About Energy Medicine
Each molecule in your body consists of atoms: a nucleus surrounded by protons, neutrons, electrons. Energy. Without this energy you would not be able to measure a heartbeat or a brainwave.
So energy then, is a vital life force that runs through you, surrounds you, and connects you to everyone and everything.
Yes, you are energy.
As with any form of energy, you are in a state of constant vibration or movement as energy circulates through your system, ideally in perfect balance.
But life isn't perfect, is it?
Daily life experiences and challenges impact your energy field and can create imbalances.
Your body’s natural ability to maintain balance is truly amazing, but without support, over time, energy imbalances can stack up. Chronic stagnant energy weakens your aura, chakras, or energy channels, eventually resulting in physical, mental, emotional and spiritual challenges.
Illness, injury, and disease are your body’s way of getting your attention so you can take the necessary actions to re-establish balance.
Whether you book Reiki, Energy Insights, or Craniosacral Therapy session, energy medicine aims to intuitively identify and release the underlying blocks to restore the flow of energy and promote rapid healing.
Yet, I do believe you are spirit in a body.
While I do my best to answer your frequently asked questions below, there is an element of mystery with intuitive energy healing that I will never be able explain!
Work with me to experience the magic for yourself.
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Craniosacral Therapy
Soothe your nervous system.
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Reiki Energy Healing
Channeled energy healing.
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Energy Insights
Intuitive reading & energy clearing.
Reiki FAQ’s
Remember your magic. You’re magic.
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Reiki (pronounced ray-key) is a Japanese energetic healing technique developed by Mikao Usui in the early 1900’s to facilitate physical, emotional, and mental wellness. Reiki is a high vibrational, subtle energy that surrounds and runs through all of us. Although the endless source of Reiki energy is accessible to us at any time, your Reiki practitioner has been directly attuned to the specific energy vibration and trained to channel and direct it appropriately. That said, once channeled, the Reiki energy flows to where it is most needed combining with the recipients own energy system to establish balance.
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Since Reiki promotes our body’s ability to heal, it has been reported to have beneficial effects on almost all forms of illness. This includes minor issues such as wounds, aches and pains, insect bites, bleeding or inflammation, common colds or flu, stress, mobility, blood pressure, insomnia, sleep apnea, tension and more. Used in compliment to Western medicine, Reiki is effective for more serious illness including anxiety, depression, heart disease and even cancer. Reiki can also facilitate healing after surgery, reduce the effects of chemotherapy, improve immune response, deepen our spiritual and social connections, promote relaxation, provide a clearer sense of purpose, increase creativity, aid with goal manifestation, as well as help in overcoming challenges.
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Distance Reiki allows you to receive a Reiki treatment from home. A Reiki Practitioner (Level 2 attuned and trained) channels and directs Reiki energy to a recipient at any distance, including on the other side of the globe.
Although the experience is indeed different, many people, prefer this method of healing as it can be very deep. Since we are less guarded when alone, and communication between our physical energies is removed, we are more open to receiving the energy through a clearer Spiritual channel.
Distance Reiki sessions are ideal if you cannot travel, are sick, or simply would prefer to skip the commute and remain in the comfort of your own home.
Our remote Reiki session is similar to in-person Reiki except that our discussion before and after the treatment will take place via a video call. You will need to dedicate time for the appointment where you can be relaxed, receptive, and undisturbed; I will hold space for Reiki to open, energize, and balance your Chakras just as if we were together.
There is an element of mystery with Spiritual healing work that I will never be able explain. What I do know is that while we may be physically separated, we remain very much connected in light.
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After a brief consultation, your Reiki Practitioner will channel energy by lightly placing their hands on or above various energy centres on your body helping to clear any blockages and facilitate a more energized and balanced system. You will remain fully clothed on a treatment table with a blanket and, often, soothing music for added comfort. Although you may communicate with your Practitioner during the session, Reiki is most effective when you are relaxed. It is not uncommon for recipients to fall asleep and indicates a deep healing is underway. Have an active mind? Don’t worry, all you need to be is open to the experience for Reiki to do its work.
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In addition to deep peace and relaxation, experiences vary widely. Some report physical sensations such as tingling, temperature changes, or movement within the tissues themselves (i.e. gurgling, twitching). You may see colours, patterns, or connect on a more psychic level. Emotional release, sighing, sneezing, or coughing are also common. It’s possible you may not perceive anything unusual. If you experience any discomfort, which can be a sign of energetic release, it is always best to let your Practitioner know so they can better support you. What you feel, or don’t feel however is not a marker for the success of your treatment. More importantly, assess how you feel after your session and in the days to come.
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Although there is nothing you need to ‘do’ during your session, setting a clear intention along with being open to receiving the energy are the two best ways to ensure a successful session. Water also helps your system process the energy and release any toxins, so hydrate both before and after your treatment. Last but not least, relax. Arrange for the day of your treatment to be a little less busy and get a full 8 hours of sleep; this will help you enjoy the longer lasting effects of Reiki.
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It is most common for people to feel relaxed or energized after a Reiki session. However, Reiki may feel subtle, yet be very potent. With the intense rebalancing that can take place, detox symptoms may occur.
Should you experience exacerbated symptoms – intense emotions, irritability, muscle soreness, nausea, headaches, dizziness, digestive upset, or stomach aches for example, know that this is a normal and temporary part of your healing cycle.
These symptoms indicate that a very deep level of healing is underway as your body releases accumulated toxins, old emotions, and outdated patterns.
A self-care routine following your session will help you to integrate the high frequency energy and quicken the body’s detoxification process.
Drink LOTS OF WATER, and eat healthy, light meals.
Detox with an epsom salt bath or foot soak.
Interact with nature.
Get lots of sleep.
Rest or light exercise as your body needs.
As long as fatigue is not a symptom, exercise can help flush out your system.
Journaling about your experience can be very helpful for processing your thoughts and emotions, as is speaking with a counsellor should deeper feelings arise.
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Definitely! Since Reiki is the very same energy that surrounds and runs through every living thing, it is safe for anyone! If you are pregnant, please let your Practitioner know; their approach to your session may be adjusted. Reiki benefits anxiety and pain management as well, so receiving Reiki during childbirth may be helpful. This can be arranged via distance healing or through Reiki training for your partner or advocate.
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Although it’s possible to realize healing in just one session (dramatic shifts can take place), it more likely that you have been holding energy blockages for some time. A series of Reiki sessions is most helpful to fully release, heal, or grow. I may provide specific suggestions, but it is common practice to apply Reiki with 3 sessions over a period of 14-21 days. If needed, subsequent sessions can become less frequent from once a week, to once every two weeks. In many cases, 6 sessions in enough to see resolution of stubborn blocks.
The exception would be in the case of chronic pain management or terminal illness. In these cases, adding Reiki to your regular healing routine with on-going sessions is best.
For general maintenance, I recommend 1 session per month.
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No, absolutely not. Please adhere to the advice of your licensed medical doctor or practitioner. Reiki is best used as a compliment to Western medical treatment methods and has been found to enhance the effectiveness of conventional medicine with a reduction in pain and side effects. It is also safe when combined with medications, so it is quite beneficial to holistic well-being. In cases where complete physical healing not be possible, at a minimum, recipients will find relaxation and comfort, or beneficial healing for their mind, emotions, or spirit. Reiki is offered in many hospitals and health care facilities across BC, Canada, and North America because of these recognized advantages.
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While I will do my best to offer a logical, scientific explanation, I will not try to convince you. There is an element of mystery with energy healing work that I will never be able explain.
Simply put, we are comprised of energy. Each molecule in our body consists of atoms: a nucleus surrounded by protons, neutrons, electrons.
Energy.
Without this energy we would not be able to measure a heartbeat via ECG or a brainwave via EEG. So energy then, is a vital life force that runs through us, surrounds us, and connects us.
As with any form of energy it is in a state of constant vibration or movement, circulating through our system, ideally in perfect balance.
Just as a battery has positive and negative ends, similarly so does our body. We have various Chakra centres where energy enters, distributes, and exits; our very own energetic circulatory system.
In our day to day life, we encounter many challenges to our energetic system in the form of perceived trauma or stressful experiences.
Often we are able to process these events and move on towards growth and wellbeing.
However, the opposite is also true and that may lead to stagnant energy flow. With chronic imbalance, the flow of energy becomes stuck and our body overexerts in attempt to maintain equilibrium, often triggering a stress response. With chronic stress, over time our energetic vitality dims and this can lead to various forms of dis-ease.
Reiki is a Japanese healing practice involving light touch (or no touch) that promotes holistic health on a physical, mental, emotional, and/or spiritual level. Reiki techniques are applied to activate, release, recharge, and balance your body’s energetic circulatory system.
When your energy body is in a state of vitality and equilibrium the benefits are boundless. You may heal faster, think clearer, feel happier, sleep sounder, manifest your desires, and ultimately know yourself more fully.
Experiencing is believing.
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I would love to see more research into Reiki. I am aware of two completed studies (see links below), as well as informal research. In recent years, an organization called The Center for Reiki Research, formed to “validate and foster the acceptance of Reiki biofield therapy as an integrative healthcare practice” through scientific research. With the growing popularity of spiritual development combined with the expansion of scientific methods, I expect we will see more research pointing to the effectiveness of Reiki. That said, perhaps what’s most important is whether you feel better with Reiki. If so, perhaps for now, that’s enough - your mind alone provides access to profound healing!
Natalie L. Dyer, Ann L. Baldwin, and William L. Rand.The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.Dec 2019. 1156-1162. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/acm.2019.0022
Anabela Carraca Ventura and Michael A. Persinger.The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.Aug 2014.649-653.
http://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2012.0909 -
Reiki is not religious, rather, it is a spiritual practice. Practitioners are encouraged to make their own choices regarding their religious (or non-religious) beliefs and practices, and to respect yours. Some Practitioners may call forward Angel beings; this does not necessarily imply a religious sentiment, but more so, a belief in higher vibrational energy forms that we all have access to.
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Yes, I love working with animals (and their humans too)! An Energy Shift Healing Session or Distance Targeted Reiki Session are ideal for supporting pets, but I recommend contacting me to discuss your pets needs before booking. Shorter, remote (distance) sessions are best for animals as they are extremely sensitive and naturally move energy very quickly.
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Leigh is qualified to teach all levels of Usui/Tibetan Reiki (1, 2, Advanced, and Master) both online and in-person. Our class sizes are very small, allowing for individualized attention. Click here for more information, dates of upcoming Reiki classes, or to request a private course.
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Yes, you can learn Reiki online, and Leigh at Ancient Cedars can train and attune you!
Not all Reiki Teachers have the additional training or attunement to facilitate online learning. Leigh has received the ICRT recommended upgrade attunement along with the required instruction and training to teach classes and conduct attunements as a Usui/Tibetan Online Reiki Master Teacher. This supplemental training was provided by renowned Reiki Masters William Lee Rand with Colleen Benelli through the International Center for Reiki Training and facilitates Leigh’s connection to a stronger Reiki energy aiding remote attunements.
As part of your level 2 Reiki class with Leigh, you will also gain a connection to this more powerful Reiki energy to improve your effectiveness when offering distance Reiki sessions.
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Anyone! Reiki is available to all of us, all the time, and with training and direct attunement to the energy via a Reiki Master Teacher like Leigh at Ancient Cedars, you can learn to channel healing energy as well. Check out our Reiki classes here.
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Yes, Reiki was initially practiced as a form of self care. With Level 1 Reiki training and direct attunement to the energy via a Reiki Master Teacher, you can learn to treat yourself. Check out our Reiki classes here.
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In the Usui/Tibetan system of Reiki, as I am formally trained, there are four levels - 1, 2, Advanced, and Master Teacher. Sometimes levels 1 and 2 are combined into a single course. Typically, a Reiki Master will refer to themselves as ‘Master Teacher’ upon teaching and attuning their first student. Check out our Reiki classes here.
Have questions not answered here? Contact me.
Energy Insights FAQ’s
You’re not lost. You’re here.
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While many psychic intuitives work with divination tools (oracle/tarot cards for example), I typically do not. Instead, I enter a grounded, meditative state, tune in to your spirit for direction, and read your energy field (auric layers, chakras, energy channels etc.) using a variety of techniques. I am clairsentient (empathic), clairvoyant (seer), and clairaudient (hearer), so I gather information through sensations, colours, symbols, sounds, visual scenes, and at times, a deep knowing.
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There's no way to know for certain, but really, that's the magic of energy work - being curious. Curiosity leads us towards truth and eventually helps us learn to trust in our higher self, our spirit, our divine energy to guide us. Still not sure? That's ok. Hold onto what resonates, let go of what doesn't, and stay curious. A few days, weeks, or months down the road you may surprise yourself when something you questioned suddenly makes sense!
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I truly don't really know, but energy exists whether we can see it, feel it, or hear it. It can be moved using our intention, our mind, our heart, and by employing a variety of healing techniques I have learned and practiced over many years. My belief is that focused intuitive energy work combined with your intention to heal are the true catalysts for restoring balance. As we say, “where attention goes, energy flows”.
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I can, but for ethical reasons I won't (not without their permission). Instead, I look at the energy of your relationship dynamic and offer insight regarding your role in the relationship to help you navigate the challenges.
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While your spirit may offer wisdom or guidance as it relates to future events, I do not make predictions. You have free will, and your choices do impact your future. You could leave the room following your reading, turn right instead of left, and suddenly you are on a new path with a different set of future events. So to me, it is much more helpful to focus on the energy of now and empower you as a co-creator of your own life.
That said, your energy field does prepare for potential future events (i.e. things you are manifesting), just as it can show the impacts of past events. So, it is possible I will relay an insight that makes no sense to you on that day, however, in the upcoming weeks or months, you may begin to see the truth behind that message.
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I do not offer advice, no. However, I can look at the potential energies around the options available when weighing a decision. In the end, you have to live with your choices, so it's better you be in the drivers seat when making them.
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Sometimes a behavioral pattern is identified that you may not feel ready to recognize or begin working on. You are in charge of your energy and I won't move anything from your field if you don't feel ready to make that shift.
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Think of an energy block (or shall I say lesson) as an onion. An onion has layers upon layers. When I help you clear an energy frequency, we might peel away 1 or 2 layers, but there may be other layers of learning that still need to play out through your life experiences. Healing happens in cycles and it can take time (sometimes a lifetime or more) to heal a deeply engrained pattern, ancestral wound, karma, or healing contract. It doesn't mean you're not growing.
Remember you are living in a physical body, made of denser energy than your 'un-seen' spiritual energy. When you shift a layer of old energy, your body has to integrate the new higher frequency energy that filled that void. Move too much, too fast, and your body suffers. BUT, I do believe your spirit knows how much you can safely shift at once and knows when its worth healing a big chunk despite the potential you might get sick. Your spirit is ALWAYS in charge and nothing will happen that you're not ready for.
Remain curious, open minded, and committed to you healing. Allowing for further self-exploration following a session will benefit you the most because, truly, healing is an inside job - no one can do it for you. I can help you shift things more efficiently, with more awareness, and with precision, but ultimately you heal you.
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Simply, you are detoxing! As uncomfortable as it feels, it's actually a really good sign that you cleared a big block of energy and now your body is integrating the shift to a higher frequency. It is a normal and temporary phase of the healing cycle, typically 2-3 days, as you release accumulated toxins, old emotions, and outdated patterns. For ways to support yourself, refer to the aftercare page.
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No, absolutely not. Please adhere to the advice of your licensed medical doctor or practitioner. Energy medicine is best used as a compliment to Western medical treatment methods.
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While it may feel subtle, these sessions are highly potent. Energy Insights may bring to light unconscious patterns, guiding you towards further self exploration following a session. As such, I recommend waiting at least 2 weeks to 1 month before your next reading. In the meantime, should you wish to continue with energy work, consider a Reiki or Craniosacral session instead. Short, inexpensive Energy Shift Healing sessions are also great to keep you in the flow between readings.
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At this time, no I don't. However, my colleague, Sharon Coombs is an incredible psychic medium!
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Like everyone, I was born with intuitive abilities. I recall psychic experiences as a child and young adult, but I didn't foster my gifts and they became buried. As I began to explore energy work, my gifts resurfaced. I sought out teachers, learned ancient techniques via the PM1 and PM2 programs with Intuitive Mind, practiced a lot, and am committed to continue learning and honing my skills for the rest of my life.
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Everyone should know how to shift their own energy! For formal learning, please see my recommendations on the Community page.
PS - I am currently working towards offering mentoring sessions to guide you in experiencing foundational intuitive techniques all practiced through meditation. Stay tuned!
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Yes, I do work with animals. If you want an energy insights reading for your pet, contact me to determine the best session option.
Have questions not answered here? Contact me.
Craniosacral Therapy FAQ’s
A door just opened, grow through it.
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While many massage therapists offer Craniosacral Therapy (CST), no it's not like a massage. Craniosacral Therapy combines gentle adjustment techniques with an intuitive, energetic approach. The weight of a CST practitioner's touch is about that of a dime – so, very, very light. In my opinion, too light to claim that we are physically moving bones, tissues, or fluids. Rather, CST focuses on facilitating the body's natural healing process. Unlike a massage you remain fully clothed throughout the treatment.
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While CST techniques do focus on the head and spine, healing the craniosacral system balances the nervous system and has an effect on the entire body.
In addition to treating headaches, migraines, and neck or back pain, Craniosacral Therapy can reduce or relieve your chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, stress, anxiety, digestive issues, TMJ dysfunction, post concussion syndrome and more.
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I apply the adjustment techniques to various areas of your body, including your tailbone, stomach, chest, throat, neck, face, and head to restore normal movement, vitality, and function.
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In Craniosacral Therapy the weight of the practitioner's touch is about that of a dime – so, very, very light. In my opinion, too light to claim that we are physically moving bones, tissues, or fluids. Light touch is simply one method to create a container of awareness within your body.
After successfully trialling my distance CST methods with remote clients, I have come to understand that CST is not unlike other energy healing modalities which are commonly practiced without physical contact. I believe that focused intuitive energy work combined with your intention to heal are the true catalysts for restoring balance. As we say, “where attention goes, energy flows”.
As a trained psychic energy healer with a formal education in Kinesiology, I combine my anatomical knowledge with my intuitive ability to sense what is taking place physically, emotionally, and energetically while employing a variety of methods to create a container of awareness for your healing. Based on my observations and client feedback, remote Craniosacral Therapy offers the same benefits as in-person healing to soothe and rebalance your nervous system.
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When your symptoms are exacerbated, I recommend a Craniosacral Therapy treatment 1-2 times per week. For maintenance and prevention, schedule a session bi-weekly or on a monthly basis.
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No, Craniosacral Therapy sessions with me are not covered by insurance.
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I continue to evolve as a Craniosacral Therapist through on-going training with Kari Toft at Visionary Craniosacral Healing in Vancouver, BC.
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At this time I do not have the specialized Craniosacral Therapy training to work with babies nor pets.
Have questions not answered here? Contact me.
You are your own master healer.
Ancient Cedars Reiki & Wellness