Reiki and Trauma Recovery

What Hat Shall I Wear? After placing the finishing touches on our office I began to think about the journey I have been on this past year. When I started the practice, I intended to help others find relief from stress. Yet I wasn't exactly sure what else was needed. I felt lost at times. I have a background in nursing, education, marketing, graphic design, interior design, web design and well we could go on for a few more paragraphs. All of these hats sat on my head. Yet, the question loomed, what was I supposed to do with all of them? Some of them? None of them?

Client after client presented to me amid their healing journeys. Healing from what? Most of them were healing from childhood trauma. Deep emotional wounds that were blocking their ability to move forward in life. It became clear to me that the Universe was aligning me with my purpose.

What Was Missing?

Mental Health class, in nursing school, awakened a passion deep within me that I continue to run with today. During clinicals, at the inpatient behavioral health facility, I couldn't help but notice that something was missing. The rooms were clean, modern, and safe. The nursing staff was attentive and caring. Yet, I couldn't shake the feeling that something else was needed.

Trauma can leave lasting imprints on both the mind and the body. It can disrupt the natural flow of energy in the body. It can also damage brain structure and connectivity. To heal these wounds, I believe, one needs to utilize various modalities. Such as mental health therapy, medications (if needed), a strong support system, physical activity, meditation, and reiki. Regulating the nervous system, calming the fight or flight that is often chronically activated in trauma survivors, and integrating a multi-disciplinary approach. This is what seemed to be missing from the inpatient behavioral health experience. This is something I can help with. I Can Help!

Reiki can assist in trauma recovery. It works to restore and balance energy in the body by channeling reiki through gentle touch or non-touch techniques. This energy helps release emotional blockages, fostering relaxation and facilitating the body's natural ability to heal. Many find that after a session they experience better sleep, more resilience, and decreased physical pain.

Healing is a unique journey and reiki is one of many tools that may contribute to overall well-being. Reiki as a holistic approach to trauma recovery is not to replace any other modality nor should it be used as a sole treatment, but in conjunction with other professional treatments.