When talking with Nettie Harold the week of her retirement from the St. Mary’s County Transit system, The Bay Net was surprised to learn that she was leaving her post to pursue Reiki. As it turns out, her pursuit of the ancient Japanese healing art is more than just a passing fancy, but a way of life – some think, it is perhaps a better way to live in a hectic world.
According to the website www.reiki.org, “Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by ‘laying on hands’ and is based on the idea that an unseen ‘life force energy’ flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one’s ‘life force energy’ is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.”
To learn more about this ancient healing and stress reduction technique, The Bay Net recently revisited Nettie Harold. Accompanying Harold at the interview was Kirk Turner, a licensed massage therapist accepting appointments in Mechanicsville. Harold lives and practices in Solomon’s.
Turner stated that, “massage helps move blood through the body. Blood flow is vital to health.” He went on to indicate that muscles sometimes get toxins trapped within and massage is a great way to get the blood flowing through the muscle to remove those toxins. It also lowers blood pressure, which is also key to good health.
When asked the difference between massage therapy and Reiki, Harold said Reiki is completely different in that it involves only touching. “Reiki practitioners place their hands on the body and help life force energy flow through them. It is nothing I do, but the energy that may be blocked in them flows through me from a higher energy source.”
She indicated that, for her, Reiki is a very spiritual experience.
Turner and Harold have a trade-out agreement whereby they each take turns with the other’s therapy technique. “I can’t wait until it is my turn,” Turner said. He explained that Harold’s free-flowing technique is the most relaxing experience he has ever had and that it is one of the best hours he spends each month.
Reiki and massage therapy are thought by many to be expensive luxuries. However, Harold only charges $50 an hour, far below the normal rate. “When I get more experienced and become attuned into the rank of Master, I will probably raise my rates,” Harold said.
Turner said, “I only charge $60 for an hour and $85 for an hour and a half session.” Both consider their rates reasonable and further believe in what they do.
“We give an alternative to traditional healing that may be very effective for certain people.” Harold said. Turner concurred with the statement.
To learn more about the art of massage therapy or to experience Reiki, give them a call. Turner can be reached in the evenings at 301-884-5830, Option #3 and Harold accepts calls from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 410-610-1333.