Other kids' cuts were treated with peroxide and Band-Aids.

Lisa Ann's mom would open a vitamin E capsule and apply it to the wound.

Other kids regularly saw their family doctor.

In Lisa Ann's family, the chiropractor was called regularly.

Not that Lisa Ann has anything against Western or traditional medicine. It's just been her experience that there is some merit in seeking mind-body-spirit balance as opposed to just treating a symptom.

After years of honing some natural abilities along with training, Lisa Ann - who doesn't use a last name - is now a certified Reiki master and an herbologist. She also gives readings, teaches meditation, is a past life regression therapist and offers various workshops.

A decade ago, she established Spiritquest Healing Center in Slate Hill. It is there that she facilitates healing.

What exactly is Reiki?

Everyone intuitively has a healing ability. A mother knows to gently rub her distressed child's stomach, for example. In very simple terms, it's a transfer of energy.

Envision a shower, with water dripping white light. The white light moves down my arms, through my hands. My hand pulsates like a garden hose. The goal is to release blocked energy.

The person I am working with lies on the table. As my hands slowly move above the head and neck, I begin to visualize the "black spots" that indicate energy blocks.

Can you explain those energy blocks?

Along with the physical body, Eastern medicine also believes in the energetic body. Emotional and physical traumas to the energetic body block energy. You can be in a car accident, hurt your neck and 15 years later feel a pain there. What has happened is that the trauma has settled energetically there.

What is Reiki used to treat?

Reiki is a holistic approach that can be used in conjunction with other treatments to tackle stress and a host of ailments. A good example is the trend in weight-loss surgeries. Reiki can help with the emotional issues that prompted the weight gain to begin with.

How does being a psychic and a medium help?

Many times, clients aren't sure which would be more helpful. Reiki brings balance and helps release old emotions standing in the way of moving forward. The reading brings clarity to the client's choices. And sometimes a loved one who's passed will pop in to give advice.

So you do readings as well?

Clients often have a 45-minute reiki session followed by a reading. I begin with tarot cards and relay all that I see, hear or feel. I don't withhold information. I believe if I'm receiving it, it needs to be passed on.


By Deborah J. Botti
For the Times Herald-Record

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