Longtime Farmingdale resident Janet Lehecka has been involved with the practice of Reiki for over 12 years and is currently the president of the Long Island Reiki Connection (LIRC).

"Reiki is described as a gentle hands-on relaxation and stress reduction technique that helps the body use its own resources to promote healing and well being," explained Lehecka. "The name Reiki means universal life force. It is an energy-based technique and uses the energy of the universe, the practitioner and the client to promote well-being. Everyone can benefit from Reiki. The intention of the Reiki practitioner is always that of seeking the highest good for the client."

It is believed by those in the field that after a Reiki practitioner is attuned by a Reiki master teacher, within seconds the Reiki energy will enter the practitioner's crown charka, at the top of the head, and flow into the heart center.

"Once at this loving center, the Reiki energy will flow out of the practitioner's arms and into the hands," the Long Island Reiki Connection website states. "At this point the Reiki practitioner can lay the hands directly on the recipient's body or the hands may be off the body in the person's aura."

"The practice of Reiki is open to all who wish to learn it," Lehecka said. The technique is simple and easy to learn. Many practitioners use their homes as a base for their practice. However, there are practitioners who work in tandem with chiropractors and other holistic/alternative health care providers."

The website states that Reiki can be used to aid in healing many illnesses including headaches, colds, insomnia, fatigue, heart disease, broken bones and cancer. It is stated that Reiki has been shown to relieve pain and assist the body in clearing toxins from chemotherapy and radiation treatments. It is said to also help one to recover quicker from injuries, surgery or trauma, balance and harmonize the well being of the body, mind and spirit and brings relief from the physical and emotional effects of stress and anxiety.

"Cancer treatment centers and hospices also value the benefits of Reiki and offer it to their patients as an ancillary to standard medical care," Lehecka said. "People who have experienced Reiki report a sense of peace, calm and deep relaxation. Some people experience heat, coolness or a tingling sensation during a session."

The LIRC offers both Reiki "shares" and workshops in both Nassau and Suffolk counties. In Nassau, Levittown Hall in Hicksville is their main meeting place. The Reiki shares are held every two to three months and are open to the public and usually provide a topic for discussion that is relevant to either Reiki, meditation or other certified holistic/alternative healing techniques.

Formed in 2003, the Long Island Reiki Connection promotes Reiki within local communities and is a resource and support for Reiki practitioners in metropolitan New York and Long Island. For more information about the Long Island Reiki Connection, visit www.reikiconnection.org, email lirc2@optonline.net or call lirc2@optonline.net.