It is with a hint of skepticism that I set out to meet Heather Maxfield, certified Reiki Master. Reiki is a form of alternative medicine. Japanese Buddhist, Mikao Usui, developed Reiki in 1922 as a form of hands on healing. Universal Life energy is passed on through the palms of the practitioner. Practitioners of Reiki heal and provide stress reduction, as conduits of the “Universal Life Energy.”
Upon arriving at Heather’s home studio, I was struck by the tranquility of the setting. A beautifully carved pair of wooden foxes greeted me as I enter the drive. Heather tells me later that this totem is an homage to nature and the wildlife creatures that share their home. After accepting a cup of chakra tea, I settled in to learn more about the Intuitive Mender as self-described on her website.
Heather has been doing energy work with crystals for seven years. An overwhelming desire to help people led Heather to learn the art of Reiki in 2012. Heather completed the two-year program through the only licensed school of Reiki in the state of Washington. The Reiki Training Program helped Heather to find her own inner peace and now she wants to share that with others. According to Heather, Reiki can help in dealing with emotional, physical and spiritual issues.
“I want everyone on the planet to heal and become whole,” says Heather as she leads me into the Reiki room where she sees clients. The room is quiet and serene with a traditional massage table at its center. A photo of Reiki founder, Mikao Usui, is framed on the wall. A session will often begin with the burning of Palo Santo wood. This tree found in Brazil is said to have mystical properties and helps to eliminate negative energy. She burns some for me and must admit to feeling lighter and less burdened after breathing in the scent of this ancient holy wood.
Heather is a genuinely kind person who puts you at ease upon your initial meeting. Sessions are completely confidential. “Everything is sacred that happens in the Reiki room,” reassures Heather when I inquire about clients sharing personal experiences.
Services can range from 60 – 90 minute sessions. Using yoga breathing techniques along with Heather’s hands on healing, you will leave feeling relaxed and more spiritually balanced. Many types of people come to see Heather for the benefits of Reiki. She has had clients who seek healing from the emotional scars of abuse, as well as those with medical conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis.
Heather sees Reiki as a way to quiet the mind and hold space to access personal healing. Heather is quick to note that she does not “heal” people, but is a conduit to the Universal Life energy. “I really enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that through Reiki, I have decreased or eliminated someone’s pain,” she says. A client may want Reiki just to feel more relaxed or to achieve overall spiritual balance.
Amy Evans, owner of Bon Lemon and a client of Heather’s, suffers from debilitating migraines. She tells me that on the day of her Reiki appointment with Heather, she nearly cancelled. “I was experiencing dizziness and blurred vision,” says Amy. After a session of healing with Heather, the symptoms had completely disappeared. “I am a practical person,” says Amy, “I can’t explain how energy work works, but I understand the results.”
Humans are not the only benefactor of Heather’s healing through Reiki. “I have been fortunate to help a beautiful Bernese Mountain dog suffering from meningitis,” Heather shares. She has worked with cats and dogs to help them and their owners to find peace at the end of life through Reiki. “I have only worked with house pets but I would love to do energy work with horses as well.”
Heather’s deep desire to help others inspired her to join the United Way Women’s Leadership Council where she is on the membership committee. The WLC empowers women in the community. Heather strives to empower women through in her energy practice and in life. She has also been involved with SafePlace, helping women suffering from domestic violence since 2014.
I found Heather to be inspirational in her commitment to healing and helping others. She feels that the universe will deliver those who need healing. I think she may be right.
Heather is a member of the International Association of Reiki Practitioners (IARP). To find out more about Heather Maxfield and Reiki healing call 360-259-6780 or visit her website www.intuitivemender.com.
