Ever wonder what Reiki is really about? Meet Caitlin Marino, a Reiki master whose story is as inspiring as the practice itself. From a life-changing healing session to 18+ years of guiding others, Caitlin’s insights are here to help you explore the transformative power of energy healing.
Your Journey: Reiki has clearly been transformative for you. Can you share the story of how you discovered energy healing and what inspired you to dedicate your life to this practice?
I found Reiki in a very dramatic way about 20 years ago. I had been very sick for 6 months and was very close to death. I had a conversation with God and promised that if I survived the illness, I would dedicate my life to studying, practicing and teaching whatever modality saved me. Through a series of fortunate events, I found myself on the table of a Reiki practitioner. Without knowing anything about her work, I found that within the first 10 minutes of the session I was drenched in sweat. When I asked her to turn off the table heat she informed me that the table was not heated and this was my body’s reaction to the work she was doing. I left that session with rosy cheeks, feeling better than I had in 6 months, and with many questions. I told her I would be back the next day. Never would I have ever dreamed that this work could be so powerful and I knew if it was helping me it could help others. This was the start of my journey.
Reiki Demystified: For someone who’s new to Reiki, how would you describe it in simple terms? What makes it different from other healing modalities?
Reiki is Universal Life energy that is scientifically proven to promote relaxation, stress reduction and healing. I practice Holy Fire III Usui Reiki, which is more gentle and grounding than other energy modalities I have studied. Some of the other characteristics of the energy are that it allows one to experience a more authentic experience of living, a sense of inner peace and a sense of unity and belonging with all things. Reiki is a very simple practice. The energy is intelligent and knows what the recipient needs even when the recipient and practitioner do not.
The Energy Body: You often talk about “energetic anatomy.” What does that mean, and why is it important for our overall well-being?
Just as our physical body has many complex systems of anatomy and physiology that are connected and form our physicality, the energy body has a multitude of systems. These systems connect to the physical body and each other. Many people are familiar with the chakra system, but that is just one of many. Energetic hygiene and health are important because they are directly connected to our physical body and health. Many believe that the root of all illness begins in the energy body, which means that healing from this place can potentially prevent physical disease from ever manifesting.
Common Misconceptions: What’s one myth about Reiki or energy healing that you’d love to clear up?
I think the biggest myth is that Reiki and energy healing are that they are “woo woo” and one must believe in them in order for them to be effective. These modalities have scientific explanations as to how and why they work. There are many scientific studies proving the effectiveness of Reiki and it is now offered in many hospitals. Whether the recipient believes in them is irrelevant. Energy healing and Reiki are powerful and do not require that someone “buy into” them in order to produce tangible results.
Daily Energy Hygiene: What are three simple practices anyone can do daily to maintain their energy balance and feel more grounded?
Simply engaging consciously with one’s energy can make a big difference. Here are 3 simple practices that I use regularly to maintain balance:
- Meditation – even 5-10 minutes a day can make a big difference.
- Use a mixture of sea salt and baking soda (equal parts) as a body scrub or bath soak – this is balancing and detoxifying for the energy field.
- Use vibrational remedies, such as flower essences or homeopathy to heal from the energetic root.
Transformative Moments: Over your 18+ years as a healer, is there a particular session or client story that stands out as especially meaningful or eye-opening?
I think my own experience was honestly the most meaningful, eye-opening and impactful for me. This work saved my life. I feel so grateful for that experience, as difficult as it was to go through, because it brought me so much purpose. Now, I witness miracles on a daily basis in my own life and with my clients. I could speak for hours about the incredible shifts and moments I have seen through this work.
Reiki in Modern Life: How can Reiki support people navigating today’s fast-paced, often stressful world?
Reiki 1 should be required for all kindergarteners around the world. It is a simple and easy lifeskill that allows one to administer self Reiki for the rest of their life. This skill can be used for stress management, relaxation, to reduce pain & nausea, to facilitate healing and to support goals and intentions. It improves relationships and brings ease and peace to difficult situations. After the ability to perform Reiki has been passed from the teacher to the student, administering self-Reiki is as simple as placing one’s hands on oneself. This can be done in the dentist’s chair, during a challenging conversation and falling asleep at night.
Words of Wisdom for Seekers
Just because someone is a teacher doesn’t mean they are your teacher. Just because someone is a practitioner, doesn’t mean they are your practitioner. Be discerning about who you work with and read a lot of books!
Written by the Seekers Field Guide Editorial Team.
Learn more about Caitlin Marino and her services here.
