Reiki & Energy Medicine

The National Institute of Health's, NIH National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine includes Reiki in the domains of energy medicine which are based on the belief that disturbances in a person's energy cause illness.

Reiki, discovered by Mikao Usui, is a technique that induces a relaxation response and promotes healing. Reiki ( pronounced ray kee) translates to universal life force energy – the energy in and around all living things. When this energy is blocked, it causes an imbalance often leading to discomfort and dis-ease. Reiki works by transferring this energy to oneself or another through gentle touch. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine classifies Reiki as a form of energy medicine.

According to NCCAM, Reiki is sought for a wide variety of health-related purposes.

Some examples include:

• effects of stress
• chronic pain
• recovery from surgery and anesthesia
• side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer
• lowering heart rate
• improved immunity
• mental clarity
• sense of well-being and/or spirituality
• enhancing the sense of peace in people who are dying

Reiki is truly an integrative therapy since it is not a substitute for medical treatment but complements, supports and enhances medical treatment.

How is it learned? Reiki is taught by a person who has been initiated to all levels of Reiki and has the name of Reiki Master/Teacher. The beauty of Reiki is that everyone has the ability to learn and once “attuned” to the Reiki energy can start practicing on oneself or others.

How is it practiced? Reiki can be administered anywhere – the person can be seated or lying down, fully clothed. The practitioner’s hands are placed along energy centers on the head, neck, upper torso, abdomen, legs, and feet. The person receiving may feel warmth, coolness, tingling, or just deep relaxation.

What are the benefits? Research on various types of energy work has shown that, in addition to deep relaxation, there can be a reduction in muscle tension and pain, accelerated wound healing and a greater sense of health and wellbeing. Reiki is safe for infants to seniors and without negative side effects. Reiki does not depend on the belief system of the learner or receiver. Reiki assists the person’s own innate ability to heal by restoring the body to balance on all levels – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Ultimately, one can be happier and more peaceful with the use of Reiki.

Reiki Classes:

The SOPH, Inc. Ministers are all Reiki Masters certified in the Usui traditional method. They offer classes and training to those interested in knowing and using Reiki. They offer Reiki I, Reiki II and culminating in the Reiki Master Level, which qualifies the individual to teach Reiki to others. The master level is taught in two sections - Master Practitioner and Master Teacher. All that is required to start training is a willingness to heal oneself and/or the desire to be of service to others.

CE's (Continuing Education Units)

for Health Care Professionals - American Holistic Nurses Association

The Sanctuary has been approved by the American Holistic Nurses' Association to provide Reiki Classes to Nurses. We welcome and invite additional programs in other facilities and hospitals. Please contact us for more information.

Reiki 1: Reiki one teaches the history and principles of Reiki. This level provides knowledge and skills required for a basic Reiki treatment. In this level the student receives the first four Reiki attunements for full Reiki 1 certification.

Reiki II: Reiki II begins where Reiki I left off; strengthen and deepening one’s skills with this Energy modality. Reiki two empowers and teaches three Reiki symbols. In this level the student receives two more Reiki attunements for full Reiki II certification.

Reiki III: Reiki three is divided into two parts: Master/Practitioner and Master/Teacher. The Master/Practitioner adds to the skills learned in Reiki One and Reiki Two. In this first part, the student receives four more Reiki attunements as well as the Master Symbol. A Healing Attunement is taught which further prepares the student for the final Master/Teacher level. In the Master/Teacher level, the student learns the sacred Attunement process as well as the necessary requirements for teaching a Reiki class. Mentoring, additional study and reading is encouraged.

This continuing nursing education activity was approved by the American Holistic Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. Approval for contact hours through the AHNA is based on an assessment of the educational merit of this program and does not constitute endorsement of the use of any specific modality in the care of clients.

On-going Reiki Programs and Healing circles:

New York Hospital Queens College

The Silvercrest Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation

Dreams East - Rev. Connie Barley's Healing Circle. Call: (516) 656-4790

Om Sweet Om Yoga Center - Port Washington Contact: Rev. Terri Heiman for information: Naturalfor@aol.com

Magical Nights of Healing

Since 1999 the Sanctuary has been offering Magical Nights of Healing at each change of the season (Equinoxes and Solstices). They offer the community a chance to experience an alternative type of healing through energy with Reiki, dancing, light therapy, music, drumming, meditation, prayer, chanting, energy exercises and much more. These evenings are held at the Ethical Humanist Society, 38 Old Country Rd., Garden City, NY. 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. $10 donation is suggested for the evening.

Mindfullness Meditation Courses:

Rev. Barley, as well as other ministers, are especially involved with programs that develop mindfullness and peace. As peace is a natural outflowing of the experience of mindfullness. She has presented this class to children and adults alike and looks forward to providing this to other organizations, schools and private groups.

Charitable Services:

One of our ongoing services for several years is our program with Native American Reservations. We gather clothing, books and nearly-new toys for the children and adults; especially coats and warm clothing for the winter.

Special Benefits:

The Sanctuary has in the past participated in many special events, like cancer benefits and have contributed our teddy bears to the welcome baskets at a hospice. We are alwasy open to participating in future experiences of this nature. We welcome the opportunity to come to your benefit and offer Reiki sessions for participants.