ENERGY HEALING
By Catharine Walkinshaw, Herbal Consultant and Reiki Practitioner

What is Reiki?

Reiki is an ancient form of energy healing dating back thousands of years. Energy healing balances and treats the meridian system of the body. Meridians are energy channels that circulate around the body similar to our nervous and circulatory systems. There are 14 primary meridians in the body: 6 on the right; 6 on the left; 1 down the front; and, 1 down the back.

The meridian system can also be traced back thousands of years and has been proven with modern science (through radio isotopes) to exist. In fact, the Ice Man, a 5,000 year old body amazingly preserved and recently discovered in southern Europe, had pinpoint marks on his back which aligned exactly with acupuncture points!

Where blockages occur along these meridians, problems result usually in the form of pain and/or illness. There are many types of energy healing methods. Some include acupuncture (where needles are used to stimulate energy flow), acupressure (where pressure is applied at acupuncture points), and reiki (where light touch is used along the meridians and body). Reiki is usually very relaxing and easy to learn. The best way to find out more about Reiki is to come to Eatonville's Wellness Center Free Reiki Circle held once a month on the 3rd Tuesday from 7 to 9pm. In February only, Reiki Circle will be moved to February 25th.

If you would like to submit a question for a future column, please email us at cwalk@mashell.com or write to us c/o Eatonville's Wellness Center, P.O. Box 543 Eatonville, WA 98328.