I know you're probably wondering what the heck Reiki is and how it would help calm wedding worries. Well, Reiki (pronounced "Ray-kee") is an ancient form of healing for stress reduction and relaxation. Still stumped? Let me explain further.
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) says, "Reiki is an energy medicine practice that originated in Japan. In Reiki, the practitioner places his hands on or near the person receiving treatment, with the intent to transmit [healing] life-force energy."
So I had to find out for myself if Reiki could really help reduce stress. After a tough week of deadlines and editorial madness, here at mywedding.com, I underwent my first Reiki treatment. My practitioner Daniella White, Certified Reiki Master, works out of her home in a beautiful rural area near Seattle, WA. She took me to the treatment room which had gorgeous pastoral views and was decorated with beautiful stones and crystals. Immediately I took a big deep breath and I was already feeling more relaxed!
She had me lay flat on a massage table where I snuggled up under a soft fleece blanket. The treatment began when she played a tibetan singing bowl, setting the tone for the session. She placed her hands at the top of my head and held them there for a few minutes. She placed her hands under my neck, on my abdomen, along side of my legs and lastly on my feet. I drifted off into the peaceful state between waking and dreaming, but I could feel an unusual amount of heat radiating from her hands the entire time.
An hour passed and I felt completely relaxed and refreshed. All I could think was, "Can we bottle this and sell it?" It was amazing. For the next few days I continued to feel that same sense of calm I experienced in the session.
Whether it was the Reiki that relieved my stress or the time I took to chill-out in a serene environment--I don't know for sure, but honestly I don't care. All I know is that it worked for me, and I am definitely going back! If wedding planning is wearing you down, try Reiki. At least you'll get an hour of quiet time--no phones or nagging mothers to face. I'd pay for that any day.
Read more about Reiki on NCCAM's website.
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