It didn't take long to relax and reach a peaceful state of mind. As thoughts strayed, I would blank them out by concentrating on the soft music emanating from a CD player in the corner of the room. Though nearly overcome by sleep several times during the hour-long session, I was aware of the practitioner's presence.I did not receive treatment for anything in particular from Detlef Recktenwald, who has helped patients suffering from heart problems, knee pain, high blood pressure, eating and sleeping disorders, smoking and other addictions, depression and even cancer. The Comox resident is neither a physician nor a surgeon. He is a master and teacher of reiki, an holistic technique developed in Japan that increases a person's supply of ki, or energy. Reiki practitioners place their hands at or near locations around the head and shoulders, abdomen, legs and feet. Energy flows from the hands and into the client's body and energy field. The result is a deep form of relaxation, peace and well-being that taps into a higher consciousness. Recipients will feel energized after a session. "Reiki is a universal life force," Recktenwald said. "Your life will turn to your highest benefit. Reiki is good for physical issues, mental issues and emotional issues."Recktenwald, who hails from Germany, said spiritual help saved his life on two occasions, the first occurring as a child when he nearly drowned. In his early-20s he noticed he could see and hear things that others could not, marking the start of a journey to help others in spiritual healing. Later in life, after moving to the Comox Valley, he learned reiki through a mentor.Reiki energy allows muscles to relax and increases blood flow to treated areas, thereby expediting the body's innate healing process. Every so often clients experience miraculous results. Reiki has made inroads with the medical community since being introduced to the West in the 1930s. According to a study, it improved hospital patient sleep by 86 per cent, and significantly reduced pain, nausea and anxiety during pregnancy. While it isn't a "heal all," Recktenwald said reiki is more of a way to support the body.It can also spawn immediate results. A friend of Recktenwald's, for example, enjoyed immediate relief in his sore knee after a few sessions. He also recalls treating a woman with high blood pressure. When he placed his hands on her head, the woman's husband remarked how long it had been since he had seen her relax. "I helped her quite a bit," Recktenwald said. Aside from physical benefits, reiki can also replace anger, fear, worry and sadness with feelings of self-worth, confidence and tranquility. It can also be administered to animals."You can give reiki to anything," Recktenwald said. For more information call Recktenwald at 250-339-0641 or visit sites.google.com/site/okishamanreiki. There will be a reiki circle Saturday, May 5 at 3892 Royston Rd. It includes teaching and treatments. A $20 donation is suggested for a 30-minute session. reporter@comoxvalleyrecord.com
