self-care

If you are considering taking a Reiki class, it’s important to know that the attunement you will receive is a profound spiritual healing that cleanses the body, mind, emotions, and spirit. Initiation into the healing art begins a powerful cleansing process that releases toxins and negativity and often lasts for 21 days. Keeping this is mind, some students choose to prepare themselves in advance. This is not at all necessary, but may provide an easier transition afterwards. As always, it’s important to follow your intuition when making decisions.

Removing toxins from your diet and lifestyle will help minimize detox symptoms (headaches, digestive upset, fatigue, aches and pains) and allow you to more fully channel Reiki healing energy. The purer your system is, the higher vibration your energy is, and this creates a clearer channel for Reiki to flow through. Once again, this is completely optional, but will boost your ability if you feel guided to do so. Some students, myself included, decide to implement these suggestions into lifestyle changes to supercharge their Reiki abilities. Your intuition will let you know what is best for you.

Consider reducing or eliminating for a minimum of three days prior to your attunement unless you have a medical condition that prevents you from doing so:
- all animal products due to the toxins, hormones, and antibiotics found in these foods
- coffee and caffeine
- processed foods
- alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana
- sugar, sweets, and chocolate
- TV, radio, and newspapers especially media portrayal of violence
- gossip
Consider adding to your daily routine as much as possible:
- meditation, or quiet time for contemplation
- fresh, organic, local fruits and vegetables, especially leafy greens
- moderate exercise
- time in nature
- meaningful connections with loved ones
- gratitude practice (write three things you’re thankful for each night in a journal)
- adequate rest
- creative expression (sing, dance, paint, play, write poetry- whatever makes your heart sing!)
I suspect that once the initial discomfort of making the transition passes, you will notice an improvement in your overall energy, mood, and comfort level. You might even notice that it feels really good to only choose healthy, high vibrational foods and activities. If you’re like me, you’ll begin to feel the negative impact of toxins and heavy emotions and opt to avoid them when possible. Or, you might have no interest at all in this process, and that’s perfectly fine as well. Reiki operates through the intentional activation of anyone who has received an attunement from a Reiki Master. These suggestions are just icing on the cake.
Preparing for Reiki Attunement

If you are considering taking a Reiki class, it’s important to know that the attunement you…
Yesterday I was once again reminded that healing the spirit is the only true remedy. I had an incredible pain in my back throughout most of the day. It felt like my left kidney was trying to escape my body. The pain was dull and constant until I moved; then it was sharp and startling. I was so grateful for the gift of Reiki; otherwise I might have been lured into seeking a cure on the physical level that would have been ineffective and perhaps even injurious. No amount of ibuprofen can fix a spiritual wound. Massage or stretching might have provided temporary relief, but not actually have addressed the deeper issue.

So I sat with my discomfort and dug deeper. What was happening? How was I feeling? Well, I was worried about an event that night. I felt concerned that it would be difficult for me to remain in my integrity without creating disharmony. I was expecting to see someone who triggered me deeply and might challenge me to either suppress my truth or create a bit of an unpleasant scene. Neither of those options were acceptable to me at this venue. This awareness made all the difference. It was an impossible situation and I wanted to attend nonetheless.

I remembered that in Chinese medicine, the kidneys are related to fear. Worry and concern are mild forms of fear. I also recognized that the pain was in my third chakra, the seat of personal power, which was clearly out of tune due to these circumstances. My mental/emotional misalignment created a physical pain in the corresponding area that had nothing to do with my muscles. This discomfort was not at all related to what I did or did not do that morning in yoga class or how I slept or moved.

So, knowing this, what to do? Well, I gave myself a Reiki treatment, focusing on the mental/emotional symbol as well as the painful area. I was gentle with myself, acknowledging that it really was an difficult situation and that I was courageous for being willing to show up anyway. I created a strategy for how to handle any unpleasantness and came up with the response, “I’d rather not discuss this now. It is my sole intention to focus on the celebration at hand.” I accepted that it was a temporary condition and that it would be over soon enough. I gave myself permission to leave early. And guess what? It worked! No, the pain did not disappear immediately; the energetic misalignment was still present due to my remaining anxiety. But my awareness shifted and I no longer felt powerless. The sharp pain dissolved completely and the dull pain lessened. And after I got home, I treated myself to a long sunset walk and a hot bath and the next morning I felt 95% better. Thank you, Reiki!

Uncovering the Truth

Yesterday I was once again reminded that healing the spirit is the only true remedy. I…
Once again I have been reminded why it is that I love my work so much. Helping people release stress has a huge impact on their daily lives, allowing them to be healthier, more productive, more joyful, and more vibrant. Today I gave a therapeutic massage to a professional young woman who is very active and in the midst of planning her wedding. To say that she is busy and stressed is a huge understatement. This was her second session with me. After realizing the immense benefit of the previous treatment, she decided to make massage a part of her health care regime.

During our check-in today, I asked about her headaches. She looked at my blankly for a beat, then a huge smile spread across her face. She had completely forgotten that her primary complaint three weeks again was extreme neck tension that led to frequent and severe headaches. After just one massage the headaches had stopped completely. What a tremendous blessing! We still have a lot of work to do to create balance in her muscular structure, but the gift of living without the dread or pain of an aching head was great progress.

I do my best to educate my clients of the benefits of scheduling regular massages to stay ahead of the tension. For many people, a monthly session helps them to manage their stress and prevent incidents of pain and debilitation. I have one client who in theory knows this, but seems unwilling to prioritize self-care. She almost always cancels her appointment due to a family or work related situation, then calls several weeks later in great pain. I believe she could avoid the pain if only she got into a regular routine.

I also believe that headaches are a message from our bodies that we need to slow down and take better care of ourselves. If we listen to this message and find a way to get more rest and mediate tension, quite often they simply go away. It really brings me great joy to assist my clients in this process. There is absolutely no need to suffer anymore. Massage is not the only way to manage stress, but it is one of the most effective and enjoyable ways to release tension. I can’t emphasize enough the importance of relaxation for overall health. Let a trained professional help you re-establish your innate well-being and say goodbye to chronic headaches once and for all.

Headaches? What Headaches???

Once again I have been reminded why it is that I love my work so much.…
As I continue to immerse myself in the realm of healing, I am noticing more and more how it all starts with the spirit. As my own personal practice deepens I am uncovering spiritual wounds, some of which are decades, even lifetimes, old. As I work on these issues, repairing the damage from the countless times I abandoned or betrayed myself to please another or gave up on my dreams because they seemed too improbable or difficult, I notice the subsequent emotional and mental distress that developed. As this pain lingered in my psyche, sometimes it settled into my body in the corresponding chakra or organ and caused physical ailments or discomfort.

For example, lately I have been feeling tightness in my neck. When I turn my head there is a crunchy sound and some limitation in the range of motion. Attempts to remedy this from the outside have achieved only temporary results. That’s because it’s a symptom of a deeper issue. Stretching or massaging the muscles feels great and of course is beneficial to the body. However, as I sit with the pain and open to the meaning it carries, I realize it is actually the result of a lifetime of being afraid to express my true self blocking energy flow in my throat chakra. This fear is perhaps justified due to previous experiences, but now it is not serving my highest good and it’s time to let it go. No amount of bodywork will cure pain that stems from spiritual misalignment. Reiki, on the other hand, uses divinely guided life force energy to heal the original wound, and reminds me of my true nature, which is fearless.

As I concentrate on this concept during my daily self-treatment and Reiki meditation, I can slowly feel the tension melting away as my muscles no longer feel the need to protect me from condemnation or restrain me from speaking my truth. I feel chronic low-level stress and anxiety that I’ve come to accept as normal begin to fade as I remember that it is safe for me to speak my truth. I am growing to realize that many people will not care to hear what I have to say, and that’s just fine. I’m not saying it for them, although if they are ready, my words might benefit their well-being. I am speaking the words I do for me, because it is my path to share the wisdom I receive from Spirit, whether it is received or not. Interestingly enough, as I freely communicate from the heart, I am discovering the path to recovery from all that ails me. Truth is medicine and as I tend to my spirit, all else is healed.

It Starts with the Spirit

As I continue to immerse myself in the realm of healing, I am noticing more and…
In honor of the blossoming summer, I feel inspired to offer a special to support people in letting go of anything that weighs them down. Summer is a time for lightening up, feeling playful, and having fun. Even for grown ups! What better way to enjoy the warmer weather than by shedding excess baggage, worries, or unwanted habits?

I am offering a series of long-distance Reiki sessions designed to do just that. When purchased by 6/30/14, a package of four will cost only $120. Regular price for this package is $150, making this a savings of 20%. Long- distance Reiki treatments are an energetic rebalancing and may be received from the comfort of one’s own home, anywhere in the world. This is part of the magic of Reiki; healing energy is not encumbered by the limits of time and space. The four sessions may be scheduled anytime within six months of purchase. Check out my post on long-distance Reiki if you’d like to learn more about this amazing technique.

Also, for my local friends, I am offering a complimentary Aura Cleansing with any 60 or 90 minute Reiki treatment. This is an excellent way to clear your energy field of any unwanted influences. It supercharges the release of blockages that prevent us from becoming our most healthy, most luminous, most magnificent selves. Many energy healers, myself included, believe that disease and imbalance begins in the aura and over time solidifies into the psyche or the body. Releasing the beliefs and energetic blueprints which make us unwell allows the body to return to its innate vibrant, healthy state. Support your true self by letting go of anything that no longer serves you, and feel how this helps you lighten up. Good for any session booked in June or any gift certificate purchased by 6/30/14 and used within six months.

To sign up, contact me at pamelahipp@massagetherapy.com. Or check out my website Luminous Heart Massage & Reiki for more information.

June Specials

In honor of the blossoming summer, I feel inspired to offer a special to support people…
It’s my goal to illustrate the broad range of possibilities each and every one of us has to use Reiki to improve our lives on a daily basis. Sure, a full treatment with a professional practitioner is an amazing, transformative event, but setting the intention for healing throughout the day, and boosting it with a blast of Reiki has a synergistic effect, transforming our lives from the inside out.

We don’t need to rely on someone else, or the formality of lying down for an hour to receive the benefits of Reiki. It can be incorporated into our daily flow and used to support our goals, whatever they may be. So I lovingly present to you this less-than-comprehensive list of the ways I casually use Reiki to improve my mornings.

1. Upon waking, I do a quick body scan. If I notice any aches, I take 3-5 mins to place my hands on that area and visualize golden, healing light releasing any blockages or toxins or limiting beliefs that may be contributing to my discomfort.

2. Upon rising, I sit for a moment on the edge of my bed, and flow Reiki into my aura, filling myself up to capacity with the white light of unconditional love. This serves as an energetic force field, protecting me from negative energies; only love may now enter my energy field.

3. While washing my face, I beam Reiki through my eyes into my reflection in the mirror. I acknowledge that I am a spiritual being with the essence of pure consciousness and that I am divinely loved and guided. I take a few seconds to work on a blemish beneath my eye that my dermatologist calls a “barnacle” (yuck! no thank you!) that is benign but unattractive. It is shrinking over time.

4. I Reiki my toothbrush for good dental health. (If I were a person who showers in the morning, while shampooing, I’d Reiki my brain for focus and clarity, and then every inch of my body, along with the soap and hair products, and the very shower head so that I would be rinsed clean with the purity of healing energy. I do this at night before bed, but there’s no reason it can’t be done in the morning.)

5. I bless my tea kettle and the water within to nourish my cells with Reiki healing energy.

6. I Reiki my wallet to attract the abundance and income I need to follow my Divine Life Purpose and enjoy my life to the fullest.

7. I Reiki my calendar so that everything flows smoothly in Divine Order, for the highest good of all.

8. I take a short walk to the ocean’s edge to say a prayer for the day. I place my hands on my heart adding the intention that my prayer be boosted by Reiki. (Yes, indeed, I am very lucky in this regard! Prayers can be offered anywhere, I just so love the water that it adds an extra “oomph” to my prayers. And by the way, it was by Reiki’ing my prayers that I manifested such a lovely home!)

9. While there, I take a moment to channel Reiki to my friends and family who are in need of healing, love, or support. (Level 2 Reiki classes teach a long-distance symbol which boosts the capacity to transmit energy to those who are not geographically present, but I truly believe that it can be done by Level 1 practitioners who intend to do so from the heart center.)

10. I invoke Reiki energy during my seated meditation to clear any blockages and allow me to be fully present in silence and stillness so that I may know myself, my truth, and the Will of the Divine.

11. I beam Reiki through my eyes as I am preparing my breakfast (and my lunch which I usually do simultaneously) and intend that I will receive Divine Nourishment through this food to sustain me physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Now, you may be thinking that there’s no way you have time for all of this! It has taken me a decade to perfect this morning ritual by analyzing my priorities, experimenting with different techniques, and noticing the extreme benefits of following through. This is the devotional practice that allows me to be my very best, to feel good in my body and good about myself, and to be fully charged to be of service throughout the day.

The point that I especially want to make clear: the addition of Reiki doesn’t take any extra time. It merely comes from the intention of adding healing energy to what I am already doing. You could wake up, bless a cigarette and a pot of coffee and three donuts with Reiki, and you would be more aligned with your Higher Self, more energized, more centered and grounded than if you just smoked, caffeinated, and stuffed your face.

Reiki can be a wonderful addition to virtually any lifestyle. I encourage anyone who is remotely interested in holistic health, spirituality, well-being, or living a life filled with peace, love, joy, truth, and freedom to explore the possibility of taking a class and receiving the attunement so that you may fill each day and your heart with Reiki. And watch as you are gradually motivated to spruce up your morning routine and make the time to connect with yourself and the divine. Just wait and see how it spills out into every area of your life.

11 Ways I Use Reiki Before Breakfast

It’s my goal to illustrate the broad range of possibilities each and every one of us…
A friend of mine recently informed me that she had hurt her knee playing sports. She was calling to cancel our plans to try out a new dance class that night, and instead wanted to rest, ice the injury, and elevate her leg. The massage therapist within me applauded her efforts at covering all the best remedial bases. The Reiki Master within blurted out, “Did you Reiki it?” This is my primary and immediate response to every unplanned event in my life. Mosquito bite? Reiki! Dating mishap? Reiki! Bicycle accident? Reiki, Reiki, Reiki!!! After a short pause, she replied, “No. I think of Reiki as something for other people.” I gently suggested that while she was practicing good self-care for her physical self, that she add some energetic healing to the mix for accelerated recovery.

Well, she did, and her condition was improved enough to not cause her to cancel a camping trip, and several days later, the pain was completely gone. Needless to say, I am a huge fan of self-treatment. Not a day goes by that I don’t use Reiki for myself several times. Before I even get out of bed, I thank the Divine Creator for another day, a good night’s sleep, and my own life. I send Reiki to any achy parts or emotional discord, and also send Reiki to the rest of my day to ease any upcoming stress or difficulties. I Reiki my teapot as I turn it on, moisturizer as I apply it to my face, and whichever crystals I decide to wear that day for therapy. I Reiki my breakfast as I prepare it, my yoga mat as I unroll it, my shower filter as I undress. Let’s not forget my water bottle, the watering can I use for my plants, my vehicle, my laptop, my cell phone. I’m not joking! Everything in my life gets blessed on a regular basis.

Sometimes I get caught up in the busy-ness of my daily life and temporarily forget my connection to Reiki. I haven’t lost it, as that’s impossible, but I do become unaware. It is in these moments that anxiety or irritation creeps in, that I find myself rushing and break a dish or stub my toe, or yel profanitiesl at my computer. Fortunately I am so tuned in to my emotions and mindful of the guidance system they offer, that when I find myself feeling less than peaceful, joyful, and loving; I know I have forgotten my truth. I have forgotten that My Essence is the Light of Pure Consciousness and that I have the power to channel Divine Love whenever I wish. Every time I wake up to this delicious fact, it just takes a moment to set the intention to return to Reiki awareness, and boom! I’m back in the flow. This is the reward for anyone who wishes to become attuned to Reiki; the connection to this healing, spiritually guided energy is always available to us, no matter what. We just need to remember to connect to what is already, and eternally, there.

Reiki, It’s Not Just For Other People!

A friend of mine recently informed me that she had hurt her knee playing sports. She…
I really enjoy working with clients who are plagued with frequent headaches or migraines. I know how debilitating this condition can be, and when someone is nursing an aching head, it seems to dull all aspects of life. It really is a joy to watch a person sink into relaxation as the pain begins to dissipate. Frown lines are erased and an expression of serenity emerges. The vast majority of clients I see while working at a spa are visiting the area, and it is unlikely that I will see them again. I don’t really know, or even expect, that the results they experience are permanent, but offering temporary relief and the hope that change is possible is a gift in and of itself.

Triggers for headaches are numerous. Dehydration is perhaps the #1 culprit, and obviously water is the cure. However, massage can still be of use in these cases by stimulating the release of toxins and relaxing tense muscles that build up due to the pain. Hormonal imbalance is another frequent contributor to headaches. Once again, I believe bodywork can be helpful through detoxification (a healthy liver can better clean the blood of excess hormones) and deep relaxation can counterbalance the excess of adrenaline and cortisol many people experience in their daily lives. Often clients claim stress itself is the source of their headache problems. This is where elevating relaxing massage to the level of health care maintenance can be of true benefit. Staying ahead of the stress is the most effective way I know of to prevent headaches (along with drinking plenty of water and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption).

Migraines seem to be a bit more mysterious than headaches. Science is still trying to understand this incapacitating condition. Many people become aware of hormones or certain foods as triggers, and are able to utilize this knowledge to prevent migraines. Others seem to be at the mercy of unpredictable onset. I still believe that whatever the actual trigger may be, lowering overall stress can help prevent migraines, or at least diminish the frequency, intensity, and duration of them. It seems the body can handle a certain level of stress, and if people are able to keep their stress below the threshold, they have a much better chance of avoiding this painful condition.

I’ve found that about 90% of my clients who complain of frequent headaches or migraines have congestion and tension held in their faces and heads. No big surprise there. I spend a good deal of time exploring the scalp for trigger points and stuck fascia and almost always am rewarded with a deep breath or sigh. Often times I find a hot mess in the small muscles at the base of the skull which, when given the opportunity, unwind themselves spontaneously. Tension around the temples and the jaw is very common, along with extreme tightness in the neck and upper shoulders. It’s not difficult to find the spots that need attention, but the unhurried pace, patience, diligence, and gentleness necessary to achieve release are necessary qualities that are easy to overlook.

My advise to anyone who suffers from frequent headaches or migraines is pretty basic. It involves lifestyle changes that eliminate, or at least manage, the contributing causes. Hydration, posture, exercise, stretching, and finding outlets to release stress and anger are the obvious solutions for many clients. Sometimes a change in diet is helpful when allergies are the trigger. Fresh air and avoiding chemicals which are all too prevalent in household products may also help.

I find it’s much more effective and empowering to teach clients how to prevent pain than causing them to rely on bodywork as the sole remedy. Of course, massage is a tremendous tool that belongs in the overall program. Reiki is super-effective too, especially when there is an emotional, mental, or spiritual contribution. (And there almost always is, but that is another topic altogether…) Pain is an indication that something is out of balance. I encourage people to address the imbalance at its source rather than struggling to alleviate the symptoms.

Bodywork for Headaches & Migraines

I really enjoy working with clients who are plagued with frequent headaches or migraines. I know…
For the past year, I’ve been experiencing chronic achiness and occasional pain underneath my left shoulder blade. I’ve tried a wide variety of treatments such as massage, Reiki, cranio-sacral, acupuncture, and chiropractic adjustments. I’ve practiced yoga nearly daily, and concentrated on releasing mental/emotional issues that no doubt contributed to the problem. Yet the discomfort persisted. As a bodyworker, I’m well versed in muscle anatomy and body mechanics. As a yogini of twenty years, I consider myself to have a fair amount of body awareness. This issue was both frustrating and humbling, as I judged myself for not being able to “fix” it. Also, it was beginning to cost me money in the form of lost revenue when I was too tired or achy to do a massage.

Yesterday I participated in a one hour posture clinic that was taught by a yoga teacher whose knowledge of alignment is spectacular. I was re-introduced to my estranged serratus anterior. This is not a well-known muscle as it is barely accessible from the outside. It is however, an important postural muscle and essentially attaches the scapula to the rib cage. The simple act of bringing my awareness to this neglected area of my body enabled me to create more balance in my torso and allowed my scapula to rest comfortably on my back. I enjoyed a wonderful bike ride home feeling like I fit together correctly once again.

Later in the day I noticed an enhanced ability to transmit healing Reiki energy to a client as I wasn’t distracted by discomfort in my body. My neck and thoracic spine self-adjusted while I was doing some gentle yoga before bed and I slept deeply and woke refreshed. I know that posture is a constant battle of awareness vs. gravity and bad habits, and that I have a lot of work ahead of me. Yet today I am delighted that my pain is diminished by 90% and I have a new tool to help myself. I am overjoyed to have yet another reminder that comfort is the reward of creating balance and that lasting change comes from the inside.

Shoulder Pain Vanquished

For the past year, I’ve been experiencing chronic achiness and occasional pain underneath my left shoulder…