Reiki in Wisconsin

A Letter to Reiki Practitioners About Soul Lightening Acupressure

by Arline Rowden, Reiki Master Teacher © May 1, 2012

Dear Reiki Practitioner:

As a fellow Reiki Practitioner, I’d like to share about my decision to add the complementary therapy, acupressure, to my practice. I’ll also share about the unique form of acupressure that I am studying. It’s taught by Soul Lightening International (SLI).

"Acupressure is the practice of applying hand or finger pressure to specific energetic or conductive points on the body. It is based upon the same ancient principles as the art of acupuncture, except that it uses the softer form of curved finger pressure on the points. Recipients of this work report feeling nurtured and supported." Soul Lightening Acupressure

Soul Lightening Acupressure was developed and refined by Aminah Raheem, Ph.D. She is the creator of Process Acupressure (PA) which facilitates emotional and spiritual awareness during bodywork. She has been teaching this method internationally for more than twenty-five years. Another focus of SLI is Clinical Acupressure (CA) which promotes wellness and rejuvenation by accessing and addressing the vital energies of the body. It is derived from traditional acupressure which uses touch on specific points to release and rebalance the way energy flows through the body.

Process Acupressure (PA) is a simple, yet profound, holistic method that combines traditional acupressure (to a fully-clothed body) with a process approach to consciousness. It facilitates healing and the natural growth process that arises from within the individual. Process skills are taught that facilitate clarity in mind, emotions, and spirit. Soul centered development is emphasized.

Awareness of acupressure points can be very helpful when doing Reiki on yourself or another. Prior to taking an acupressure class with Soul Lightening International in 2002, I had noticed that at times I would feel guided to move my hands slightly at a hand position until I felt an internal “click” or better energy connection. After I learned a number of acupressure points, I began to realize that I was trying to line up with these points so that Reiki was able to flow into the person’s energy system more easily.

A number of my Reiki students have taken acupressure training from Soul Lightening at local classes in the last couple of years, too. They have found, as I have, that running their Reiki and doing acupressure has really enhanced the experience for their clients. It’s also increased their client base as they offered acupressure in addition to Reiki. Of course, when we do acupressure sessions our primary focus is on the acupressure protocol, we just allow Reiki to flow as the person is open to it.

I have been coordinating the scheduling of some acupressure classes in the Madison area so that people who are interested won’t have to fly to the east or west coast to take their classes. The minimum class size is 8 people. So when there are enough people interested I’ll coordinate a class coming into the area (please let me know if you are interested). The class that I recommend first is Clinical Acupressure 1: Basic Applications or CA1.

The CA1 workshop teaches how to use acupressure to balance and energize the whole body and specific parts. Demonstration and practice show the application of formulas for all parts of the body, such as the head, neck, back, face, chest, abdomen, pelvis, legs and feet, arms and hands, and many symptoms, such as blood pressure, constipation, digestive problems, headaches, etc. Participants learn to locate and access more than 35 potent acupressure points. They also receive a clinical handbook and study guide with more than 70 specific acupressure formulas for specific body parts and conditions. Specific point combinations are held with firm, gentle finger pressure as the body, mind and spirit return to balance.

Clinical Acupressure is not intended to replace medical care for serious conditions; however those who receive this method report that it addresses common symptoms easily and effectively, with no harsh side effects. CA is often used to complement more traditional methods such as physical therapy, massage, or nursing. It also stands very well on its own.

After CA1, you might decide to take the Clinical Acupressure 2: Meridians (CA2) workshop to expand your knowledge base. CA2 is an intensive overview of the energetic meridian system used in Chinese Medicine, with a special focus on how to recognize, locate, and access these meridians in your practice. Reiki practitioners have found the study of the meridians to help them to understand energy flows that they may have already noticed in the body when doing Reiki sessions. Reiki works on the etheric level and that’s where we find the meridians as well as the chakras.

After CA2, there is a Five Element Practicum Series, which helps to deepen the understanding of the meridians. At some, point you will most likely want to take the PA1 class, too. During your studies, you may feel drawn to enter the SLI certification program.

If you have not experienced this unique form of acupressure, you may want to schedule a session or attend a Seva Stress Release Acupressure Class for Self-care, Family & Clients. If you have questions or want to be added to a list of people who want to attend classes, please let me know. I highly recommend this form of acupressure, especially to Reiki practitioners.

Sincerely,

Arline Rowden, Reiki Master Teacher since 1990
Certified Clinical Acupressure Practitioner (August 2012)

Please check out the links below for Acupressure, Seva Stress Release Acupressure Classes, Acupressure for Anyone Classes and for Soul Lightening International Acupressure Classes. And feel free to contact Arline for more information or to schedule an acupressure session or register for Seva or Acupressure for Anyone Class.