Welcome! I’m Aiyana, a Reiki Master Teacher and massage therapist based in St. Petersburg, Florida. I have been in practice for over 26 years, and my work is focused on providing clients with a holistic approach to wellness. I offer Reiki, Thai massage, sound healing, and herbal consultations at my practice, Hand to Soul. I am passionate about helping clients achieve peace, gain awareness of their body-mind connection, and guide them through the healing journey. I am intentional and mindful in my approach and have a deep understanding of the multifaceted nature of healing, as it goes beyond the surface into the layers of who we are—mind, body, heart, and spirit.
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What is Reiki?
Reiki is a Japanese healing technique that promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and enhances the body’s natural healing abilities by laying the hands on or above the body. It is also the spiritual practice of connecting with life force energy, which is a meditative experience in and of itself. The term “Reiki” comes from two Japanese words: “Rei,” meaning “universal wisdom or God’s wisdom,” and “Ki,” meaning “life force energy.” The translation of the word Reiki, therefore, means “spirit-guided life force energy” (translation provided by the International Center for Reiki). It is based on the belief that a universal energy flows through all living things and can be harnessed to restore balance and vitality. During a Reiki session, a practitioner like myself gently connects this energy to the client through light hands-on touch or by hovering the hands above the body. This helps to support the flow of energy throughout the body and promote emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being.
The Benefits of Reiki
There are many benefits to receiving Reiki. It supports overall health, is a mindful practice, and helps clients emotionally as well. Here are some of the many ways Reiki can support your well-being:
- Stress Reduction: Most clients who see me for Reiki are there because they need to decompress from stress. Reiki helps with this by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which sends signals to the body that counteract the “fight or flight” response. This response stimulates rest-and-digest mode, which lowers heart rate and stress hormones in the body. Isn’t that amazing? So the next time you’re feeling stressed, think of Reiki as a tool to help your body move through it.
- Pain Relief: Research has shown that Reiki can reduce chronic pain and inflammation. It does this through the relaxation response activated from receiving Reiki. The body sends out hormones that counter pain and allow the body to feel relaxed. This is one of the ways that Reiki helps the body heal.
- Improved Sleep: By calming the nervous system, Reiki can help improve sleep patterns and combat insomnia. Lack of sleep is a stress response. The body doesn’t feel safe to fall asleep, and innately it stays in a “fight or flight” stress response just in case something happens where it will need to be alert. What Reiki can do is help the body and mind move out of this stress response and into a relaxed, safe place where sleep rhythms are restored.
- Emotional Healing: Unprocessed emotions are stored in our tissues, and over time, they can create tension and stress in the physical areas of the body. This tension creates a blockage where energy cannot flow freely. Reiki supports emotional balance by clearing blocked energy, allowing for emotional healing, healing past trauma, and moving out of an anxious state.
- Enhanced Immune Function: Reiki has been linked to increased white blood cell count and improved immune response. How it does this is so interesting! Our body is connected, and each organ and system are dependent on each other. When we are stressed or not feeling well, the focus of energy in our body goes to those places first in an attempt to bring it to balance. What ends up happening, though, is that this effort made by the body takes resources like white blood cells away from fighting pathogens, making us more vulnerable to catching a cold or getting sick. What Reiki can do is help restore balance back to the body so that it can do what it naturally knows how to do, and that is heal and protect you from germs.
- Energy Boost: Reiki helps re-energize the body and mind, leaving clients feeling more vibrant and focused. It helps clear the mind, and did you know we spend a lot of our energy thinking and worrying about things that haven’t happened? When balance is restored to our mind, we can see things more clearly. I have many examples of clients receiving Reiki and feeling like they have their energy back, are inspired with ideas, and feel that they can take on the world again.
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Research on Reiki
Studies into Reiki’s effects have demonstrated its ability to support physical and emotional health. Research from reputable institutions like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine suggests that Reiki can do the following:
- Promote Healing: Several studies show Reiki can accelerate healing by stimulating the body’s natural energy flow, improving circulation, and reducing stress hormones.
- Reduce Pain: A study published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management found that Reiki significantly reduced pain and anxiety in patients undergoing medical procedures.
- Reduce Anxiety and Depression: Reiki has been found to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in a variety of studies, providing a holistic and natural alternative to conventional treatments.
- Support Cancer Treatment: Research has indicated that Reiki can be a beneficial complementary therapy for cancer patients, helping to reduce stress, pain, and fatigue during treatment.
What Reiki Is Not
While Reiki is a powerful tool for relaxation, stress reduction, and emotional healing, it is important to understand that Reiki is not a substitute for medical treatment or therapy. Here’s what Reiki is not:
- Not a Cure for Disease: Reiki does not cure physical illnesses or diseases. While Reiki can support the body’s natural healing processes and promote overall wellness, it should not be seen as a replacement for medical diagnosis, treatment, or medication prescribed by a healthcare professional.
- Not a Treatment for Mental Illness: Reiki is not a replacement for professional mental health therapy. While Reiki can help alleviate stress and emotional blockages, it does not address the underlying causes or provide the specialized care required for mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or other psychological disorders. Please understand that it is important to seek guidance from licensed therapists or counselors for mental health concerns, as this falls outside of my scope of practice.
- Not a Quick Fix: Reiki is not a one-time solution for ongoing health or emotional challenges. As much as I understand that we need results right away, Reiki works by supporting the body’s natural energy flow, and its benefits are often cumulative. This means multiple sessions over time are often necessary to experience lasting results, and often inner healing work done at home on a regular basis is needed as well.
- Not a Substitute for Professional Healthcare: Reiki is a complementary therapy to traditional medical treatments; however, it should never replace necessary medical or psychological care. Always consult with your healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns, and use Reiki as a supportive, complementary practice to enhance what you are doing with your healthcare providers.
Reiki is best used as a holistic approach to improving your physical, emotional, and spiritual health alongside conventional treatments and therapies. It is a tool for self-care and relaxation, not a cure for serious conditions.
What to Expect During a Reiki Session
I offer Reiki healing in St. Petersburg at my practice, Hand to Soul. When you arrive for your session, we will briefly talk about your concerns and your reason for coming in. This helps me tailor the session to your needs. Once we’re ready to start, you will remain fully clothed and lie on a comfortable massage table. The room will be serene, with calming music playing and aromatherapy to enhance your relaxation.
I will place my hands lightly on or above specific areas of your body, such as your head, shoulders, heart, or feet, where the energy flow can be most beneficial. You may feel warmth, tingling, or a sense of deep relaxation as the energy flows. Some clients describe feeling a profound sense of peace, while others may experience emotional release or vivid imagery. Some clients don’t feel anything but still feel relaxed.
Each session is tailored to your unique needs, and I encourage you to communicate your intentions for healing, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual.
About Me
I’m Aiyana Fraley, a Reiki Master Teacher and massage therapist with over 26 years of experience. I found Reiki many years ago when I needed to heal from difficult emotional experiences. The practice transformed me in such a profound way that when I came out the other side, I finally felt like myself again—a true version of what I had known before. I know what Reiki can do because I’ve lived it myself and continue to use it as a daily spiritual practice that helps me connect with the Divine and live a life of service and compassion. I believe in the power that compassionate and intentional touch can have on the body’s natural healing processes and the help it brings to clients in achieving balance in their lives.
I’ve created a little sanctuary here at Hand to Soul that is nurturing and peaceful, where you can relax, heal, and reconnect with your true self. I’m here to guide you on your healing journey and support you with the services I provide.
Location
Whether you’re a local or visiting the area, I invite you to experience reiki healing in St. Petersburg at my practice, Hand to Soul, located at 4554 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33711. I am conveniently located in the heart of Central St. Petersburg, just minutes from Treasure Island and downtown St. Pete. There is ample parking, and my space is welcoming and tranquil, providing the perfect environment to help you unwind.
Book Your Reiki Session Today!
I look forward to helping you find balance, relaxation, and healing with the power of Reiki. Book your session today.
Reiki Healing FAQs
Reiki is a gentle, holistic healing technique originating from Japan that focuses on channeling universal life force energy to promote relaxation, stress reduction, and overall well-being. Universal Life Force Energy is a form of energy that brings vitality to the body. When our body is under stress or when there is illness, there is a depletion of this energy in the body. This energy helps the body to regulate itself and maintain balance or homeostasis. The idea is that when you receive reiki during a time like this your body regains its innate ability to regulate itself and bring it back into balance. Thus, healing itself. The practitioner of reiki is simply a conduit of the life force energy to move into the recipient and the healing occurs within the body’s own intelligence.
Reiki works by balancing and harmonizing the energy centers located at major organs and nerve cluster within the body, supporting its natural ability to heal physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
During a session, you’ll relax onto a massage table while or sit comfortably while the practitioner places their hands lightly on or just above your body, allowing the energy to flow where needed. You might feel warmth, tingling sensations, or deep relaxation during the session. Clients remain fully clothed during a session and are given blankets and pillows for comfort. An eye pillow is placed over the eyes to support you in relaxing.
There’s no specific preparation needed for a reiki session. It’s beneficial to wear comfortable clothing and arrive with an open mind, ready to relax and receive the energy. Some people find it helpful to set intentions or relax with deep breathing before the session.
The number of sessions varies based on individual needs and goals. Some people experience immediate benefits after one session, while others may benefit from a series of sessions to address specific issues or achieve deeper relaxation and balance.
Absolutely. Reiki is a complementary therapy and blends well with other holistic practices or conventional medical treatments. It can enhance the effectiveness of other therapies and contribute to overall well-being.
Reiki is generally considered safe and non-invasive. It doesn’t have any known adverse side effects. However, it’s essential to communicate any medical conditions, concerns, or ongoing treatments with your reiki practitioner before the session. It’s also important to note that reiki is a complementary therapy modality and not a substitute for medical treatment.
Reiki promotes relaxation, reduces stress, supports the body’s natural healing process, enhances overall well-being, and fosters a sense of inner peace and balance. Clients do experience specific outcomes from a reiki session which include improvement in sleep, clarity of mind, deeper connection with their higher power, emotional healing, reduced fatigue, and pain relief. We believe each client receives what they need for their body to balance in a session and the depth of imbalance and amount of time a client is in this state can play a role in the outcome of the reiki session. We must start somewhere though, and from there we can work together to help your body regain its ability to heal itself.
Reiki isn’t tied to any specific religion. It’s a spiritual practice that focuses on universal energy and is accessible to anyone, regardless of belief system. With this said, I do believe in God and pray and connect to the creator of the Universe during a reiki session for the health and well-being of each client.
Yes, reiki can be performed remotely, transcending physical boundaries. Distance sessions are equally effective as in-person sessions.
Distant reiki sessions are as effective as in-person sessions. Prior to your session, we’ll discuss your concerns by phone, text, or email and address any questions or concerns you may have. For new clients, we’ll review the information provided in your intake form.
At your appointed time, find a comfortable space—whether it’s your bed, a cozy couch, or a chair to relax on. We’ll schedule the session during a time when you’re relaxed or asleep, and I’ll do the Reiki treatment during that time. Similar to in-person sessions, experiences vary person to person. Typically, recipients report experiencing a profound sense of peace and relaxation.
Yes it can. Reiki complements conventional medical treatments by supporting the body’s natural healing abilities. It’s a great complement to other therapies.
Yes, Reiki is generally considered a safe and non-invasive healing practice. It’s gentle and doesn’t involve the use of any medications or invasive procedures. It promotes relaxation and is typically well-tolerated by individuals of various ages and health conditions. However, it’s essential to note that Reiki is a complementary therapy and not a substitute for conventional medical treatments. As with any wellness practice, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional regarding any specific health concerns or conditions.
In short, no, reiki does not heal. Reiki provides the body and mind with the necessary life force energy or vitality the body and mind need to regulate itself and restore harmony within the mind and body. Think of reiki as the sunshine nurturing a plant. While the sun itself doesn’t make the plant grow, it provides the essential energy needed for the plant’s growth and vitality. Similarly, reiki doesn’t directly heal, but it acts as a nurturing energy, providing the body and mind with the vital life force needed for self-regulation and restoration of harmony within. Reiki functions as a supportive energy, aiding the body and mind in their natural ability to restore balance and well-being. There are studies that indicate positive health outcomes for patients who receive reiki.
When considering reiki or any holistic practice in relation to personal beliefs, it’s essential to follow what aligns with your spiritual or religious convictions. Reiki is an energy healing practice that doesn’t adhere to any specific religious dogma. It’s a gentle, non-invasive technique focused on promoting relaxation and well-being. It is much like meditating but with reiki your meditative state is guided by an experienced practitioner. Practitioners are focused on peace and creating an environment that fosters peace. The intention is never to manipulate or change your energy or to pull or cut cords or energy, rather it is a deep surrender to peace. When that deep state of peace is reached, the body enters an environment where it can function to its highest capacity. Cells and organs can heal because they are no longer in a state of stress or fight, flight or freeze stress modes.
If you’re uncertain about whether reiki aligns with your religious beliefs, it might be helpful to consult with your spiritual advisor or religious leader. Discussing your concerns can provide clarity regarding any conflicts between reiki and your religious beliefs.
Some individuals find that Reiki complements their spiritual practices and enhances their overall sense of connection and well-being, while others may feel it doesn’t align with their beliefs. Ultimately, the decision to try reiki should be guided by your personal beliefs and comfort level.
It may also be helpful to know what religious beliefs the practitioner has and whether that aligns with you. Although I do not limit myself to working with clients solely of my religious faith, I am a practicing Catholic and I believe in Jesus Christ as my Lord and savior. All healing comes from him.
Reiki is not a form of witchcraft. Reiki is a holistic healing practice originating from Japan that focuses on giving universal life force energy to the recipient for relaxation, stress reduction, and well-being. It’s not associated with any religious beliefs or rituals.
However, while reiki itself isn’t witchcraft, it’s important to note that there are individuals who practice both reiki and witchcraft separately or can mix them together in a reiki session. These practitioners may integrate various spiritual practices into their lives that may not be aligned with your faith or belief system.
To differentiate between reiki and witchcraft, it’s crucial to understand their fundamental principles and practices. Reiki operates through gentle touch or near-touch to the body to promote relaxation and healing. It does not involve spellcasting, incantations, rituals, divination or the manipulation of another person’s will or energy which are all associated with witchcraft.
If you’re considering a reiki session but have concerns about its association with witchcraft, it might be helpful to talk to the reiki practitioner beforehand. Understanding their approach and ensuring alignment with your comfort level is essential.
Ultimately, reiki is a gentle and non-invasive healing modality aimed at promoting relaxation and well-being, separate from the practices and beliefs associated with witchcraft.
Here at Hand to Soul we do not practice witchcraft and highly advise clients to stay away from it and practitioner of such practices as they are not aligned with the Divine.
The short answer is God’s love. To explain further, when practitioners channel universal life force energy, also known as ‘Ki’ or ‘Chi,’ which is believed to be the fundamental energy that sustains life, this energy is believed to be God’s love. It comes from the Source of all Creation as nothing else can sustain life than that which created it. This energy is all around us and within us, and the practitioner serves as a conduit, allowing this energy to flow through their hands to the recipient.
It’s essential to understand that the energy channeled during reiki sessions is not associated with any specific religious deity, meaning we are not channeling God. However, God or other terms used to describe the divine is the universal love that guides reiki healing. Reiki is a spiritual practice focused on energy balancing, emphasizing universal life force energy, whereas God, across various faiths, is often perceived as a divine, omnipotent being. Reiki energy is not omnipotent or divine, it is life nurturing energy that comes from God or the divine.
In reiki, the energy channeled isn’t directed by the practitioner’s will or intention but flows naturally to where it’s needed most within the recipient’s body, mind, or spirit. It’s a subtle and gentle energy that supports the body’s natural healing process.
While some individuals may feel a spiritual connection during reiki sessions.
However, we do believe that the intelligence and direction the life force chooses to take to promote the balance within an individual or a spontaneous healing received comes from the divine source of all creation.
