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Book Reviews: Reiki for Beginners & Reflexology for Beginners

Book Reviews:

Reflexology for Beginners–Stefanie Sabounchian

Reiki for Beginners – Victor Archuleta

I am a certified reflexologist and a Reiki Master Teacher, and for years I have practiced these modalities together. So, it seems only fitting to present these lovely little books in one review. The books are written in the same style: a brief introduction to the modality, how it works, and its background and history. They are similarly illustrated many clear, detailed and colorful diagrams. As the titles indicate, the content is directed to beginners interested in practicing on themselves or their families.

 

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Reflexology for Beginners by Stefanie Sabounchian addresses foot reflexology only. So if you are looking for a broader exploration that includes ear and hand reflexes and methods, you won’t find it here. That said, this book is a fantastic introduction to the practice. Stefanie Sabounchian has written a wonderful “how-to” manual that covers basic principles, various techniques for reflexing and best of all, a comprehensive illustrated directory of reflex points. The illustrated maps of these points are accompanied by specific directions on how to work each one. At the back of the book is a directory of ailments, with listings of recommended reflexes for addressing them. Sabounchian’s description of the finger techniques for working reflex points is outstanding. I tried her method of fingerwalking and found it useful in refining the techniques I learned in my training. I was happy to see that she included a discussion of contraindications and precautions for working with foot reflexology at the start of the book; it can be dangerous to use reflexology in pregnant women, organ transplant recipients, and people with other medical conditions without knowing what you are doing. As soon as I read her discussion of contraindications, I knew the book had been written by a true professional! If you are looking for an excellent primer to start learn how to use foot reflexology for friends and family, I highly recommend learning the practice as great method for stress reduction and health promotion AND using this book to do that. Sabounchian provides a good sequence for working the reflexes on both feet, so you have a blueprint for conducting a full session.

 

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Reiki for Beginners by Victor Archuleta, like its reflexology counterpart, provides a well-designed and illustrated manual for “newbies” who want to explore the practice. I was surprised that Archuleta completely omitted any reference to the fact that Reiki energy is “turned on” in a practitioner via a series of hands-on attunements from a Reiki Master. Most Reiki traditions emphasize this “hands-on” lineage to which a practitioner belongs and through which the oral teachings are passed down. He refers throughout the book to the transfer of “subtle energy” from giver to receiver; in my understanding, this “subtle energy” may differ somewhat from Reiki energy, although it is beneficial nonetheless. And the principles and methods Archuleta discusses apply in the absence of traditional attunements. I especially appreciate his instructions to practitioners on how to prepare for a session and how you create not only a physical but an energetic space that the receiver will inhabit with you! Preparation is key! Like Reflexology for Beginners, there is an ailment directory with “prescriptions” for self and family treatments. Archuleta provides a traditional hand placement series guide for treatment by physical ailment and includes a section on treatment by chakra hand placements. A practitioner can choose a treatment approach, or combine the two!

The professionalism of these two authors shines through in their work. That is the best aspect of these books – you are learning from people who know their crafts! The other wonderful aspect is the illustrations. They are simple and clear and are great visual guides for getting started. If you are curious about reflexology or Reiki for self or home use, do dip into these very practical primers – you will find them quite simple to understand and use.

 

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About the Author:

Susan Rossi is a Practitioner and Teacher of Shamanism. She is a long-time explorer of The Mysteries – the connections between mind, body, spirit and how to live in right relationship to all of the energies streaming through the cosmos. She works with clients as an astrologer, coach, ceremonialist and guide to the wisdom that each of us has the capacity to access. Her focus is on guiding clients to unblock and rediscover their inner wisdom. , exploration of the birth chart, ceremony, legacy writing, hypnotherapy, energetic healing practice and creation of sacred tools are integral pieces of her practice.

Susan trained in Soul Level Astrology with master astrologer Mark Borax. She delights in exploring with individuals the planetary pattern under which their soul choose to incarnate.

Flying to the Heart www.flyingtotheheart.com