Alternative Medicine Reiki Emanates Energy in Triangle

But recently she cut her hours in half because of the success of her healing business, which is using a newly popular form of healing from Japan -- Reiki.

"Reiki is an energy that helps a person grow spiritually, physically, mentally and emotionally," Penninger said.

Penninger said Reiki has transformed her life.

"Once I opened the door to my spiritual path, my happiness increased a thousand-fold," she said. "I've become much more positive and gracious.

"I've always loved helping people, and it's such a wonderful gift to be able to heal people in this way."

Reiki is the Japanese word meaning "universal life energy," an energy some believe can be found in all things.

Many people in the United States are turning to this energy as an alternative means of healing.

Its growing acceptance in the U.S. medical field is apparent in BlueCross BlueShield's decision to provide insurance for Reiki healing.

"It is being used by more and more people," said Susan Gaylord, director of UNC Hospitals' Program on Integrative Medicine.

"It's becoming a popular form of healing and therapy."

Gaylord said Reiki can be used in addition to traditional medicine, as a preventative method and in pre- and post-surgical situations.

And many people have begun incorporating Reiki into their everyday lives.

"As a volunteer medical professional, an herbalist and a strong proponent of holistic healing, Reiki classes have served to enhance my experience to the benefit of those I help," said Reiki Master Paul Hirtle.

"As a practicing master, I carry light in my heart and share it with those I serve."

To perform Reiki, the practitioner places his hands on the patient's clothed body, and the Reiki energy flows through the practitioner into the client.

The practitioner also can perform Reiki on himself.

The energy transfer can be felt as any type of sensation -- heat, cold, vibration or tingling.

The session usually lasts between 60 and 90 minutes, and most patients feel relaxed and refreshed afterward.

"I feel like every cell in my body has been vacuum-cleaned," John Duncan, a Reiki patient, said after a healing session.

Reiki can be a personal tool for healing and growth, a way to give energy to family and friends or a gentle complementary therapy to holistic medicine.

The Usui System of Reiki Healing applies this energy through gentle touch for the purposes of healing. It is an ancient Japanese method that was rediscovered and revived by Dr. Mikao Usui in the 19th century.

Some effects of Reiki include supporting the body's natural ability to heal itself, vitalizing both body and soul, balancing the body's energies and cleansing the body of poisons, according to the Reiki Alliance Web site.

Reiki also can be applied to plants and animals, and it can be sent long distance.

According to the Reiki Alliance Web site, Western medicine regards illness as an enemy to be defeated and Eastern medicine regards disease as an inner conflict that manifests itself in an outer dimension.

Therefore, illness represents the chance or need for growth.

Reiki healing incorporates this idea of illness as a challenge to be overcome and an opportunity for growth.

"(Reiki) is something magical that can transform and empower a person," Penninger said.

"Through healing, one reaches enlightenment."

Penninger attributes the growing success of Reiki healing in the U.S. to the huge movement of spiritual growth awakening in America."If people open up their spirit, their lives can be altered in very positive ways," she said.

"And I think that's what this is all about."

The Features Editor can be reached at features@unc.edu.