Holy Fire Reiki & "bodymind": Decreasing Pain, Restoring Balance

Headwaters, Sacramento River, Mount Shasta, Ca.

Experiencing chronic pain on a daily basis, can trigger a powerful fear reaction. As the expectation of pain settles in as a presence in one's consciousness, fear can become a daily, silent, unwelcome companion.  

"Bodymind" science of the brain and brain hormone activity, explain the close connection between thought,  physical symptoms and immune dysfunction.  According to evidence-based research, by Dr. Candace Pert, PhD., every thought sends out neuropeptides (brain proteins) to receptor cites throughout the body. Dr. Pert explains, “A feeling sparked in our mind-or body-will translate as a peptide being released somewhere. [Organs, tissues, skin, muscle and endocrine glands], they all have peptide receptors on them and can access and store emotional information. This means the emotional memory is stored in many places in the body, not primarily in the brain. You can access emotional memory anywhere in the peptide/receptor network, in any number of ways. I think unexpressed emotions are literally lodged in the body.  The real true emotions that need to be expressed are in the body, trying to move up and be expressed and thereby integrated, made whole, and healed". Dr. Pert's research demonstrated the body's information system has two major elements, neuropeptides (made of amino acids which grow from DNA and are made from hormones) and receptors which they fit into. The neuropeptides are produced by nerve cells in the brain. They lock into their receptor cites throughout the body and cause either something to take place or prevent a reaction. In her book, "The Molecules of Emotion", Candace Pert states, "the body is having a conversation which appears to be remarkably flexible, varied and subtle. For example, all the immune cells carry all the receptors identified so far, which means, presumably, that they can be affected by a wide range of messages." Dr. Pert concludes that "The mind and body are bound together in a conversation of neuropeptides, and can be considered an integrated entity called,  "bodymind". We, our body, our mind, are in essence one unit, one fully integrated, wise operating system."

So, how does this relate to Reiki and pain? When one takes into consideration the bodymind connection, the missing puzzle pieces are discovered. Consider the pain of a chronic condition or pain resulting from an accident or injury. Every time we feel the pain, there is an associated fear with it which is paired with associated thoughts about the pain. Here are some sample thoughts: "This is so painful", "It keeps getting worse", "Will I be like this for the rest of my life?", "I can't go on like this", "No one has been able to help me". What if we took into consideration how every thought affects every other part of our body; our organs, immune system, joints, bones and muscles? According to the science of bodymind medicine, this is exactly what is happening- the mind is causing a bodily reaction. What if during the pain, one would recite, like a mantra, "I'm safe, I'm safe, I'm safe", over and over and over. It's an experiment worth trying.

In my Reiki practice, I work with several clients who have been dealing with long-term chronic pain issues which have seriously affected every part of their lives- everyday. They arrive with stories from their many physicians and therapists, such as, "This is chronic", "You'll just have to live with it", or "We can't find anything wrong and the pain may be in your head". The pain may have begun in the body through some sort of inflammatory condition or injury or in the mind as a result of stressful thinking. There is never only one factor. As the pain continues, fear and frightening thoughts about the pain feed the bodymind neuropeptide receptor loop. As well, there may likely be physical, nutritional, emotional, environmental and spiritual  issues that need attention-all of which can affect the bodymind connection.

Reiki research demonstrates that Reiki energy puts the recipient into an incredibly deep state of relaxation. During a  Reiki session, the recipient is able to sink deeply into a condition which allows the Reiki energy to move through the entire bodymind. The deep relaxation combines with the Reiki energy, moving through the entire body. The mind leaves overload mode and drops into a place of deep quiet. This deep mental quiet and letting go of stressful thoughts, combines with the deep physical experience of relaxation during a Reiki treatment. This allows The Reiki to pour through one, moving energy blocks along the way. What if some of these blocks are actually emotions stuck throughout the body which were originally created or exacerbated by our thoughts- all part of the neurotransmitter/ receptor system?

In a Reiki session, many fall into a profoundly blissful state. Some recipients may be in a deep state and when my hands get to a certain point, they are aroused, noticing a sense of intensity or heightened emotion- either good feelings or  very complex feelings. I talk them through these areas and teach relaxation breathing when needed. It is in these places where the recipient is feeling energy blockages moving, and working their way out. And most often, the blocked energy moves while the recipient is deeply lost in their blissful "Reiki Sleep".

Many clients who have been struggling with chronic pain, low vitality and various health conditions, have returned after one or two sessions with incredible breakthroughs, much gratitude and glowing smiles on their faces. Helping others regain their functionality is a joy. I am so grateful for bodymind science, Usui Holy Fire Reiki, and the ability to share it with those in need.

 

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