The Holiday Season is meant to be joyful, but If you feel added stress, you are not alone. The holidays can also bring up negative thoughts and feelings and increased stress due to added commitments, financial strains, travel, and increased grief and sadness over those we have loved and lost. Spending time with others and focusing on positive memories from the past may help.

Minimize Stress for a Healthier Immune System. When we feel stressed and anxious, the adrenal glands release the hormone cortisol. Cortisol functions to reduce inflammation in the body, which is good, but over time, these efforts to reduce inflammation also suppress the immune system. Chronic stress results in high cortisol levels and reduces the body’s natural response to fight viruses and bacteria, making you more susceptible to colds and flu. Relaxation and adequate sleep help lower cortisol levels and support the body’s immune system.

Got Stress?? If you experience negative stress in your life, consider de-stressing with relaxation techniques. A session of Reiki (ray-kee) can create a more relaxed mind and body, helpful for decreasing stress.

“Every session is different, but every session is wonderful.”  ~ G.F. Gloucester MA

Other methods to help decrease stress and better support the immune system include – acupuncture, art therapy, exercise, massage, meditation, mindfulness, music therapy, tai chi, and yoga.

Remember if you feel stressed or sad this holiday, you are not alone! Seek emotional support. Talk to family and friends. Professional counseling may be in order. Talk to your physician; ask for a referral.

“I feel whole again.” ~ Veronica W. Salem MA, after her Reiki session.

In Need of Relaxation? What to enjoy the company of others? Interested in trying Reiki? Join me and other Reiki providers this coming Wednesday (December 16th) and sample Reiki. Those new to Reiki enjoy a Special Holiday Offering at the Lahey Danvers Outpatient Center – $10.00. Enjoy the peace, comfort and calm Reiki provides. Contact me to find out how – info@dreamtimewellness.com.

Reiki Ryoho (a Japanese Healing Art/Method offered through light touch) is part of integrative therapies available at the Pain Management Center at the Lahey Healthcare Outpatient Center in Danvers.

Monthly Reiki Clinic (3rd Wednesdays) – Half-hour sessions $20.00. To register for a session email bheidger@nhs-healthlink.org. Or call – 978-304-8601. Location – Lahey Danvers Outpatient Center. 480 Maple St. Danvers, MA. Pain Management Center.

Private Reiki sessions also available weekly. Discounted sessions available for those in treatment for cancer, seniors, veterans, patients and employees of Lahey Hospitals and Medical Centers. For more information or to schedule a private session email – info@DreamtimeWellness.com.

A Reiki session typically consists of lying on a massage table, fully clothed while the provider provides light touch. Sessions may be offered without touch if a client prefers non-touch. Sessions are often conducted in a quiet setting, with soft lights and soft music to enhance the relaxation. Shorter sessions of Reiki can be offered while sitting in a chair, as with seniors and for cancer patients during treatment for cancer.

“Some Reiki is better than no Reiki.”  ~ Mrs. Hawayo Takata, the Japanese Reiki Teacher credited with bringing Reiki to the West.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) –

• Reiki appears to be generally safe

• Reiki should not be used to replace conventional care or to postpone seeing a health care provider about a health problem.

• To ensure safe and coordinated care, tell all your health care providers about any complementary health approaches you use.

“The pain in my head is gone.” –  J.L. (referred by her doctor for complaint of persistent migraine headache.)

The response to stress can be physical and emotional tension that causes headache, back pain, difficulty sleeping, increased alcohol and other substance use, being easily angered, feeling depressed, and having low energy. Chronic stress can lower the immune response and cause inflammation leading to chronic disease such as high blood pressure, endocrine, gastrointestinal, metabolic, autoimmune, and mental health disorders.

The opposite of the stress response is the relaxation response.

Whether you have as Reiki session as supportive care before surgery, for pain management, during cancer treatment, or general stress management the relaxation provided has potential health benefits, including –

• Improved comfort
• Improved mood
• Increased calm
• A greater sense of well-being

For a healthy mind and body, seek emotional support from family and friends. Professional help is available – Talk to a psychologist. Ask your physician for a referral.

Other methods to relax and de-stress include  – acupuncture, art therapy, breathing relaxation, dance, exercise, massage, mindfulness, meditation, music therapy, prayer, and yoga. Find a relaxation technique that is effective, affordable and fits into your schedule. Even better – learn relaxation techniques that you can use daily. 

All Levels of Reiki Training are Available  – Reiki First Degree/Level 1 focuses on the daily use of self-Reiki for self-care. Part of Reiki Practice is twice daily reflection upon the Reiki Principles from the Founder of Usui Reiki Ryoho, Mikao Usui Sensei of Japan – Just for Today…, Anger Not. Worry Not. Be Grateful. Work Diligently. Be Kind to Others.  Positive affirmations to think about and live throughout the day.  Contact me for information on upcoming classes and introductory talks. 

However you choose to relax and support your immune system, gift yourself or a loved one a gift of relaxation this holiday season and enjoy a healthier, happier holiday!

GMG contributors, readers and FOB – SAVE $20.00 on any sessions of Reiki or Hypnotherapy, Reiki Training and Gift Certificates at Dreamtime Wellness™ now through the end of the year.

Wishing you a healthy, happy and peaceful holiday season,   ~ Karen

Sources and More Information:

• Effect of Reiki therapy on pain and anxiety in adults: an in-depth literature review of randomized trials with effect size calculations. Thrane S., Cohen SM. Pain Manag Nurs. 2014 Dec;15(4):897-908. Epub 2014 Feb 28.
• Effects of Reiki therapy on pain and anxiety in patients attending a day oncology and infusion services unit. Birocco N., et al. Am J Hosp Palliat Care. 2012 Jun;29(4):290-4. doi: 10.1177/1049909111420859. Epub 2011 Oct 13.
• Holiday Stress. APA. 12/2105.
• Introduction to Reiki. 
• Use of self-Reiki for stress reduction and relaxation. Bukowsi, EL. J Integr Med. 2015 Sep;13(5):336-40.

   

  Karen Pischke B.S.N., R.N., C.C.R.N. Alumnus. Certified Hypnotherapist, Tobacco Treatment Specialist, Usui Reiki Teacher/Komyo Shihan. Owner/Founder of Dreamtime Wellness™ Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit www.DreamtimeWellness.com. Find us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreamtime-Wellness-/348619611849199

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