<strong>By Ifetayo White</strong>

Have you heard the word Reiki and wanted to know more about it? This is a word that has been popping up more and more in the past few years in our community and in the media.  In January 2010, Dr. Oz introduced millions of viewers to Reiki as part of his program on alternative and natural remedies.  He shared that his wife, Lisa, is a Reiki Master and that Reiki is a common remedy in their home for headaches, sprains, etc. Complementary health gurus, Dr.. Andrew Weil and Dr. Deepak Chopra, often recommend Reiki as an appropriate touch therapy for many physical and emotional challenges. On the other end of the spectrum, there was recently a “Modern Family” episode where Reiki was hilariously spoofed.

Reiki is a noninvasive form of energy medicine that balances the body mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually; therefore, enabling the body to do what it does best­—heal itself.   Reiki assists in accelerating healing from injury/illness, promotes relaxation and stress reduction, and reduces or eliminates pain. Reiki strengthens the immune system, assists in clearing emotional or physical trauma, and offers quality of life support for those who are aging or in hospice care.  There are some hospitals nationally that offer Reiki to support more rapid healing prior to and following surgery.

More than a year ago some of the local Reiki practitioners started the Beaufort Community Reiki Clinics as an offering to anyone in our community who wanted to experience Reiki once or regularly. There are now two locations where the clinics are held monthly. We offer 20-30 minute sessions in a group setting with one or more volunteer Reiki practitioners sharing with each client.  There is no charge for these sessions, although donations are accepted.  Children and pets are always welcomed to come and receive Reiki as well. All Reiki practitioners are invited to join us to share and receive whenever we gather, regardless of level of training or length of practice.

Joan R. shared with me at a recent clinic that she is so grateful that she can receive Reiki regularly in a way that she can afford. Charlotte S. and her husband drive to each location monthly so that she can receive Reiki to assist in easing the pain of her inflamed joints. No appointments are needed and there is no restriction on the number of visits.  The gracious donation of the space for the two clinics allows us to share Reiki with recipients from Hilton Head to Fripp Island. Barbara Edwards who is a Reiki Master teacher hosts the Reiki Clinic on the 1st Sunday of each month at her home at Palm Key in Ridgeland.  Shelly Lowther welcomes the clinic at Dancing Dogs Yoga on the 3rd Sunday of each month (except March’s clinic will be 3/11).

We would love to meet you and share this awesome gift with you. Join us at the Beaufort Community Reiki Clinics  on the first Sunday of the month from 1–4 p.m. at 330 Coosaw Way, Cottage #10, Palm Key, Ridgeland, SC 29936 and on the third Sunday of the month from 3:30–5:30 p.m. at Dancing Dogs Yoga, 1211 Newcastle St., Unit 2F, Beaufort, SC.

If you want to ask questions about Reiki or other Energy Medicine modalities or for more information about the clinics, contact: Ifetayo White at 843-271-1923; ifetayosun@yahoo.com.