Energy Work FAQs: Reiki, Breathwork, and Energetic Healing
Q: What is Energy Work?
A: That’s a big question because the term Energy Work encompasses many different practices spanning many thousands of years!
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, energy healing therapy is a technique that involves channeling healing energy through the hands of a practitioner into the client’s body to restore a normal energy balance and, therefore, health. Energy healing therapy has been used to treat a wide variety of ailments and health problems, and it is often used with other alternative and conventional medical treatments.
Simply put, energy surrounds us in various forms and is intricately woven into the very fabric of our environment. Energy work is a holistic practice that involves a practitioner working with a client’s unique energy fields to restore balance and promote overall well-being. Practitioners use various techniques, such as Reiki, breathwork, and chakra balancing, and combinations of energy work practices to dissolve blockages and encourage the natural flow of energy. This process can help alleviate physical pain, reduce stress and anxiety, enhance emotional health, and support spiritual growth. Energy healing aims to harmonize the body, mind, and spirit, fostering a state of optimal health and inner peace.
Q: Is Energy Work a new thing?
A: Not at all! Energy Work has been practiced for thousands of years, dating back to traditional Chinese medicine, which identified twelve major meridians, or pathways of energy, in the body. Energy healing as a form of chakra balancing has also been used for thousands of years in ancient Hindu culture. Evidence of the concept of chakras dates back to ancient texts from 1500 BCE. Over the centuries, energy healing practices evolved and developed across cultures all over the world.
Q: What are the benefits of Energy Work?
A: The benefits of energy work are numerous and can positively impact many areas of life. Some of the key benefits include:
Enhanced Awareness
Improved Sleep and Relaxation
Emotional Release and Healing
Mental Clarity
Self-Discovery
Spiritual Growth
Breaking Bad Habits
Alleviate Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression
Reduce Muscle Tension
Improved Circulation
Enhanced Immune Function
Q: Who would benefit from Energy Work?
A: Energy work is for anyone and everyone!
We all experience ups and downs and the daily stressors of life, which means we can all benefit from energy healing. At Renew, we work with many different individuals from all walks of life, whether you’re managing your emotional or physical health or have physical limitations or disabilities. We welcome you!
Energy Work can be especially impactful if you’re struggling with mental health struggles, past trauma, injury or illness, or chronic pain. Energy Work is also often a great complement to talk therapy and can help you develop and deepen many of the skills you may learn through traditional therapy.
While Energy Work is generally safe for all people, we of course always recommend speaking to your doctor and/or mental health team about concerns before trying your first session.
Q: What kind of Energy Work does Western offer at Renew?
A: At Renew, our Energy Healing Practitioner Ana Kat, works across a variety of modalities, incorporating various elements of energy healing practices like Reiki, chakra balancing, breathwork, and more into her work.
Energetic Body Healing
With a non-invasive technique Ana navigates the body's energy, dissolving blockages and encouraging the natural flow of energy to promote harmony and wellbeing for both the physical and emotional realms. Ana's gentle approach and intuitive guidance ensure that each individual feels safe and supported throughout their healing journey.
Energetic Injury Recovery
These sessions are specifically designed for injuries and post-surgery recovery. As Ana works with the body's energy system, she effectively optimizes the body's innate ability to self-heal. By promoting balance and flow within the energetic meridians, this holistic approach accelerates the healing process on both physical and emotional levels. Ana’s clients have reported reduced pain, increased mobility, and heightened overall well-being. The harmonization of mind, body, and spirit also fosters a positive mindset, enhancing resilience and motivation.
Breathwork
Breathwork healing taps into the body's innate ability to heal itself by regulating the flow of oxygen and energy throughout the system. Ana will guide you through various breathing patterns and techniques in order to access deeper states of relaxation, release emotional blockages, and promote overall health.
As the connection between breath, mind, and body becomes increasingly recognized, breathwork is emerging as a valuable tool in improving both mental and physical health. Incorporating breathwork techniques into daily routines and wellness practices can provide individuals with a profound sense of calm, clarity, and vitality, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Q: What to expect at an Energy Work session?
A: Every energy practitioner has a unique style and approaches each client with their specific needs in mind. Here’s a general idea of what you can expect during a session with Ana:
Initial Consultation: You and Ana will discuss your needs and goals and talk through some questions as she gest to know you and your personal history and uncovers your strengths and capabilities.
Get comfortable: Get comfortable, fully clothed on the treatment table. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring water to stay hydrated. We provide comfy pillows and blankets.
Use of rocks and crystals: Ana may use certain rocks and crystals to help facilitate her energy work. These elements are used to amplify and direct energy and enhance your experience.
During the session: Everybody’s session is different depending on their state-of-mind, their needs, their goals, and their personal histories. You may find yourself experiencing various sensations like tingling, warmth, cold, or lightheadedness as you begin. You may experience a sense of calmness, relaxation, mental focus, and emotional relief. Many people report having vivid thoughts and images, kinesthesia, pulsing throughout their body, and a deep sense of emotional release. And yes, you might cry (or laugh)!
Post-session debrief: After the session, debrief with Ana, talk about your experience, and listen to her insights and recommendations.
Remember, energy healing affects everyone differently and each session is its own unique journey. Many people who undergo energy healing have transformative experiences, mindset shifts, and a deep sense of renewal.
Q: What if I’m skeptical?
A: That’s okay! We treat lots of people who feel skeptical when they first consider energy healing. Alternative healing and Eastern medicine have become associated with New Age practices and “woo” culture that can feel disingenuous and alienating to many of us.
At Renew, we aim to change that perception by breaking down complex concepts and techniques into easily understandable and relatable terms and emphasizing the evidence-based benefits.
If you’d like to dive deeper, check out this overview of years of research on the science of energy work, or biofield science published in Global Advances in Health & Medicine and this review of research from Frontiers in Psychology which shows that existing studies about Reiki healing suggest it’s more effective at treating things like stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout than a placebo.
We encourage you to come to Renew with an open mind and are happy to answer any questions you have! Trust us, we’ve heard them all!
Meet Ana
Ana's journey into energy healing began at a young age when her father experienced full-body paralysis due to Guillain-Barre syndrome. Growing up in the ICU, she witnessed firsthand the profound impact of love and energy on healing. This experience led her to study Eastern Medicine and integrate diverse modalities into her practice.
With her unique approach, Ana guides individuals toward harnessing their energy through simple yet powerful tools. Her integrative techniques help people connect with their inner selves, fostering personal growth and sparking transformation in a supportive and open atmosphere. Ana encourages sharing your concerns to develop a customized plan tailored to your personal journey.
Testimonials from Ana’s clients
Take a look at feedback from some of Ana’s Energy Work clients:
“I was stuck in life. Overwhelmed with the amount of information on healing. I didn’t know where to begin. She simplified everything and brought back confidence in myself. I felt safe to open up.”
“Did my first Reiki yesterday with Ana and it was amazing. I was so relaxed afterward, my speech was actually slurred. She mentioned that the two chakras that were off balance were my crown and throat. When she explained what they were responsible for, I could not believe it. She was spot on. I am actually working on something that is using those chakras and it made sense why those chakras were off balance. She is sweet, genuine, and authentic. I highly recommend and I will be going back!” - Amber B.
“I had a reiki session with Ana today and it was absolutely amazing! She has a beautiful spirit and energy about her and is so personable. The reiki session itself was incredible and so completely relaxing. I felt so much better and completely calm afterwards. She chatted with me and gave me her notes she had taken the time to write down for me as well along with great actions I could take after I left. I will be back to see her again and check out the rest of her cute and chill-vibe shop. Loved my experience there today!” - Natasha V.
“Ana worked on me after an Ankle Injury. While she was working, I felt like there was a Tens Unit pulsating, It was Intense. When I asked her and saw what she was doing it was just her hands! Wow! I had more movement and felt relief from pain.”
“Where did we just go ?! I feel amazing! I have not been able to feel that relaxed in a group setting before. I am truly learning how to Breathe.”
Schedule Your Energy Work Consultation
Ready to find out how Energy Work can help you on your journey to better health and wellness?
Schedule your consultation with Ana at Renew and get started!
