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What is Reiki?

Thousands of years ago a unique discipline was developed that utilizes energy for healing purposes. It was rediscovered by Mikao Usui in the early 1900s in Japan.

Usui Reiki was introduced to the West via Hawaii in the 1930s thanks to a Japanese-American woman named Hawayo Takata.

The word Reiki is a Japanese term where Rei means “universal” or “ Higher Power” and Ki means “life force energy” or “universal life force.” So Reiki is actually “spiritually guided life force energy.”
Reiki is a universal life force energy that we all have. Receiving Reiki healing opens this channel of energy in order for it to flow more clearly. It is something we all have the capability of transmitting regardless of our background, religion, faith, beliefs, or confidence level.

Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of spiritual healing and self-improvement that everyone can use. It also works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to promote well-being.

Some of the benefits of Reiki include:

Release stress
Alleviate depression
Help increase memory, clarity and focus of the mind
Induce a meditative state and self-awareness
Help strengthen and expand your spiritual path
Help conquers fears
Provide comfort during times of grief and bereavement
Promotes self-love and acceptance

Reiki is for everyone. It can be used safely by people of all ages and stages of life, from newborns to the frail and elderly. Many women receive Reiki sessions while pregnant. This is soothing for the expecting mother and the growing baby.

Reiki is also safe for animals.

How is Reiki practiced?

During a Reiki session in my practice, the client is placed on a massage table fully clothed in a relaxing and soothing environment using aromatherapy and meditative music. A trained Reiki practitioner will use specific hands-off techniques to facilitate the flow of energy throughout your body for healing purposes. This part of the session typically lasts 45 minutes, followed by a 15-minute consultation where the practitioner and the recipient share their experience.

What does Reiki feel like?

As universal energy flows from the Reiki practitioner to the recipient, both bodies respond and react to this flow of energy, causing various sensations. While feelings of deep relaxation are usually felt by everyone who has experienced receiving Reiki, it encourages us to let go of all anxiety, fear, and stress. Therefore, what we experience physically can vary from person to person.

During a Reiki treatment, it is common to experience any of the following sensations:

-Heat or coolness. Probably the most common sensation that occurs is feeling a significant amount of heat and/or coolness coming from the practitioner’s hands.

-Extra hands “touching” you. Many who have received Reiki have reported feeling like there were additional practitioners in the room and extra hands touching them. While this may be startling for some at first, it’s not at all uncommon and it’s something you should not be afraid of!

-Deep feelings of peace and inner bliss. Stress is a major contributing factor to the development of disease. Reiki is a form of meditation known to reduce the different levels of stress which accumulate in the body. People report a significant degree of relaxation of the body and an overall increase in feelings of internal peace and well-being.

-Vibrational buzzing and gentle, soothing shaking of the hands.

-Seeing flashes of colored light. Whether the recipient’s eyes are open or shut, it’s also common to see flashes of various colored lights. Each color has a unique energy to it, and each chakra has a designated color.

-Throbbing and pulsing sensation. It’s not uncommon to feel a pulsating or throbbing sensation in various parts of the body, especially in the areas the practitioner is focusing on. However, it can just as often manifest in areas of the body that the practitioner isn’t working on. This is because Reiki is an intelligent energy and, at times, will flow to the root of the problem regardless of where the practitioner directs our focus.

-Random thoughts and memories. Many people experience random flashes of memories during their treatment. This is because memories, whether good or bad, are heavily attached to us and can become stuck in our physical and mental bodies, causing blockages in our natural flow of energy. Reiki healing will bring emotional issues to the surface, helping us identify them. So when the recipient gets flashes of memories, it’s because Reiki is working on releasing these blockages.

Some additional sensations that can occur during a treatment:

-numbness
-itchiness
-sleepiness
-pins and needles tingling

All of these are fine! Reiki works just as effectively whether you feel it or not. So don’t worry if you don’t get any sensations at first. This is not important and it doesn’t mean that it didn’t work or you are doing something wrong.

Don’t be attached to sensations, as it can take away from the profound experience that a Reiki treatment can provide!

As Massage Therapists and Reiki Practitioners, we can practice Reiki as “hands on” and we can offer ReikiMassage, which is a combination of Reiki and Intuitive/relaxation Massage. Licensed Massage Therapists/Reiki Practitioners use their hands to deliver energy to your body, improving the flow and balance of your energy to support healing.

Love is energy, Reiki is energy; thus, Reiki is Love. We are surrounded by an environment filled with stress and excess tension, ultimately harming the mind and the body.

The best way to understand how Reiki works is to experience it.

Reiki is love, Reiki is inner bliss.

By: Soraya P Diaz, LMT - Reiki Master - Qigong Instructor

Certified International Energy Healer

Founder Angel Touch Healing Center

Myofascial Release (MFR): Healing Through the Fascial System 

The human body is a beautifully intricate web of muscles, bones, and connective tissues working together in harmony to support movement, function, and overall well-being. One of the most overlooked yet crucial systems in this network is the fascia- a continuous web of connective tissue that surrounds and interpenetrates bones, muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and organs. When fascia becomes restricted whether it be due to trauma, inflammation, poor posture, or surgery, it can lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, and emotional distress. A rigid fascia acts like a straightjacket for the body. When fascia is stuck or stiff it can cause up to 2000 pounds of tensile force on any square inch of the body. 

Myofascial Release (MFR) is a specialized hands-on therapy designed to release these fascial restrictions, restoring the body's natural alignment, enhancing mobility, and reducing pain. Unlike traditional massage, which primarily focuses on muscles, MFR targets the fascia, allowing for deep, lasting relief that goes beyond surface-level tension. 

What Is Fascia, and Why Does It Matter? 

Fascia is a three-dimensional, continuous web of connective tissue that extends from head to toe without interruption. It provides support and structure to every part of the body, acting like a second skin that holds everything in place. In a healthy state, fascia is supple, flexible, and resilient, allowing for smooth and pain-free movement. When fascia becomes tight, dehydrated, or stuck due to physical or emotional trauma, it can createchronic pain,stiffness,andrestrictedmovement.Becausefasciaisaconnective tissue that surrounds your entire body, restricted fascia doesn't just affect the local area, it can cause tension patterns throughout the entire body, much like a snag in a sweater that pulls the entire fabric out of alignment. These restrictions can cause compensatory movement patterns, postural imbalances, and persistent pain that traditional treatments often either provide temporary or zero to little relief. 

How Myofascial Release Works 

John F. Barnes' Myofascial Release Approach (JFBMFR) is one of the most effective methods for treating fascial restrictions. This technique involves gentle, sustained pressure applied to restricted areas for three to five minutes or longer. This time allows the fascia to soften, release, and reorganize naturally. Unlike deep tissue massage, JFBMFR works with the body's natural healing process, making it a gentle yet profoundly effective therapy. 

JFBMFR is not about forcing the tissue to release but rather about allowing the body to let go at its own pace. Because fascia is a piezoelectric tissue (meaning it responds to sustained pressure by softening and rehydrating), the therapist waits patiently, following the tissue as it unwinds and releases stored tension, pain, and even emotional trauma. 

The Mind-Body Connection in Myofascial Release 

Fascia is highly innervated with sensory receptors, meaning it plays a significant role in how we perceive pain, stress, and emotional trauma. Many people store unprocessed emotions, stress, and trauma in their fascia, leading to chronic pain patterns that persist even when structural imbalances have been addressed. During an JFBMFR session, it's not uncommon for clients to experience emotional releases, such as crying, laughter, or unexpected memories surfacing. This is because fascia stores past experiences, and as restrictions release, so do the emotional and energetic imprints trapped within the tissue. 

MyoMassage: The Best of Both Worlds 

At Angel Touch Healing Center, not only do we offer the John F. Barnes' Myofascial Release Approach (JFBMFR), we also offer a unique speciality service called MyoMassage, which blends the benefits of JFBMFR and therapeutic massage.
This specialized treatment allows us to: 

- Release fascial restrictions while also working on muscle tension
- Improve mobility and circulation with fluid, intentional massage strokes
- Address both chronic pain and relaxation needs in one session
- Provide a deeply healing experience that integrates body, mind, and energy MyoMassage is perfect for those who want the deep, lasting effects of Myofascial Release combined with the soothing, grounding benefits of massage therapy. 

Who Can Benefit from Myofascial Release? 

JFBMFR is highly effective for individuals dealing with: 

- Chronic pain (back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain) - Postural imbalances (scoliosis, misalignment)
- Scar tissue and adhesions from surgery or injury
- Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue 

- TMJ dysfunction and headaches
- Pelvic pain and dysfunction
- Restricted mobility and stiffness
- Emotional trauma stored in the body 

Many people seek JFBMFR after trying traditional physical therapy, chiropractic care, or massage without long-term relief. Because fascia is often the missing link in pain and mobility issues, addressing it directly can provide profound, lasting changes. It also a great and effective compliment if you are currently receiving traditional treatments like physical therapy and chiropractic care. 

What to Expect During an JFBMFR Session 

An JFBMFR session is different from traditional massage. Rather than rhythmic kneading or deep pressure, the therapist applies gentle, sustained pressure to
areas of restriction, following the body's natural tissue responses. Sessions are tailored to each person's needs, and treatments may include: 

- Assessment of fascial restrictions and posture
- Gentle hands-on techniques to soften and release restrictions - Unwinding movements as the body naturally lets go of tension - Space for emotional and energetic processing 

Clients often report feeling lighter, more open, and more aligned after a session, with increased mobility and reduced pain. However, because JFBMFR works
deeply, some people experience therapeutic pain which is a temporary healing response, such as soreness or emotional shifts, as the body integrates the changes. 

The Power of Myofascial Release in Holistic Healing 

Myofascial Release is more than just a physical technique-it's a holistic approach to healing that acknowledges the connection between the body, mind,
and energy. By addressing fascial restrictions, JFBMFR can help restore balance, alignment, and vitality, allowing for true, long-term healing. 

At Angel Touch Healing, we believe in treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. Our combination of Myofascial Release, Reiki, intuitive bodywork, and MyoMassage provides a comprehensive approach to healing chronic pain, emotional tension, and energy imbalances. By addressing both physical and energetic restrictions, we create a space for deep healing and transformation. 

If you've been struggling with chronic pain, emotional tension, or postural imbalances, Myofascial Release or MyoMassage could be the missing piece to your healing journey. 

By:  Caroline Apostolos,  LMT - JFBMFR Therapist  - Reiki Master 

For centuries, many women have been told to prioritize caring for others, often at the expense of their own well-being. This phenomenon has been normalized as a job or obligation, leading to a lack of awareness about its potential health consequences. We must break the cycle of teaching young girls that their primary objective is to be likable and accommodating. We must refrain from glorifying the notion of doing it all and start honoring limitations and self-care. There is a lack of understanding that a woman who has been conditioned to please others while sacrificing her own needs will eventually develop a body that rebels against her. A body that bears the marks of the secrets and betrayals she has lived through. All these secrets and memories are stored in our womb/uterus.

The womb, a multifaceted organ, embodies physical and spiritual dimensions. It supports fetal development and childbirth while also providing emotional and psychological support by housing powerful memories and offering intuitive guidance and self-worth. Every encounter, whether loving or not, leaves an energetic imprint in the womb, influencing women’s emotional, mental, and spiritual health.

Across cultures, the womb is revered as a sacred center of power and creativity, symbolizing the birth of ideas and connection to the divine feminine. Understanding this is crucial during the transition from maiden to mother.

Caring for new mothers and providing support to those who have previously undergone this change is a cultural practice that is taken seriously around the world. The belief is that the quality of care during this period can greatly impact future health issues and ailments, encompassing both physical and mental aspects. Therefore, womb care is crucial!

As women who are creating life, our bodies undergo numerous transformations! Hormones fluctuate, our bodies adjust to accommodate new life, and we must nourish both ourselves and the developing human being, all while managing daily tasks and preparing for childcare. That’s a lot!

Not to mention the actual act of childbirth itself, which is amazing. We must all be aware that we cannot magically snap back. It is crucial to give extra love to our wombs and our bodies during this sensitive time.

Womb healing can be a combination of regular postpartum appointments, Doula services and a holistic practice aimed at nurturing and rejuvenating the womb as a central aspect of feminine health. The holistic practice of womb healing, currently being offered at our healing center, involves a range of techniques and approaches, including massage, energy work, Reiki, meditation, and yoni steaming, all designed to address and heal physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects related to the womb. Massages can be a lovely way to care for and nourish the space. Massage, an ancient technique, reunites the woman’s spiritual potential, activates personal healing, and unites the core wisdom of the “ Womb-Heart connection,” allowing access to genuine beauty and profound self-awareness.

Massage provides several benefits, such as hormone regulation, improved circulation, reduced swelling, relief from insomnia, body aches, and pains. Moreover, it can also stimulate milk production in some individuals. Abdominal focus massage can help stimulate uterine contractions to eliminate any remaining matter after childbirth and aid in the settling of the uterus and other organs into homeostasis.

Reiki ( including our signature ReikiMassage) and meditation are excellent tools for finding balance. Womb Reiki promotes healing from within by gently releasing energetic blockages and allowing the free flow of vital life force energy.

To aid with womb healing, we offer Yoni steaming, a healing method used for centuries within various cultures residing in Africa, Asia, and Europe.

It provides both spiritual and physical benefits while using cleansing and replenishing herbs that help the uterus and allow it to continue to shed any remaining fluids known as Lochia, removing bacteria that may cause infection and releasing oxytocin, which is the ‘feel-good’ hormone that can combat postpartum depression.

It’s important to note our wombs deserve care beyond just the postpartum period. The womb, as we explained before, is a source of power and wisdom, a vital part of our energetic system and the foundation of a woman’s inner guidance, holding the key to unlocking her full potential and overall well-being. By connecting with this powerful source of energy, we can tap into our inner wisdom and creativity, allowing us to live a more authentic and fulfilling life. However, if we neglect to address the suppressed emotions and energetic blocks in our womb, it can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and disconnection from our true purpose and joy.

Our womb healing sessions ( Ma Solace sessions) may be beneficial for manifestations relating to:
• Irregular or painful menstrual cycles or manifestations in your womb from endometriosis, PCOS, fibroids, ovarian cysts
• Menopause
• Infertility
• Miscarriage or experienced baby loss
• Hysterectomy and want to connect with your womb
• Preparing for birth and postpartum aftercare
• Those finding difficulty coping with the aftermath of assault
• … And for those of you who are just looking to awaken your divine feminine energy

Remember that there are always steps you can take for yourself, like yoni steaming at home, womb-centered yoga poses or hip openers, meditation or guided meditations found online that focus on connecting with your womb, learning the phases of your menstrual cycles, finding community with other women, and anything else that helps you feel more connected to this space.

As women, we must remember that taking care of ourselves is not selfish. It is our birthright. We are often so focused on caring for others that we forget about our own needs. Let us remind each other to prioritize our own happiness and well-being and to be proactive in our own lives.

For your healing journey, you can always reach out to us. We are trained professionals and a group of women committed to supporting you.

And if you are a mom or a mom-to-be, we wish you a Happy Mother’s Day!

By:  Janea DeLoach, LMT - Reiki Master - Yoga Instructor - Womb Worker

The importance of touch for older adults cannot be overstated, as it plays a crucial role in promoting physical and mental health.

The ‘untouched’ years of seniors are often marked by isolation and loneliness, with many elderly individuals feeling disconnected from society and lacking physical touch. Seniors find themselves living alone or in nursing homes, leading to feelings of isolation and depression. Receiving regular and caring touch, such as massage therapy, can provide relaxation, comfort and the feeling they are not alone.

Many individuals have faced emotional trauma and stress, so the power of touch can also serve as a transformative healer in these situations.

As we age, it is natural for our physical and mental health to change. That doesn’t mean we should accept feelings of uselessness and disconnection as an inevitable part of the aging process. Aging is a natural process that affects us all differently, but it’s crucial to acknowledge its impact on our health and well-being.

Massage therapy alleviates depression by providing comfort through touch, which is especially important when an individual has been deprived of it.

The power of human touch through massage triggers a biochemical reaction that releases endorphins, which can alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety in seniors and improve behavioral symptoms in clients with dementia.

By incorporating massage therapy into their care, senior adults or those who care for them can help improve their overall quality of life.

Some other Benefits of Massage Therapy for Seniors:

1. Increase flexibility and range of motion by utilizing massage therapy to relax aging muscles that have tightened due to inactivity.

2. Easing Muscle and Joint Pain. Massage for the Elderly involves a thorough understanding of the human body and its various systems, particularly the musculoskeletal system. By focusing on soothing rigid muscles and unyielding joints, massage therapy offers a significant reprieve from the discomforts of aging, injury, or chronic pain conditions. The therapy not only helps to soften those tough spots but also increases blood flow, which plays a crucial role in pain relief and healing. A licensed massage therapist is trained to identify problem areas and adjust their technique accordingly to maximize mobility improvements for seniors on or off the massage table.

3. Helps manage chronic pain: Chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia can significantly impact seniors’ quality of life. Massage therapy complements conventional pain management strategies, and research shows it can effectively reduce pain associated with osteoarthritis and muscle soreness after physical activity.

4. Improve circulation: Massage therapy can improve circulation by increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation, which can promote relaxation and reduce discomfort.

5. Arthritic Pain relief: Arthritis, a common illness among older adults, involves the inflammation and sensitization of joints, leading to significant pain and discomfort. Massage therapy, while unable to cure arthritis entirely, can help alleviate symptoms by releasing built-up muscle tension and providing a convenient alternative for stimulation.

6. Mental well-being: Understanding the connection between massage therapy and mental health is crucial, especially for older adults, as it can have a profound impact on their overall well-being. The impact of touch not only soothes but also deeply heals from within, making it an important tool for managing stress and other mental health issues. For those dealing with Alzheimer’s disease, therapeutic massage has been shown to decrease stress significantly, highlighting its potential as a complementary therapy for this condition.

7. Better sleep patterns: Sleep disturbances are a common problem for the elderly, negatively impacting their overall health. Massage therapy sessions promote relaxation and tension release, resulting in improved sleep quality. Seniors who receive regular massages experience more restful nights and increased daytime alertness.

8. Improves balance: Falling is a major concern for seniors as aging can lead to weaker bones and poor posture. By increasing blood flow to the limbs and other areas that help with upright posture, massage can improve proprioception and balance, reducing the likelihood of falling.

9. Boost the immune system: To avoid illnesses and infections, seniors need a strong immune system. Massage therapy enhances immune/boosting cell production, which improves the body’s defense mechanisms. This is especially important in advanced age.

10. Stimulation of the digestive system: Constipation is a common and frustrating issue that many seniors face, but massage therapy has been shown to be a remarkable solution. By stimulating muscle movement, massage therapy can enhance the digestive system, making it easier to go to the bathroom. In fact, studies have shown that elders who receive massage sessions on a weekly basis tend to have better digestive health and fewer issues with constipation.

Massage therapists often customize their techniques to accommodate the individual needs and conditions of older adults, incorporating gentle strokes, kneading, and stretching while considering the potential frailty and sensitivities of aging bodies, thereby ensuring a safe and comfortable experience. Our healing center takes this approach a step further by incorporating Reflexology, Myofascial Release, and ReikiMassage as part of our non-invasive, gentle massage techniques to promote overall well-being and healing.

Massage therapy has been a valuable asset for our senior clients, helping them manage and overcome various physical health issues and providing a sense of relief and comfort due to the hormonal release it triggers. To further amplify the positive impact of massage therapy, we offer a range of complementary practices, including Reiki, Chair Yoga, Qigong, and Meditation, all of which can be combined with massage therapy to provide a holistic approach to health and wellness and ensure a rewarding experience for our clients.

Consult your doctor first to make sure there are no risks in massage therapy based on your existing health conditions. The information provided is intended for information purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.

By: Soraya P Diaz, LMT - Reiki Master - Qigong Instructor

Certified International Energy Healer

Founder Angel Touch Healing Center