September 2004

Email Address: ReikiNews@reiki.org

It is my pleasure to send you the September 2004 edition of our Reiki online newsletter. Clicking on the links in the table of contents takes you directly to each article. To return just click on the "Return to Contents" link at the end of each section. I would enjoy your input so we can make this newsletter even more informative and valuable. Feel free use the input form toward the end of the newsletter to send any comments, questions, information or Reiki Stories that you would like to share with other Reiki people. http://www.spiritualone.com/Online/Sept04/SeptNL04.htm

William Lee Rand Editor

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Reiki and Childbirth by Mia Tennenbaum

It was in late January 2003 when I had my first experience with Reiki. For several months prior, I had repeatedly come across materials about Reiki and had felt that "cosmic nudge" that often guides us in the directions we are meant to go. In this case, while on vacation, I met a woman who was an intuitive Reiki Master. I smiled keenly when we met, knowing that an immeasurable number of events had aligned in order to bring us together. After she described for me what the session would be like, I got comfortable and we began. Before I knew it, the session was over, and I was so relaxed that it was difficult to call my body back into action. While I propped myself up on some pillows, drank water, and got grounded, she sat with me to provide her feedback from the session-this being her particular gift. She told me about the various pieces of information that she gathered during the session, and she was correct in telling me about various friends and relatives, most specifically my two sons, who were six and four years old at the time. She then asked, "And what is your daughter's name?"

At that time, my sons were my only children, so I replied that I did not have a daughter. She was struggling with this and was adamantly claiming that she was clearly picking up on a mother/daughter bond-a very strong one. After much hesitation for fear of actually uttering the words aloud, I finally looked at her and asked, "Could you be picking up on my little girl waiting to be conceived?" She looked at me with a huge smile and said, "Yes! She is waiting for you!" Since the previous August, I had felt this child's presence but would periodically question my sanity! To have this Reiki Master confirm my suspicion was remarkable. In April of 2003, I learned that I was pregnant. . . . . .

. . . . .It was around this same time that I had become determined to birth this baby without the use of an epidural. I simply did not want to risk the significant back trouble that I had gone through in the past. The sixth, seventh, and eight months of pregnancy went by, and I continued to give myself Reiki. My energy level and spirits were high as I approached my ninth month, and I decided that, in order to prepare for childbirth, I would participate in the Level II Reiki Attunement. At the start of my ninth month, I did just that! Not only was I interested in intensifying the Reiki energy, but I was also very curious about distance healing. By this time, I was very large and limited in my movement. It was virtually impossible for me to do the hand placements for the self-healing and so, instead, I did distance healing on myself. While lying in bed, I would envision myself and my baby floating in a bubble of warm, white light. I would carry these thoughts until I drifted off to sleep-it was peaceful.

With the assistance of my wonderful doula (birthing support person), Sharon Dreifuss, I spent the last two weeks of pregnancy mentally preparing for what would end up being a defining moment in my life. On the morning of January 25, 2004 (my due date, no less!), our journey began. My husband took me to Evanston Hospital, where, for the next seven hours, labor slowly built. As the nurses periodically monitored the baby, they repeatedly commented that they had never seen a baby so happy during labor. Much to my surprise, my laboring position of choice was a meditation pose with my legs crossed and back supported by pillows. I used Reiki hand placement primarily on and around my large belly in efforts to comfort the baby through this strenuous process.

Meditation coupled with Reiki energy took me through contraction after contraction. I was in complete awe of what my body was doing-as if something ancient and sacred had been awakened within me and was sweeping me along with the process. At one pivotal point, as contractions intensified and I was deep in mediation, I felt my crown chakra open fully as warm energy surged through my body, hugging every cell of my being. The feeling was so overwhelming that I began to weep. Those in the room thought I was crying because of the pain and were trying to comfort me. What I could not verbalize at the time was that I was overtaken by the pure beauty of what was happening both in and around me. In that one moment, time ceased to exist and I had an instant understanding of the magnitude of God's blessings.

Shortly thereafter, with much work and effort, my baby was thrust into this world and with this became my confirmation of the powers of intuition and the spiritual realm-I held on my chest the beautiful miracle of a baby girl. My husband was glowing with excitement, and everyone in the room was filled with a sense of awe at witnessing and experiencing this labor and birth. It was better than anything I ever imagined it could be.

More on this subject:
This is just part of the article which appears in the Fall issue of the hard copy Reiki News Magazine. In the complete article Mia describes how she used Reiki to treat her pregnancy including how to lay on the treatment table and other important information.To read the whole article, please subscribe to the Reiki News Magazine. Your subscription supports our work.

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Florida, Reiki and the Board of Massage
by William Lee Rand

There has been a lot of concern and confusion about practicing Reiki in Florida since the Board of Massage Therapy ruled that Reiki is massage. People have had different opinions about what they actually did, what this means for Reiki people and what can be done to solve the problem.

To find out the facts and get expert opinion concerning this issue, I contacted Deborah Miller a Florida attorney who is active in the health freedom movement. Deborah has practiced for many years in professional licensure law. She has been following the actions of the Florida Board of Massage Therapy and was able to explain the situation to me.

The following information is a summery and is based on documents she sent, and emails and phone conversations I've had with Deborah. To see the whole article, please click here.

The Florida Board of Massage Therapy can interpret the Florida Massage Law and decide what practices are massage. In 1999 the Board voted that Reiki is massage and that anyone practicing Reiki needs to have a massage license. They understand that Reiki doesn't always involve touching the body, and that the client remains fully clothed, but decided that Reiki is massage anyway. They are concerned that if Reiki does not require a massage license, then many other modalities will want to be deregulated also.

They also feel that Reiki practitioners who become ministers are just trying to get around the law. They feel that this misleads the public.

The Board of Massage Therapy can interpret the law, but they do not enforce it. Enforcement is up to the Department of Health. If someone complained to the Department of Health that someone without a massage license was giving Reiki treatments then they could respond in several ways. They could send a Cease and Desist Notice, telling the practitioner to stop providing Reiki. If the practitioner continues, they could take the person to court. They could also issue a Citation imposing an administrative penalty up to $5000.00 - which could be contested by the practitioner. They could also ask a civil court to impose a civil fine against the unlicensed practitioner. And finally they could seek the arrest and criminal prosecution of the unlicensed Reiki practitioner. Anyone can make a complaint and it is possible that licensed massage therapists would take on the "project" of ferreting out and making formal complaints against unlicensed practitioners. Once the case gets to court, it would be possible to argue that Reiki is not massage and get a new ruling. But this would be expensive and there is the risk that the judge would not rule in your favor.

One consideration is that the Department of Health has limited resources and there is a good chance that they would have more important things to do and that a complaint would not be acted on. But there is no guarantee of this.

Religious Defense?
Some Florida Reiki practitioners have become ministers through the mail or over the internet by simply filling out some papers and making a donation or paying a fee, believing that they do not then need a massage license. It's thought that by claiming that Reiki is a spiritual practice and part of ones religion, the practitioner is protected. However, this is not a good defense and in most cases will not protect one from the ruling of the massage board. For more details on this issue, please click here.

In addition, a court may rule that money paid to an individual practitioner, rather than directly to a religious institution, is a fee for the Reiki service, rather than a donation to the church, thus making the religious defense invalid.

A Good Solution
Deborah Miller is the president of the Florida Health Freedom Action (FHFA), a group of both licensed and unlicensed health care practitioners who believe that the public has the right to choose their health care therapies and practitioners - and that people have the right to work in their chosen occupation - without unnecessary governmental regulation. FHFA believes that low and no risk health care therapies should be available to both licensed and unlicensed persons, as long as the public knows about the practitioner's training and therapies offered, and whether or not they are licensed.

FHFA is working to pass the "Consumer Health Freedom Act". The Act would change Florida law to allow practitioners of low or no risk therapies, including Reiki, to practice even though they are not a licensed health care provider. This legislation will solve the above mentioned problem the Florida Board of Massage Therapy has created for Reiki practitioners and allow them to practice Reiki without needing to get a massage license. It will also establish Reiki as a "shared practice" between licensed and unlicensed practitioners.

Your Help is Needed
This is a viable solution that is being promoted by competent people who understand the legal system in Florida and have a high likelihood of success. However in order to succeed, they need help. If you would like to volunteer please contact Deborah at FHFA, P.O. Box 430871, South Miami, FL 33243-0871, Phone: 305 668 2800, Fax: 305 662 1665,
Email: info@floridahealthfreedom.org Website: www.floridahealthfreedom.org

This has been a summery of the complete article, to see the whole article, please click here

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Three Million Visits!
The purpose of our site at www.reiki.org is to serve the Reiki community by helping people more clearly understand Reiki and learn how to use it more effectively. With 350 pages, 150 articles, free downloads, the Reiki survey and many other services, we are continually allowing Reiki to guide us in adding new features and providing greater value. With this in mind, I'm happy to say that on September 21 - the fall equinox we received our three millionth visit! It took six years to reach one million visits, but just three years to add an additional two million. This is a 400% increase and we are now getting over 4000 visits a day! We hope you continue to enjoy the site and if you have any suggestions or other comments, please send them to center@reiki.org

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Reiki Training in Old Jerusalem

Karuna Reiki® Training
October 24-26
Instructor William Lee Rand

The most sacred place I've experienced!

This October I'll be teaching a Karuna Reiki® class in old Jerusalem, Israel, one of the holiest cities in the world. The most sacred sites for Christianity, and Judaism and the third most sacred site of Islam are located within the walls of this 3000 year old city. The quality of the spiritual energy here is greater than any I've experienced anywhere on Earth! (Please see the article in the winter, 2003 issue of Reiki News Magazine.) This is the reason this site was chosen for Karuna Reiki® training.

We are fortunate that an appropriate workshop location has been found within the walls of the old city. It's an art gallery in which a section of the wall of Solomon's temple is kept. We also will have access to a meditation area on the roof of a nearby building with views of much of the old city including the Western Wall and the Dome of the Rock.

In addition to the spiritual energies present, this location is also the focal point of many of the forces that need to heal in order for peace to come to the Middle East, which once accomplished will also have a ripple effect on the whole planet. Being present in this class will allow you to contribute to a process which is working to create peace on earth.

Peace Grid
I'll also be taking a World Peace Crystal Grid to place in Old Jerusalem. This one will work in conjunction with the other two at the North and South Pole to help create peace between all religious and spiritual groups on the planet and especially between the Israelis and Palestinians. This will be a powerful placement of the grid and will be a wonderful experience for those in the class who will be charging it with healing energy in person.


To read more about this class, please click here.

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Reik

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Honoring All Reiki Schools and Lineages

Subscribe

Fall Issue

Welcome . . .
to the Fall issue of the Reiki News Magazine. Our purpose in publishing the magazine is to provide you with inspiration as well as new ideas and techniques so your practice of Reiki can be more fulfilling and beneficial - to you as well as those you treat. By calling on Reiki to guide this process and by continually searching for the very best writers and giving them the freedom and encouragement to produce their best work, we remain focused on fulfilling that purpose. Check the amazing list of articles below. This issue is both exciting and practical!

Here is a list of the articles in this issue

The Miracle of Reiki by William Lee Rand Reiki is a gift that comes from the Higher Power; immediately after that attunement, one has the ability to treat others. This in itself is a miracle, but in addition the healing it provides is a blessing to all who receive it. This article describes how to use the gift of Reiki to guide one's life. The origin of Western Reiki is explained along with how we can benefit by combining it with the Japanese style.

Realizations on My Path to Recovery
by Mari Hall
The heart attack Mari experienced last year has created unexpected blessings in her life. She explains the lessons she learned, including what it means to take good care of herself and how important it is to live according to one's emotional needs.

Teaching Reiki to Children, Part II
by Barbara McKell
Barbara follows up with answers to questions she received after her first article, including the question of permission, teaching the symbols to children, special considerations when giving the attunement, and other important issues.

Reiki and Childbirth by Mia Tennenbaum Childbirth is a wonderful experience, and it can be even more fulfilling when Reiki is included in the process. Mia describes her experiences in combining Reiki and childbirth before conception, during pregnancy, and beyond. She explains the benefits Reiki provided and the wonderful effect it has had on her baby girl. Her experience receiving the attunements while pregnant and giving Reiki to other pregnant women is included.

Reiki with Children: A Nurse's Perspective
by Carol Bonura
Carol describes her work with newborn babies and children. She explains the special needs they have and how Reiki can provide the care and nurturing that is so important in helping them adjust to their new world, grow, and develop.

Living with the Reiki Principles, Part I: Just For Today
by Penelope Quest
Penelope explains the various versions and origins of the Reiki Principles in use today . She gives a brief explanation of each, shows how to say them in Japanese, and focuses on Just for Today and the importance of being in the present moment.

Finding Your Soul Mate with Reiki by Walter Lübeck Walter explains what a true soul mate is, the value of having one, how to use Reiki to find your soul mate, and how to know when this has taken place. He also explains the soul family, dual souls, and importance of being closely alignedwith your spiritual path. This article is clearly written and provides a practical, yet inspirational understanding of spiritual relationships.

Reiki in Hospitals: Emergency Reiki
by Pamela Miles
Reiki is being used alongside conventional emergency protocols in ambulances, emergency rooms, and acute care centers across the country. Pamela explains how doctors, nurses, and paramedics are getting positive results by combining Reiki with standard medical procedures during the first moments of medical care, which are so crucial in guiding a patient to recovery.

Reiki and the Healing Process: Transformation at Its Very Best
Diane Ruth Shewmaker
Diane explains the healing process, which can sometimes include detoxification, emotional release, and other uncomfortable experiences. She tells us why these experiences are valuable and how to deal with them effectively. Explaining them to your clients is also covered.

Reiki Stories
Read the stories of people who have experienced the miracle-working power of Reiki.

This is an exciting and valuable issue that will supply you with entertainment as well as quality information and instruction. If you have any suggestions on how the magazine could be improved, I'd be very happy to hear them.

The world is a wonderful place, filled with continual changes which bring with them a never ending supply of opportunities. May you grow in the ability to allow the wisdom of Reiki to guide how you create your life.

Love and peace to you and the world.

Contributors
Read about the people who write for the
Reiki News Magazine

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Reiki Stories

Severe Injuries
Hi. My story is very simple, and starts about three months ago, on the island of lanzarote when a young boy of 15 years old was on a motor bike. He was hit going around a roundabout at night. His injuries were both legs and both arms broken, both lungs punctured and then one lung removed, part of his liver removed, fractured neck, and he was on a life support machine. The doctors gave him a 5% chance of living.

Three days after the accident I sent out requests for Reiki on the Internet, and I set up a Reiki circle here in lanzarote. I went into all the bars along the front and asked that on the following Sunday at 8 o’clock if everyone could light a candle and send out some nice thought that we maybe able to help. The following week he came off the machine, two weeks later he was transferred back to lanzarote and out of danger. A further week later he was out of the hospital all-together, and three months down the line he is up and about 95% back to normal. So he went from a 5% chance to live to 95% healed in three months. I wanted to finish by saying thank you to all the Reiki healers out there that sent out healing, and to all those that sent out love. God bless all and keep up the good work, Debbie

Reiki Heals Infection
A friend of mine went into the hospital for some reconstructive surgery due to breast cancer. After a couple of weeks, I saw her husband and inquired about her health. He was devastated and told me that she had developed a severe infection and had been running a fever of 104 degrees for several days and the doctors did not know where it was coming from. He said they believed her organs could begin to shutdown. I asked permission to visit her the next day, which he later called to tell me she accepted, and I began to send Reiki to her immediately. Upon my arrival the next morning, she looked wonderful! I asked her how she was and
she said it was amazing. She woke up that morning and her temperature was completely normal. She felt great! The doctors had no explanation for her healing. She then asked me to explain Reiki to her and before I had finished, she took my hands and placed them on the site of her infection, closed her eyes and said, "Just do it." My friend is now home recuperating with her family. I thank God everyday for her health and this beautiful gift of Reiki. Kathleen

Reiki Heals Hearing
Several months ago when I was still a level 2 practitioner and my husband was level 1, we offered a friend of ours a Reiki treatment in barter for watching our Umbrella Cockatoo, Chela and our cockateil, Fred. Before the treatment she kept asking if we could do something for her shoulder and while we made no promises, we told her that she would, at the very least, feel much more relaxed. As the treatment progressed, she did become much more relaxed, but I also noticed that my husband spent a great deal of time working on her head and neck area...he kept being guided back to two particular spots. When the treatment was over, our friend got a very quizzical look on her face and asked me to whisper something in her left ear. I just sort of shrugged and whispered something inconsequential that made little sense. Her eyes LIT up and she repeated it back to me. It was at this point that she told us that she had been clinically deaf in that ear since she was 4. She says that her shoulder is still the same, but now she hears like a bat. Maria Myrback

If you have a Reiki Story you would like to share with others, please Click Here

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