How Reiki Changed My Life Forever: My Path to Mastery Introduction: Searching for Healing and Purpose

In life, there are moments when we feel called toward something greater—an inner pull that whispers, “This is your path.” For me, that calling came in 2003, when I began searching for a practice that would not only deepen my connection to energy but also help me bring healing to others. I didn’t just want to learn Reiki—I wanted to find the right teacher, the right lineage, and the right foundation that would guide me for life.

That search led me to the International Center for Reiki Training (ICRT), a place known for preserving the authenticity of Reiki while offering structured training. This decision marked the beginning of a journey that would forever change my life.

My First Steps: Reiki I and Reiki II

I enrolled in Reiki I and Reiki II with my teachers, Carlos and Anna Gonzales. These classes opened my eyes to the world of Reiki. I remember the first time I felt the energy flow through my hands—it was subtle, almost like a warmth or vibration—but undeniable.

Through daily practice, I learned how to activate the sacred Reiki symbols and use them to direct energy for healing. The more I practiced, the more I noticed shifts—not just in myself, but in those around me. Stress seemed to melt away, my focus sharpened, and I felt lighter and more connected.

These experiences inspired me to go further. Reiki was not just a practice; it was becoming a way of life.

The Path to Reiki Mastery

After months of practice, I felt ready to take the next step. I returned to Carlos and Anna to continue my training and enrolled in the Reiki Master program. This wasn’t just another class—it was a deep spiritual initiation.

During my Reiki Master attunement, something extraordinary happened. I felt a profound connection with the Ascended Masters and the Four Cardinal Directions—North, South, East, and West. It was as if the universe itself was opening up to guide me, offering wisdom and strength from all directions of life.

This experience transformed the way I understood energy. It wasn’t just about relaxation or stress relief—it was about connecting with universal life force in its purest form. Becoming a Certified Reiki Master wasn’t just a title; it was a calling.

How Reiki Changed My Life

Reiki didn’t just give me tools—it changed my entire perspective on healing, health, and human connection. Here are a few ways Reiki shaped my life forever:

1. Deepened My Healing Practice

As a Licensed Acupuncturist, I already understood energy through the lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine. But Reiki added another dimension. Combining acupuncture and Reiki created powerful healing sessions for my patients, addressing not only the body but also the mind and spirit.

2. Strengthened My Intuition

Through years of practice, Reiki sharpened my ability to sense energy shifts and intuitive guidance. This intuition became a trusted ally in both my personal life and my professional practice.

3. Brought Peace and Balance

Personally, Reiki became my anchor. In stressful times, self-Reiki brought calm. In moments of uncertainty, Reiki gave me clarity. It became a lifelong tool for grounding and balance.

4. Connected Me to a Global Community

Through the International Center for Reiki Training and the Northern New York Reiki Association, I connected with like-minded people who share a passion for energy healing. These connections enriched my journey and gave me a supportive community.

5. Inspired Me to Teach and Share

Perhaps the greatest gift of all is the ability to pass Reiki on to others. As a Reiki Master, I’ve been able to teach students, guide practitioners, and share energy healing wisdom with people who want to take charge of their own health.

Why Working with a Certified Reiki Master Matters

Looking back, I realize how important it was to choose the right teachers and a trusted lineage. Reiki is a sacred practice, and working with a Certified Reiki Master ensures that you’re receiving Reiki the way it was meant to be shared—authentic, safe, and powerful.

At the Northern New York Reiki Association, we emphasize the value of certified training because it:

• Ensures proper attunements and techniques

• Preserves Reiki’s connection to its original lineage

• Provides ethical, safe, and supportive guidance

• Empowers students with real, lasting skills

Whether you’re receiving a Reiki session or learning to become a practitioner yourself, choosing a Certified Reiki Master gives you confidence in your healing journey.

Sharing Reiki in My Acupuncture Practice

Today, Reiki is woven into everything I do. In my acupuncture practice, I often combine Reiki with traditional treatments. Patients frequently describe the sessions as deeply calming, emotionally balancing, and spiritually uplifting.

By integrating Reiki with acupuncture, I can offer holistic healing that supports the whole person—not just symptoms. This unique blend has become one of the most meaningful parts of my work.

Lessons Learned Along the Way

Reflecting on my journey, here are some of the most important lessons Reiki has taught me:

• Energy is everywhere – it flows through us, around us, and connects us all.

• Healing begins within – Reiki reminds us that our bodies and spirits naturally seek balance.

• Teachers matter – the right mentor can change everything.

• Healing is shared – by healing ourselves, we uplift those around us.

• The journey never ends – Reiki is a lifelong practice of growth and discovery.

Conclusion: A Path of Healing and Empowerment

Becoming a Reiki Master in 2003 was more than a milestone—it was the start of a lifelong calling. Reiki changed the way I live, the way I heal, and the way I serve others.

Today, through the Northern New York Reiki Association, I continue to share Reiki with patients, students, and the community. I believe Reiki is not just a practice, but a gift—one that can bring peace, empowerment, and healing to anyone who chooses to walk this path.

If you’re ready to begin your own journey, I invite you to visit www.kicotanacupuncture.com. Explore resources, connect with certified Reiki practitioners, or take an online course to learn Reiki for yourself.

Reiki changed my life forever. Perhaps it can change yours too.