Reiki
Offered by Betsy Ranum MA, RN, NBC-HWC
What is Reiki?
Reiki is a mind-body-spirit practice that promotes states of deep rest and relaxation.
With deep roots in Japan, Reiki is practice with a complex history. Reiki is a form of energy work most commonly offered through light, non-invasive touch. Reiki does not involve physical manipulation but is believed to work on the level of the biofield, or the body’s subtle vibrational field thought to surround and penetrate the body. Reiki is believed to promote balance throughout the human system by working with the biofield.
According to Reiki cosmology, the practice of Reiki involves the transmission of universal life force energy through the practitioner to the recipient. It is believed that the practice of Reiki can support a person’s ki (or life force energy, like qi in TCM) to become more vibrant, vital, and free-flowing.
Learn more about Reiki here and on our Reiki blog article.
What are the benefits of Reiki?
While it is not agreed upon “why” among health and scientific circles, it is largely agreed upon that Reiki elicits the relaxation response. The relaxation response supports the nervous system to shift to a parasympathetic state (“rest and digest”) where mental and physiological stress is eased.
While gentle and subtle, many people find Reiki to be quite powerful. People describe profound states of relaxation, beautiful healing memories or visions of the future, a sense of spiritual support and guidance, vivid colors and imagery, powerful symbolic dreamlike states, phenomena like a shamanic journey or trance state.
After a Reiki session, many people describe experiencing deep rest, an overwhelming feeling of peace, clarity on a troubling issue, or a sense of coming home to themselves.
Why are deep rest and relaxation so important?
Most of us have gotten the memo at this point: we should rest. Relax, because stress is a huge risk factor for nearly every chronic condition.
The relaxation response supports the nervous system to shift to a parasympathetic state (“rest and digest”), where the heart rate and blood pressure slow, mental activity eases, and neurochemical responses that support relaxation circulate in the bloodstream. Our mammalian bodies need regular states of true physiological relaxation to support our physical, mental, and emotional health.
But in this adrenaline-fueled, time-is-money, obscenely unequal society, most of us are living lives that make rest and relaxation complicated at best. Many of us need support winding our systems down enough to access the restorative power of rest.
Deep rest and relaxation are powerful. Beyond our individual wellbeing, these states create the conditions for cultivating inner vision and peace, for transforming our relationships with ourselves and one another.
What are people saying about Reiki?
Pain Reduction
Myofascial release can significantly reduce chronic pain conditions, including fibromyalgia, lower back pain, and neck discomfort. By releasing restrictions and tension within the fascia, it allows muscles and connective tissues to move more freely, alleviating pressure on nerves and reducing joint discomfort.
Improved Mobility & Flexibility
One of the primary benefits of myofascial release is its ability to restore range of motion by loosening tight fascia. This improved flexibility allows muscles and surrounding connective tissues to stretch and function more effectively, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals recovering from injuries or managing physical conditions that limit movement.
Improved Circulation
The technique promotes better blood flow and lymphatic drainage throughout the body. By releasing fascial restrictions, MFR supports improved nutrient delivery to tissues and helps remove waste products from the cells, facilitating faster tissue repair and recovery.
Stress Relief & Muscle Relaxation
Myofascial release engages the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes a calming response in the body. This release of tension can significantly reduce the physical effects of stress, such as tight muscles and stiffness, fostering a sense of relaxation and overall well-being.
Injury Recovery & Prevention
By reducing adhesions and breaking down scar tissue buildup, myofascial release helps maintain tissue elasticity and functional movement. This makes it a valuable tool for both preventing repetitive strain injuries and supporting recovery after physical trauma or surgery.
Improved Posture
Tight fascia can create imbalances and distortions in posture over time. Myofascial release addresses these restrictions, allowing the body to realign itself naturally. By loosening tension patterns within the fascia, individuals may experience better posture and reduced physical stress on joints and muscles.
Reiki is a balm for our times.
We our living in an era of overwhelm by design—hijacking and flooding our nervous systems for the benefit of the few and the powerful.
The “universal life force energy” of Reiki infuses our systems with relief, ease, and wonder. This practice elicits deep feelings of interconnectedness in times of disconnection and loneliness.
In uncertain times, Reiki can soothe and support us in reshaping our inner and outer worlds– as we heal, love, grieve, struggle, and dream new possibilities and futures.
Common Concerns Myofascial Release Addresses:
Back pain, neck pain, & headaches
Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Sports Injuries & Myofascial Pain Syndrome
TMJ, Sciatica & Carpal Tunnel
Myofascial Release 30 Minutes
$50
Myofascial Release 60 Minutes
$100
Myofascial Release 90 Minutes
$150
Myofascial Release FAQs
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Myofascial Release uses extended holds to encourage change in the body. These holds are often not painful and feel like "a good stretch." Practitioners hold this good stretch at each resistance barrier, allowing for the tissue to melt and change, and repeat until the targeted area releases.
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For best results, Myofascial Release is performed with skin-to-skin contact. During a Myofascial Release session, there is often stretching, movement, and a standing evaluation.
We recommend wearing or bringing athletic shorts and a bra if applicable.
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After your provider performs myofascial release therapy, you may feel sore in the areas they stretched. But the soreness should go away fairly quickly. You should feel a lot looser in those areas than you did before.
Your provider may recommend returning for sessions for a few weeks or a few months. It will depend on the cause and severity of your condition.
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You can perform myofascial release on yourself at home. You can find videos online with basic myofascial release techniques. You’ll use a foam roller or roller massager to gently apply pressure to your fascial tissues. Some studies have shown using a foam roller for self-myofascial release has helped increase joint range of motion. Our practitioner often sends patients home with personalized instructions for Self-Myofascial Release.