REIKI
Reiki is a Japanese healing art that uses gentle touch to bring about deep healing of body, mind and spirit. In 1922, Mikao Usui, a Japanese mystic and healer, discovered a way to channel a gentle yet powerful stream of healing energy into his patients that did not deplete his own energy but left his patients feeling at peace and full of renewed vitality. Because of its effectiveness to improve health and well-being, Usui’s healing method has since been passed on from generation to generation in the form of sacred initiations.
The practice of Reiki is based on the concept of harmony between body and spirit. The word Reiki has two characters: “Rei” which means “Spiritual or Universal” and Ki (Qi) which means human life force or energy. When our spirit (Rei), our most subtle “self,” is in alignment with our bodies, then Qi flows harmoniously within our being (see discussion of Qi under “what is Qi”), and we experience radiant health and well-being. Stress, emotional blocks, bad eating habits and lifestyle habits all contribute to a misalignment of spirit and body, and eventually disease occurs. Disease can manifest in the body, for instance in form of chronic illness or fatigue, as well as in the mind, for instance in form of depression and anxiety, and in our emotional bodies, in the form of excessive worry and fear.
Unlike Occidental medical traditions, which treat illness as the main focus of treatment and something to “fight,” the Asian medical philosophies see illness as an opportunity for the spirit and the body to be in greater harmony. In this way, practitioners of the Eastern medical traditions not only assist in effectively curing disease, but they also facilitate within patients a deeper and long lasting harmony of body and spirit.
CUPPING
Cupping is a technique used in many cultures, which aids the body in the recovery of colds and flus. The cupping technique also releases stagnant blood and muscle tissue, thus increasing circulation and reducing muscle tension, especially on shoulders and back.
Tree of Qi uses the ancient method of fire suction and glass cups for maximum results. This technique, while relatively gentle, may produce purplish cupping marks, which are a normal result when stagnated blood is released. These marks generally disappear after a few days. In some rare cases they may last up to a week.
MOXIBUSTION
Moxibustion is a warming technique used on specific acupuncture points and meridians by way of burning mugwort cones. Often called “Moxa”, it’s effects are circulatory, warming and nourishing. Moxa is often used on patients with cold conditions and circulatory issues.
Moxa treatment feels very soothing to the body and for ultimate comfort and results, Tree of Qi uses only the highest quality, pure mugwort moxa.