Provider Profile: Teresa Aramini, Level II Reiki Practitioner

Written By Matt Larson |

American medical practices are, for the most part, pretty black and white. Get sick–get examined–get medicated. Eastern medicine takes a slightly different approach, looking at a person holistically and taking other factors into consideration, such as emotional stress and energy blockage. But just because this holistic gray area is often overlooked in our medical practices, that doesn’t mean it’s not worth a look of our own. Reiki is an excellent example of how to get the best of both worlds.

“Fundamentally, what Reiki does is it creates balance in the body,” says Teresa Aramini, Reiki Practitioner of Reno Tahoe Reiki. “Once the body starts to get calm, relaxed and balanced, then the healing starts to occur.” Reiki targets the same Chakras and meridian lines as acupuncture; the main difference is that hands are used instead of needles. “As the hands go on these parts of the body, the energy starts to move,” Aramini says. “Most people literally start to feel the movement of energy in their body.”

Physiologically, Reiki causes the parasympathetic nervous system to start secreting hormones and enzymes, such as serotonin, which allow the body to relax. “When we get into that state we have our own pharmacy in our body that kicks in and things start to heal,” Aramini explains. “That’s why Reiki works so effectively. It’s really relying on the wisdom of the body, instead of forcing the body to do something it’s not wanting to do.” Medicine, while often effective, is a practice of forcing the body against its impulses.

“There’s certainly a place where western medicine comes into play and is absolutely important,” Aramini asserts. “Somebody who has a physical ailment that a drug will help them with should certainly be taking it.” But she wants to emphasize that there are other options, like Reiki, to utilize as well. “Not everybody wants to have to take another pill,” she says. “And Reiki will not interfere with any medications for treatments that are being prescribed by a physician.”

In November, 2009, Aramini was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Two close friends of hers recommended she try Reiki. “I went to my first Reiki treatment completely in a place of fear, beside myself, afraid that I might not live…and I experienced the most comfort and relaxation from it!” She began practicing it on herself throughout her cancer treatment, and has been doing it ever since. Now, cancer-free, she says, “It’s really changed my life.”

While this may not be the case for everyone, Aramini can tell you one thing about her patients: “When they’re finished, they do have a sense of well-being. They do feel relaxed and calm,” she says. “I don’t think most people leave their doctors’ offices with that sensation at all.”

Reiki works for people of all ages, even children, but they don’t need as much work. “Generally, children deal with their issues right away,” Aramini says. “It’s not uncommon if a kid has their feelings hurt and starts crying right away. As adults we don’t do that. We hold that stuff in and that creates energy blocks.” Once a mother brought her little boy in for treatment; he was very rambunctious. “Within five minutes he started to stop fidgeting and lie there calmly,” says Aramini. After the 10-minute session he asked: “Do you ever just take naps in here? I feel really relaxed!” His mother, in shock, responds to Aramini, “He hates naps…”

Children may take to Reiki more naturally than adults because they don’t really question it and just go with the flow; an open mind is essential for a true Reiki experience. “It’s not for everybody,” says Aramini. “It’s not my goal to change anybody’s opinion. I hope that I can help people the way I’ve been helped. It’s changed my life and I want to show people that it can maybe change their lives as well.”

If you’re still not convinced, Aramini offers a 10-for-10 deal: $10 for a 10-minute session. To schedule an appointment call TrésImage Salon at (775) 323-1414, or visit online at renotahoereiki.com.