There are very few adults today who can claim to be living a stress-free lifestyle. Demands of job and family, alone, can set a hectic pace and effectively drain a persons energy. As the body and mind become increasingly worn down, people have a tendency to be more prone to illness.

Todays health care system can be difficult. Not only do we have a population that struggles with insurance and access to services, there is also a segment of that population for whom traditional medicine holds no clout. For many reasons, including spiritual and religious beliefs, dissatisfaction with standard treatments, refusal of prescription medications and vaccines and more, people may turn to alternative or holistic wellness practices.







Holistic treatments tend not only to the body but also to the spirit and the mind of the client. The treatments explored may include acupuncture, reflexology, yoga and a variety of massage therapies. These types of treatments are being pursued by clients to deal with everything from a range of cancers to addictions to chronic pain. Some holistic practices will also include psychological therapy.

A very natural holistic treatment that is gaining in popularity is Reiki massage. Reiki differs significantly from standard massage techniques because, at its root, it is a laying of the hands. Reiki practitioners do not rub or manipulate the muscles, joints and skin of the client in the manner seen in traditional massage therapies. Working with the bodys chakras (or energy sources), the practitioner places their hands on or slightly above the clients body in a number of specific positions. The hands do not move. They are held completely still because the purpose of Reiki massage is the transfer of positive, healing energies. These energies are intended to promote wellness and to induce a state of deep relaxation leading to renewed vitality.

The tools used in Reiki healing massage are few. Treatment takes place lying down so a quality massage table is generally used. The top-rated brand of Reiki massage table is Earthlite. The companys series of durable tables, tested to withstand 1000 pounds of static weight and 450 pounds of dynamic weight, are also environmentally friendly. They use no rainforest wood and are built to last. Some carry lifetime guarantees.

Another tool that may be used during Reiki massage is called Antahkarana. Generally cloth symbols for meditation and healing, when used in Reiki, they are placed over specific areas of the body that are in need of healing. The hands of the practitioner are then laid on top of the symbol. The benefits of the symbols can also be obtained by placing them on the floor under the massage table or by affixing them, face up, underneath the table. However, in Reiki massage, the most valuable tool by far is the healing energy of the practitioner.