Reiki is a Japanese practice that promotes stress reduction, relaxation, and healing. The word “Reiki” means “spiritual guided life force energy” in Japanese. It is a natural and safe method of spiritual healing that anyone can use, including expectant mothers! Inés Godoy Marin is a Reiki Master Teacher and has been treating clients for over 12 years. I had the opportunity to ask her a few questions about Reiki and its benefits for both mom and baby.
Can you tell us a little bit about the practice of Reiki?
Inés: Reiki is an alternative therapy that utilizes the Universal Energy that is all around us. I think the best way to explain it is to focus on the electrical workings in our bodies. Every cell communicates
to other cells in your body through the use of electric connections. Your brain and nerve cells use synapses. Other cells use special areas in the cell membranes to communicate their needs… do they need more nutrients or waste removal? All of these communications are electrical in nature. Reiki energy is focused through the practitioner’s hands into the body of the client. This energy flows through the body’s electrical channels, clearing blockages, aiding communication signals, and giving the body an overall feeling of relaxation.
Clients perceive Reiki energy in many different ways. Some just feel relaxed. Some see colored lights before their eyes. Others feel an electrical tingle or warmth flowing through their bodies. Many feel relief from their physical problems quickly. Repeated treatments (usually 1 hour at a time) can increase the effect, and makes for an ideal complementary therapy for normal medical treatment. Reiki can affect a person’s healing physically, mentally, and spiritually, so it can help facilitate a complete picture of health for the client over time.
What type of training did you undergo to become a Reiki Master Teacher?
Inés: I studied the practice in Caracas, Venezuela, and have been practicing since 1996. I became a Reiki Master Teacher here in Austin,TX a few years ago.
What are the benefits of Reiki during pregnancy?
Inés: Reiki is very helpful in pregnancy. It can help Mom stay relaxed and centered and help alleviate some of those minor (and not so minor!) discomforts. During labor, pain is associated with the back and pelvic area. Reiki used during this stage has been shown to control and lessen pain during labor. This type of therapy has also shown to make delivery easier on the mom and baby. Also, mothers who have had previous c-sections and receive Reiki in later pregnancies show a clear reduction in the need for cesarean surgeries.
Are there any benefits for the unborn baby?
Inés: When a mother has a Reiki treatment, her unborn child receives the session as well. This treatment is wondeful to assist with full development of the fetus. When a mother chooses to have an attunement to complete a level of Reiki the unborn child is attuned as well! Reiki cannot hurt the baby, and so can be used continuously.
Can you use Reiki during all stages of pregnancy?
Inés: Reiki is safe to use during all stages of pregnancy from conception to childbirth. Couples who are having trouble getting pregnant sometimes seek Reiki treatments for their reproductive
problems. Men as well as women have shown benefits from these Reiki therapy sessions.
What does a Reiki session look like for an expectant mom? How long does it take?
Inés: Normally the session time is one hour. The first session takes 1 hour and 30 minutes to allow to get to know the mom and her situation a little better.
Reiki is wonderful for the mother because it makes the contractions milder and it can provide her with a peaceful feeling. As far as post-partum treatment, Reiki is shown to reduce the emotional rollercoaster of adjusting to a new baby. Mothers who have used Reiki during and after pregnancy can better adjust to their babies. Babies are also better adjusted to the outside world when the mother has had Reiki therapy during her pregnancy.
Reiki session rates
First session …………………..$ 50 (1 hour & 30 min.)
Second session & others……. $ 40 (1 hour)
If you are interested in getting a Reiki session from Inés, you can contact her at (512) 560.6525 or email her at inesgodoymarin@gmail.com with any questions. You can also visit her website at www.inesgodoyreiki.net
