It seems everywhere we turn lately we read or hear information about Reiki, the Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing.  Reiki means “universal life energy,” and while it may be new to some, this holistic healing method has been used by many around the world for thousands of years.  In Japanese, Rei describes the universal boundless aspect of this energy while the Ki is the vital life force energy which flows through all living beings.  If that sounds complicated or supernatural, you will be surprised to learn it is a simple and natural healing method by laying of the hands.

We live in a country that is more reactive than proactive. We search for solutions to repair our environment after we destroy it, declare war instead of establishing relationships for peace, and medicate diseases that could have been prevented in the first place.  Medical doctors are trained to prescribe medicine for symptoms after evidence of damage is apparent, while holistic doctors are trained to look at the physical, mental emotional, social and spiritual aspects of health. Holistic medicine emphasizes the need to look at the whole person, including analysis of physical, nutritional, environmental, emotional, social, spiritual, and lifestyle values.

However, even though holistic doctors have medical degrees, they are not recognized by a large portion of the population, including many insurance companies.  Children are prescribed stimulants (narcotics) at younger ages if they exhibit any behavior that does not fit our expectations of conformity. Childhood epidemics such as ADHD, Autism, asthma, and allergies are increasing at an alarming rise, which should signal environmental changes and prevention. Cancer seems to hit children and adults at younger ages everywhere we turn, yet so many are still fearful to consider holistic or natural remedies and preventative methods for health.

Reiki is one such method that I have experienced with amazing results, helping to strengthen my immune system and diminish back pain, as well as provide overall improved energy. I first learned of Reiki in 2004 when I attended a workshop by a scientist turned Reiki practitioner after she witnessed her ailing sister’s liver regenerate healthy cells following Reiki treatments.  Reiki is utilized by major hospitals, including the Cleveland Clinic, and many hospitals offer courses to nurses for credit, since no medical degree is required to train and practice Reiki as it taps into the universal energy available to all.  It is used in various churches of varying denominations, including Catholic nuns and St. Joe’s Wellness Center. Reiki is even used on animals and in some animal clinics.  Locally, Reiki practitioners have been healing out of Goddess Blessed on Hilliard since owner Kathy Curran opened her doors.  Curran is a Reiki practitioner, and in addition to employing Reiki practitioners, she holds a Reiki information night once a month where Reiki treatments can be experienced for a simple food donation to the homeless.  One Reiki practitioner at Goddess Blessed, Linda Keen, teaches Reiki workshops with attunements for level one or two, and provides Reiki two-three days a week there for a cost comparable to a massage.

Keen and other Master Reiki practitioners simply transfer energy which opens up the chakras. A chakra refers to one of the seven centers of spiritual energy in the human body according to yoga philosophy.

Keen states that as a practitioner, “We all have Reiki inside of us, connecting all chakras, and with hands-on Reiki healing, our life force is higher which leads to better overall health.”  She equates it with “turning on a light within us” which is really using our God-given natural healing abilities. Many illnesses are created by our energy when we allow (consciously or unconsciously) negative thoughts or feelings.  This can be the root of headaches, backaches, stomach issues, immune deficiencies, and more.  Reiki can help heal the flow of the energy and along with changing thought patterns and living healthy, can help transform illnesses, both mental and physical. 

Recently, when Keen was called to a home of a young mother in hospice, she (and local resident and Reiki Master Dana Manning) didn’t hesitate to come and aid with Reiki, meant for the friends and family members exhausted by the physical and emotional stress of the situation.  The peace that emanated in the house shocked all as this brave mother passed without incidence during the Reiki.  At a request from friends for a follow up treatment, Linda and Kathy made a home call for Reiki for the group of friends who selflessly championed their dying friend, exemplifying the universal energy that connects us all.

Tammy Hess travels from Wadsworth to receive Reiki from Keen here in Lakewood, and states, “As a Reiki connoisseur and practitioner, I can honestly say that after a Reiki session with Linda I feel an unbelievable sense of clarity, peacefulness, and physical healing.  I would highly recommend Linda to family and friends.”  I could fill pages with testimonies from clients who have experienced relaxation, peace, balance and positivity from Linda, but my strongest testimony was witnessing my six year old son emanate a blissful and calm disposition after a 20 minute treatment.

Our society as a whole has been suffering, searching for peace and happiness in material things, artificial substances, and quick fixes. What do we have to lose by turning back a few thousand years to practices of Buddah and Asian healers to balance our mind, body, and spirit for optimal health and happiness? Reiki is not a quick fix, but should be part of a healthy lifestyle addressing our mind, body and spirit.  I encourage Reiki healing where you can find it, but as a Secret Shopper, I would be negligent not to encourage you to try our local hidden treasure in Keen at Goddess Blessed.  She encourages you with the other practitioners, to contact Goddess Blessed and stop in for a treatment or their monthly Reiki session to ease your curiosity and put you on the road to a new way of life.

Goddess Blessed is located at  15729 Madison (the corner of HIlliard and Madison_ with parking in front and back. 216-221-8755.

Believe nothing merely because you have been told it.
Do not believe what your teacher tells you merely out
of respect for the teacher. But whatsoever, after due
examination and analysis, you find to be kind, conducive
to the good, the benefit, the welfare of all beings -- that
doctrine believe and cling to, and take it as your guide.
- Buddha

Read More on Secret Shopper
Volume 5, Issue 9, Posted 5:36 PM, 05.06.2009