The Reiki Wellness Project for VETS goal is to provide Reiki as a relaxation tool to directly address emotional, physical and spiritual needs of soldiers their families, and Carggivers living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) . The PTSD Wellness Project evolved out of an idea to provide Reiki sessions to victims of Domestic Violence, and those served by Middle Way House in Bloomington, IN. The Reiki Wellness Project will offer free Reiki sessions and education for to Veterans, their families and Caregivers living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). We hope to begin providing free Reiki sessions and Reiki Wellness Education before June of 2009.

According to the American Forces Press Service, "A revolutionary treatment program here is demonstrating "little miracles" as it gives new hope to soldiers afflicted with post-traumatic stress disorder ………..Click to read article. Reiki is a non invasive biofield practice. It is an ancient, gentle, non-invasive Japanese healing energy practice. Reiki is utilized by individuals and hospitals around the world for its support in healing the mind, body and spirit. Although research continues in an attempt to understand how Reiki works, that is still unclear, but the results are measurable. A Reiki practitioner is a vehicle for the flow of energy. The National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD, and other hospitals have documentation showing that Reiki helps reduce stress and facilitates relaxation which helps improve health and general wellbeing, which enhances the quality of life. There are no known side affects; a person cannot get too much Reiki energy. Everyone who chooses to can learn to work with Reiki energy, including children. For most, the relaxing effects of a Reiki session are immediately obvious as clients leave with a heightened sense of well being. Some of my own clients compare it to the effects of having a massage, only there is no manipulation and you keep your clothes on; others feel like it is the deepest meditation they have ever achieved. A Reiki session catalyzes the body's natural ability to heal and enhances the effects of conventional medical practices and other complementary healing arts and therapies. During a Reiki session, Practitioners place their hands on or near the person to transmit "chi" or "ki," which is believed to be life-force energy, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NIH). The Reiki Practitioner is a conduit for the energy. One does not have to have a specific belief system to experience the benefits of Reiki. Reiki is for all people and all beliefs. In the practice of Reiki, it is the intent to bring the love of the Creative Universal Life Force (Great Spirit, God, Universal Intelligence, The One, Positive Force) to all for healing. Click for resource information about Reiki.

Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to this wellness effort in support veterans and their families in our community.

Veterans for America Servicemembers Survival Guide a Must-Have for Every Military Family Veterans for America delivers an early holiday present to our nation's military families: "The American Veterans' and Servicemembers' Survival Guide," a 599-page guidebook every veteran should own. And there's no need to worry about being naughty or nice, because the VFA Santa has made the ebook available to everyone as a free download. Download the whole thing at once, or choose only those of its 28 chapters you most wish to read first. (Specific recommendations for PTSD issues are found as a subchapter in Chapter 3: Service-Connected Compensation [pdf]. I've excerpted a portion in extended to give you an idea of what you can expect to find in this vital survival guide.)

CEREMONIES & RITUALS

For many, creating and participating in a ritual helps make it eassier to approach letting go of thoughts, painful experiences, and attitudes that weigh us down and use up our energies. Patricia has been involved in personal ritual and ceremony making for over two decades, and is available to assist you in developing personal ceremonies to acknowledge lifes changing moments. Contact me to make an appointment!

Visit Reiki Gifts/ Healing Gifts where you can purchase Affirmation Bags, Reiki Healing Dolls and Kits, Reiki Stone Amulets, Custom Prayer and Blessing Quilts, Art, Chakra Jewelry, Quilters Comfort Tea, and other wellness products.

"When you learn a craft, practice it. That learning comes through the hands." Rumi

The Reiki Sourcebook