My father often jokes to me that I live in the “frozen north” whenever I speak of my life in Minnesota. Now that I’m in Duluth, he sometimes uses the phrase – “The Arctic Circle” – when referring to the Northland area of Minnesota.

All kidding aside, winter can be very stressful, and there are many more reasons to keep our body, mind, and spirit relaxed and nurtured. We stay inside.. a lot! Bacteria and viruses can thrive in closed-in spaces. We aren’t getting as much Vitamin D from the sun (a vital immune building element). Many of us load up on holiday feasts. Moreover, lots of us have varying degrees of seasonal affective disorder in winter, affecting our moods. Even our aches and pains that we could easily handle in spring or summer can have a greater effect on our well-being and immune systems in winter.

Me personally, I take some time out to receive a few more Reiki treatments in winter. Reiki is a hands-on energy healing technique that is gentle, non-invasive, and at the same time very profound. I liken it to a “massage for the inner organs and the soul” as warm, radiant energy surrounds the body and is channeled through the Reiki practitioner’s hands to vital energy systems of the body.

Reiki has been shown to enhance the immune system and can act as an compliment to the healing of nearly any physical or emotional ailment. For more information on the research conducted on Reiki and it’s healing benefits, visit The International Center for Reiki Studies page on the Healing Research that has been conducted.

If you are interested in trying Reiki, I offer a First Reiki Session discount, where you can enjoy a session for half price. It’s a great way to treat yourself at an affordable price, and treat your mind, body, and spirit to some internal healing. For more information, visit the Reiki Page at A Peaceful Touch Healing Arts.