Hello. My name is Sheilagh Marissink. I’ve always enjoyed teaching, healing and health. I have a Master’s Degree in French Literature, and have taught French, Spanish and horsebackriding. For years, I’ve had a riding stable where I train Dutch Warmbloods in dressage and jumping.

A health crisis with severe asthma brought my life as I knew it to a halt. However, it was a blessing in disguise, as it enabled me to re-structure my life and values. I started studying Reiki and other healing modalities. My best friend David Yeo introduced me to a wonderful health product called Coral Calcium.

I enjoyed the Reiki so much that I completed my studies as a Reiki Master Teacher. I regained a vibrant health and trust in life that I didn’t have since my childhood. I’m currently practicing Reiki and teaching others Reiki as a profession or for personal growth.

Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about Reiki:

WHAT IS REIKI?

Within all of us there flows a vital energy or life force. This is the unseen energy which animates all living things. Its existence has been accepted for thousands of years by many cultures and in our Western society has been proven by science. This universal life force energy (called Ki in Japanese) circulates through us and surrounds us, and plays an important role in everything we feel, think and do. When our energy is low or is blocked in some way, we are more vulnerable to illness. When it is flowing freely, not only are we less likely to get sick, but our bodies’ natural healing abilities are heightened.

Reiki (pronounced ray key) means spiritually guided life force energy. It is a natural, safe and non-intrusive system which allows us to tap into an unlimited supply of energy and transmit this energy to ourselves and others through the hands. All healers use life force, or Ki, but not all use Reiki. Reiki is a special kind of energy that can only be accessed by someone who has been attuned to it. Reiki is used to promote deep relaxation, to centre and balance, and to restore and renew energy levels. It helps to heal any health condition - the root cause as well as the symptoms - and benefits both the giver and the receiver. Reiki always works for the highest good and treats the whole person - body, mind, emotions and spirit.

Reiki is an ancient healing technique whose roots can be traced back thousands of years to India and Tibet. It was rediscovered in the late 1800's by Dr. Mikao Usui. Reiki complements all other healing approaches, as well as conventional medicine. It can be used to treat any kind of illness - minor or chronic, to relieve stress or pain, to improve healing, to aid specific situations or behaviours or as a preventative measure.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT DURING
A REIKI TREATMENT?

A general treatment involves the practitioner placing his/her hands on 12-14 positions on your fully-clothed body - around the head, upper body, back, knees and feet. The hands can be placed either directly on your body, or, if you wish, just a few inches above your body within your aura or energy field. For specific healing or concerns, the practitioner can perform powerful healing attunements, together with treatments or by themselves. A distance healing or treatment can also be performed, where the client does not need to be present for Reiki to be given.

WHAT DOES REIKI TRAINING INVOLVE?

Reiki is taught in a system of levels known as "degrees". Each successive degree builds upon the skills and energy of the previous degree(s).

Cost: $200 (including certificate).

Cost: $500 (including certificate).