What is REIKI?

     Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by "laying on hands" and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and around us, and is what causes us to be alive. If one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.
     The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words - Rei which means "God's Wisdom or the Higher Power" and Ki which is "life force energy". So Reiki is actually "spiritually guided life force energy." A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and wellbeing.  It also works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery.
     An amazingly simple technique to learn, the ability to use Reiki is not taught in the usual sense, but is transferred to the student during a Reiki class. This ability is passed on during an "attunement" given by a Reiki master and allows the student to tap into an unlimited supply of "life force energy" to improve one's health and enhance the quality of life.

REIKI for Pregnancy and Labor

     Did you know that you can help prepare your mind, body, and spirit for this wonderful experience of pregnancy and childbirth through Reiki?
     Having a baby is one of the most important things you will do in your lifetime.  So why not do everything you can to make this miracle of life the best it can be for all involved.  That means not only taking care of you physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well. 
     As our bodies transform over the months, we deal with many physical changes and discomforts, but bringing a new life into the world also has a significant emotional impact.  Many expectant Moms experience worry and fear during pregnancy: can I handle the pain of childbirth, will my baby be healthy, is the timing right, can we handle this financially, how will this impact my career, will I be a good Mom, etc.  These stresses can have a negative impact on your baby, your body, and the overall pregnancy, labor and delivery experience. 
     Perhaps you have unresolved grief from a past miscarriage or lost child, or you had a bad past labor/delivery experience, or suffered some other trauma associated with pregnancy and childbirth. It is very important to address these emotions and begin to heal so they do not interfere with the success and comfort of pregnancy and childbirth, or the overall health of you and your baby.  

     Mandi is currently a Stage 1 Reiki Practitioner, planning to be attuned to Stage 2 by Summer of 2013.  Reiki sessions can be set up with clients and non-clients, as one of many factors in the management of your health and well-being.  Doula services include extensive hands-on contact through soothing touch and massage, and Reiki is peacefully and beautifully a natural part of hands-on comfort techniques in labor.
     While Reiki is spiritual in nature, it is not a religion. It has no dogma, and there is nothing you must believe in order to learn and use Reiki. In fact, Reiki is not dependent on belief at all and will work whether you believe in it or not. Because Reiki comes from God, many people find that using Reiki puts them more in touch with the experience of their religion rather than having only an intellectual concept of it.
     While Reiki is not a religion, it is still important to live and act in a way that promotes harmony with others.Dr. Mikao Usui, the founder of the Reiki system of natural healing, recommended that one practice certain simple ethical ideals to promote peace and harmony, which are nearly universal across all cultures.
                                                              www.reiki.org

    Reiki is widely used all over the world and has been proven to benefit both Mom and baby in many ways such as:
  • Reduce stress and enhance relaxation
  • Relieve negative physical symptoms of pregnancy (morning sickness, back pain, swelling, fatigue, etc)
  • Decrease fear and anxiety
  • Provide a healthy viable womb to keep baby healthy and safe
  • Improve the overall health of Mom
  • Assist with baby’s growth and development
  • Help Mom adjust to physical and emotional changes through pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum
  • Provide pain relief during pregnancy and childbirth
  • Prepare the body and the mind for smooth and timely labor and delivery
  • Calm the baby during labor, delivery, and adjusting to its new environment
  • Speed up healing times after delivery
  • Minimize/cope with postpartum emotions 
     It is often noted that Reiki recipients who are in last stages of their pregnancy would feel this strong energy flowing around their belly, with the baby being affected positively. This clearly shows that mothers to be who are having their Reiki sessions or are under Reiki treatment therapy are helping their baby along with themselves. A Reiki session of any type leaves a positive affect on your baby and makes him/her feel content, relaxed and happy inside. As the child is born and grows up, he or she will be able to respond better to a Reiki treatment despite of the illnesses that usually come up in childhood, which obviously helps the parents achieve a peace of mind.  
Mandi L. Campbell, CD(DONA) ... (402) 304-8743 ... firecrackermom3@gmail.com ... Lincoln, NE