By: Deanna Fitzpatrick and Mary Sheppard

Deanna began her journey with Reiki after experiencing nearly two decades of illness. “I had to make a choice, and the choice was to no longer be ill.” The changes she took on included eating better, regular exercise, and finding complementary medicine. One such alternative was Reiki. “I lay on the table for my first one hour session and felt the stresses of my daily life melt away.” Soon after, she discovered that you could take classes that helped you to learn how to do this for yourself and others. “I couldn’t wait to get started. I felt so empowered to take on and commit to something that allowed me to help myselfto heal and be well”. She found a local Reiki Master and began her classes in learning the art of Usui Reiki.

Reiki is an ancient Japanese relaxation technique that utilizes energy. Dr. Mikao Usui re-discovered the art of Reiki in the 1800’s and eventually taught others who brought the art to the United States and countries all around the world. One student of Reiki, Kathleen Milner, remaining true to the essence of Usui’s teachings, incorporating her insights into what is known as Tera Mai Reiki.

During a session of Reiki, the client lies fully clothed on a massage table. The practitioner acts as a channel for Universal Divine Energy. This energy enters the top of the practitioner’s head, travels down through the heart center and into the palms of their hands. The practitioner places their hands nonintrusively on various parts of the client’s body – just a gentle laying on of hands. This work clears the energy centers of the body and works on all aspects of a person, mind body and spirit. Each individual experiences something different. And most individuals experience a sense of peace and relaxation.

When learning Traditional Usui Reiki there are three levels and for Tera Mai there are four. Each level takes you through the various steps of history, self healing and healing of others. The final level gives you the information and education required to teach and pass on the ability to do Reiki
to others.

Mary, also a Reiki Master, practices Tera Mai Reiki. She came to Reiki at a time in her life when she was undergoing many emotional and personal changes.
“I walked around stressed with low self confidence, and I knew there had to be more to life. When I received my first Reiki session, much like Deanna, I felt the stress of everyday life release from my body. I felt shifts within my body that lead me to heal old wounds and learn the beauty of transformation.”

Testimonial:
“When Deanna first suggested that I try Reiki, I agreed reluctantly. My physical energy level and vitality were at an all time low, and I suffered from depression and other ailments that my doctor was unable to find any real cause. I could feel the difference after the first or second session. My energy level increased, my mental state was stable and I felt a peaceful and calming energy throughout my body. During my healing sessions, Deanna also gave me suggestions on how to prevent the same issues or problems from repeating itself over again so that I could begin to heal myself.   My overall well-being has changed dramatically and I now am able to enjoy and participate in my life.  I don’t see the electricity that runs through my house and turns on my lights, but I know it works. The same is true for Reiki healing.”
~Kristi- Wilmington

Alternative Therapy Holistic Center & Massage School was founded by Rachel Lewis, a Nationally Certified, Licensed Massage Therapist in Delaware with over 10 years experience in the massage and bodywork industry. Alternative Therapy’s experienced staff accepts clients at three locations: Newark, Wilmington, and Middletown. Massage Therapy classes are held at the Newark location. For more information or to schedule an appointment visit us at www.alternativetherapyllc.com or call 302-368-0800.

Publisher’s Note:
What a wonderful facility. I have had numerous massages from Alternative Therapy and I can honestly say they have all been great. If you are looking for a wonderful way to relax, or if you need a massage to treat your tired body, the girls at Alternative Therapy can meet your every need. Deanna is also a very skilled Intuitive that impressed us greatly & even gave us comfort in our direction.