Reiki

What is Reiki and how can it benefit you?

Reiki is a form of hands on healing with its origins in Eastern Philosophy and Medicine. The use of this type of energy healing dates back thousands of years, even before the time of Jesus Christ and the Buddha. The idea behind Reiki is that we are all connected by a universal life force, and born with the gift of providing hands on healing to one another, given the proper training. The original name, disciplines and techniques of Reiki were lost over the centuries. This was due to the tradition of passing knowledge through generations by word of mouth and lack of attuned Masters to pass on the knowledge. Exactly when this ancient healing technique disappeared is undetermined. However, it was rediscovered in the late 1800's by a Japanese Scholar and monk name Dr. Mikao Usui. Dr. Usui created the name Reiki. Rei- meaning 'universal' and Ki- meaning 'life force,' and his interpretation of this healing art is one of several in use today.

Eastern medicine works on the belief that we are all connected to and come from the same 'universal life force energy' (Ki, Qi, Chi). We have a chakra system in our bodies with many energy points or 'wheels' that connect to and synthesize the energy within and around us. This system can get contaminated and blocked for various reasons in life, leading to physical and mental ailments. Yoga, Tai Chi, Acupuncture and Ayurveda all work by healing and balancing the chakra system. Reiki works with your chakra system as well, to cleanse imbalances and open blockages, promoting the body's natural healing capabilities. Please see this illustration for a general understanding of the 7 Main Chakras in the body. Western medicine has seen a shift in opening up to alternative approaches like Reiki, with there being several studies on it's effectiveness and medical facilities offering it to patients.

As a survivor of Complex PTSD, I'm no stranger to the legacy trauma can have in our lives, and how it affects our mental and physical health. I found Reiki at a time in my life when I was at a breaking point from years of compounded family and life stress. I've always been drawn to holistic interventions, and was listening to a course about the science of natural healing, which recommended energy healing as an approach. I tried Western medicine (medications and therapy) and it helped, but it didn't get deep enough to release what was stuck in my body. Decades of pain and suffering that I hadn't processed were literally turning into mental and physical illness (dis-ease) inside of me. Over the years of both receiving Reiki and becoming attuned as a practitioner, it has changed how I view myself and the rest of the world. It has significantly decreased my anxiety and helped me cope with grief and illness, as well as deepened my spiritual connection. I know from personal experience that it can calm the body, create a sense of peace and release stagnant energy. I'm a living testament to the power of Reiki as I honestly believe it saved my life. I became a Reiki practitioner because I believe in offering treatments that I know work to my clients. Unfortunately, we live in a society where medicine is practiced on a 'illness model.' This means you get care when you're sick and it's almost all medication and surgery based treatment. Real primary care and holistic treatment are almost impossible to find and rarely covered by insurance. Although out of pocket treatments can be costly, Reiki is one of the most effective healing experiences I've had, so it's important to me that's it's available for our clients as well. Please be aware that Reiki is not affiliated with any specific religion and is not meant to be a religious practice. It is an Eastern medicine practice that aligns you with your body and our energy 'source,' which can mean different things to different people based on their beliefs.

Carol McLaughlin, LCSW is trained as an Usui/Holy Fire® III, World Peace Reiki® Master. Carol received all of her Reiki trainings from approved Master/Teachers through The International Center for Reiki Training. Carol completed her Master/Teacher training in 2022 through Master/Teacher Rachel Kloiber at Divine Spark in Richmond, VA. Carol completed a second Usui/Holy Fire® III Master/Teacher training with a World Peace Reiki component in 2025 from Certified Licensed Master/Teacher, Joan Maute at Rising Light Reiki in Waikoloa, HI. Carol will be completing her Animal Reiki I & II training in November, 2025 and her Karuna Reiki® Master training in 2026.

The 5 Principles of Reiki

Just for today I will not worry.
Just for today I will not be angry.
Just for today I will do my work honestly.
Just for today I will give thanks for my many blessings.
Just for today I will be kind to my neighbor and every living thing.

Disclaimer: Reiki is an ancient form of healing that is offered by numerous practitioners around the world. The information and techniques you receive in treatment with us do not constitute medical advice. Healing and medicine are two very different disciplines. You should always remember to seek medical advice from a qualified doctor or practitioner in the case of health concerns and serious illness. While all suggested treatments are offered in good faith, Richmond Restorative Therapy and it's Reiki practitioners cannot accept responsibility for any illness arising out of failure by the individual to seek medical advice from a qualified doctor or medical practitioner.