reiki

Our physical body is influenced by far more than just movement, contact, or external stimuli—it also responds to emotional and energetic experiences. Communication between the brain and body is a two-way exchange; while the brain sends signals to the body, the body also sends signals back, shaping how we interpret and respond to the world around us.

When our nervous system perceives a situation as dangerous or threatening, it activates the sympathetic nervous system, triggering a survival response—often referred to as “fight or flight.” This state is essential in true life-or-death situations, helping the body maintain homeostasis under stress. However, in moments of rest and safety, the parasympathetic nervous system takes over, supporting optimal body functions like digestion, healing, and relaxation.

Our tissues and cells store memory—both physical and emotional. When stress and trauma are held in the body, it can become difficult for our system to distinguish between actual danger and past experiences that have left an imprint. As a result, the body may remain in a heightened state of alertness, repeatedly activating the sympathetic nervous system, even in situations that pose no real threat. Over time, this constant state of activation becomes exhausting, forcing the body to work much harder than necessary just to function.

Reiki is an energy healing modality that helps calm the nervous system, guiding the body back into a parasympathetic state, where it can heal and function more effectively. It also fosters a deeper connection between the body, mind, and energetic self, increasing awareness of how and when the system is being triggered into a stress response. Awareness is key to change—when we recognize what is happening within us, we gain the ability to respond with intention rather than habit.

Incorporating Reiki into my work as a movement educator has deepened my understanding of the profound connection between emotional and physical well-being. It has given me a new perspective on pain, stress, and how the two are intertwined. I love offering Reiki as both a complement to movement practices and as a standalone healing modality, helping clients reconnect with their bodies in a meaningful and restorative way.