One of the most common questions I receive, is whether Reiki can assist with stress. This is probably because stress is one of the most common ailments affecting people today. The answer is a resounding "Yes".
When we are stressed our sympathetic nervous system is activated - that is, our Fight/Flight response. Adrenaline flows, our heart rate quickens, digestion slows, and all available energy is diverted to "fight" the danger or run from it. This is not a problem of course, if there truly is a danger, we can then deal with it in the most appropriate way.
However, most of our stresses these days are mental/emotional stressors. The body's response is the same, but as the adrenaline is not used in a physical manner, it continues to flood our system , and can lead to adrenal fatigue - or burnout in extreme cases. Mostly, people find they just don't seem to be as healthy as they were. Feeling run down, lacking in energy and more likely to succumb to any bugs going around the workplace. The digestive system and the body's ability to heal itself are suppressed, which also causes problems - the "little niggles" grow.
This is where Reiki can help. Reiki serves to revert our system to Parasympathetic dominance - rest and restore mode. Our heart rate slows to normal, our digestive system is back in action and our body's innate self healing mechanisms are activated. We are then able to digest, and assimilate vital nutrients more effectively, we sleep better and our overall energy and vitality are increased. We are also able to fend off the "workplace bugs".
After just a couple of sessions, those suffering from the effects of stress, are calmer, more focused, and better able to hear their own guidance, finding ways to manage their stressors on a more regular basis. As they spend more time in rest and restore mode, they seem to find even more time to do just that, living a much more balanced and healthy life.