Feasterville, PA — Sometimes we work too hard, sometimes we play too hard. The muscular stress and accompanying pain of modern life affects most of us at one time or another. Reiki is a safe, gentle, non-invasive form of hands on healing that increases energy, reduces pain, produces deep relaxation and a general sense of well being, stimulates the immune system, and balances subtle body energies.

Mary Teti, Reiki teacher

Reiki is a Japanese word for Universal Life Force. The word is derived from two Japanese words — "rei", or universal spirit; and "ki", or life force energy. Reiki is believed to be a spiritual power originating with the Buddha's enlightenment. It is believed that the Buddha shared the gift of Reiki healing and meditation techniques with his students. In the late 1800's, a Buddhist monk rediscovered the formula for accessing the Universal Life Force in an ancient Sanskrit site.

Reiki techniques access the healing energy of the Universal Life Force to heal on a mental, emotional and spiritual level. Healing is believed to be total and complete resolution of the causes of the dis-ease. It is returning to being in alignment with the Higher Self, or true way of being. The experience of Reiki is a vehicle to become in touch with the spiritual self, Reiki is not a set of religious beliefs, and can be practiced in harmony with any faith system.

Healing is transferred by touch to bring people back into balance and to dissolve toxic energy that can be the cause of stress. Mary Teti, a certified massage therapist in Feasterville, Pennsylvania, has studied this ancient technique and completed the training needed to become a Reiki Master teacher and practitioner. She explains that all Reiki practitioners are channels for this healing life force; it is not their own energy. Reiki masters, or teachers, open channels through "attunements". Reiki healers place hands on the body, allowing the energy to flow to those areas where it is needed. It does not require that the recipient believe in the technique for it to work.

Ms. Teti believes that the technique helps people to resolve emotional issues and accelerates the body's natural healing processes. It is completely free of side effects and complements conventional medical treatments. Reiki healing can be performed on anyone, regardless of physical or emotional condition.

There are five principles of the Reiki philosophy that Reiki practitioners believe can help anyone to live a happier life:

• Just for today, do not worry
• Just for today, do not anger
• Earn your living with integrity
• Honor every living thing
• Show gratitude for your many blessings

Langhorne, PA — This month's tip comes from Dr. Dave Uhry of Life Chiropractic Center in Oxford Valley. If you have nagging low back pain, your wallet could be one of the reasons. Dr. Dave says, "Many men carry their wallet in the back pocket of their pants. For those who spend hours a day working at a desk job, and sitting on their wallet while they do so, the size and position of a wallet is just enough to throw the spine out of alignment." It's a simple idea that makes a lot of sense, and is easy to correct. Just move that wallet to a front pocket or carry it in your jacket.