One of my favorite things about self-care is that you can choose what therapies you want to use to accomplish your goals. In this episode, Sandy Priester gives us a high-level view of two complementary healing practices, Reiki and Healing Touch, and how they can improve your healing process.
Reiki started in Japan and Healing Touch, right here in Colorado. I really didn’t know much about Reiki, except that it was an energy healing practice. I had my first few treatments of Reiki before each of my chemotherapy treatments to help bolster my immune system and ready my body. I received twelve more weeks of Reiki through LifeSpark as a survivor a few years later, when I was dealing with other emotional trauma.
“They are great for relaxation, stress reduction, depression, for pain, they help people sleep better, and a sense of peace and well-being.”
Sandy Priester, CEO and Founder, LifeSpark
When I went to see my doctor after all the treatments for my emotional issues, he wanted to put me on an anti-depressant. I knew I didn’t want to take drugs. So I felt that we were at an impasse. I ended up finding a new doctor.
And… I received reiki from a LifeSpark volunteer practitioner.
I’m grateful for LifeSpark and the service they provide. It made the difference between just getting by and handling difficulty with grace and dignity. Thank you LifeSpark. Enormous thanks to my practitioners.
There are some people who just don’t understand or believe in Eastern healing modalities. They would say complementary healing practices like Reiki and Healing Touch are purported to have an effect due to the placebo effect. In other words, it works for you because you believe it will. But why not? According to Sandy Priester, it just helps the therapy work sooner, or more effectively. And if there are no drawbacks, why not give it a chance?
“The placebo effect really just our belief. When we believe in something it makes it much easier for it to happen… I think that’s a positive thing. If we believe reiki or healing touch will help, it will help even more. And yes, why not, let’s use it! “
Sandy Priester, CEO and Founder, LifeSpark
This is not to say that you don’t do any other treatments. You should always consult with a medical provider for any health issue. And use Reiki and Healing Touch in addition. That’s why they are called complementary.
LifeSpark helps hundreds of cancer patients, survivors, and caretakers each year. Their annual gala is coming up in April with a silent auction opening April 16th and running through April 23rd. Go to LifeSpark to show your support.
Highlights from the episode and a link to the whole episode are below.
Here are some highlights from our conversation:
- 2:21 What is Reiki and Healing Touch?
- 4:50 How Sandy got started with Reiki.
- 7:08 The beginning of LifeSpark.
- 11:27 Having an inner sense of purpose and finding clarity through action.
- 13:19 Seeing the value in Reiki and Healing Touch.
- 14:30 Is it the placebo effect?
- 19:30 The connection between emotions and physical symptoms.
- 24:12 Complementary healing modalities complement each other (not just conventional treatments).
- 26:03 Guided imagery.
- 27:52 Where to find LifeSpark programs.
- 35:30 Signing up for services.
- 36:15 Volunteering with LifeSpark.
- 40:04 PTSD
- 43:23 How you can support LifeSpark. (Their annual Gala is in April.)
Links mentioned in today’s podcast:
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