The Facts About Reiki with Donna Cioffoletti

Donna Cioffoletti has been practicing Reiki for 20 years, with 19 years as a Reiki Master. She took her Reiki I Class March 1999, Reiki II class October 1999 and the Reiki III/Master Class in June of 2000. Donna has taught Reiki to nurses, social workers, cosmetologists, and various business people.  

She likes to joke that “this New York Italian is helping people calm down!” 

Thank you, Laura Armbruster of Smooth Transitions Cleveland, for inviting me on this journey with you. Determining whether to move or downsize is a major decision in our lives and can be especially difficult. Whether it's moving parents to a facility or relocating and downsizing for a job, it is overwhelming. Laura is a kind and compassionate lady that I have known for 3 years now. I have never seen her lose her cool, and she always quickly comes up with solutions.

Laura invited me to write about the positive benefits of Reiki and how it can assist you with stress. I hope I can help you learn something new today!

What Is This Thing Called Reiki? 

I’ve heard this question many times, and here is the answer. Reiki is an Asian philosophy of stress reduction and relaxation technique for adults, children and animals.  

Reiki is gentle touch over specific meridians of the body starting at the head, working down the body to the throat, shoulders, hands, stomach, hips, knees, feet and back. When my hands are placed over the various meridians (about 2 inches from the body), my focus and concentration are in the moment. 

Each meridian receives approximately 3-5 minutes of focus. Reiki will be received in that area and flow throughout the body. Some clients feel heat, some feel energy, some fall asleep, and some claim they don't feel anything.

What is a Session Like?

Clients stay dressed, but we ask that you take off your shoes. There are many ways to receive Reiki; all hand positioning can be modified to suit individual needs. The most common and basic is lying on a massage table for either 30, 45, or 60 minutes; the amount of time is up to the client. We use a zero-gravity chair for those who are unable to lie flat on a table. I have also given Reiki to those in wheelchairs and those who are bedridden.   

You will be in a quiet, peaceful, calm, spa environment, wearing a headset while soft music plays, promoting a very quiet atmosphere and reducing outside noises. We also use essential oils, but keep in mind the client may have allergies; those questions are asked when scheduling appointments. 

Why is it Beneficial?

Let's face it: unfortunately, we all are busy, stressed out, etc. Taking time for ourselves is a necessity for self-care and self-love. After all, if we are stressed out, exhausted, cranky, and burnt out, how are we going to take care of our loved ones? Reiki is a fabulous way to proactively maintain our health, wellness and energy in a spirit, mind and body connection. It is a method of "putting the oxygen mask on ourselves first, and then helping others."

Over the years I have had the honor and privilege of working with many cancer patients, caregivers, bipolar patients, migraines/headaches sufferers, Autistic children, those with cerebral palsy, PTSD sufferers, and much more. Dogs, cats and horses have also been my clients. 

The animals take to Reiki so much faster than humans. My own rescued beagle will be 16 years old in August. They told me in 2011 that he would not be around much longer and that his arthritis would only get worse. As of 2019, he's still with me. 

Hopefully, I have sparked in you to pay attention to your spirit, mind, and body connection. Remember: where the mind goes, the body will follow. If you are constantly thinking negative thoughts, your body will follow. 

THINK POSITIVE AND HEALTHY THOUGHTS AND YOUR BODY WILL FOLLOW. NAMASTE!

Looking for more information or have a question about Reiki? Get in touch with Donna through her Facebook group, Instagram page, or email her at [email protected].