On Sunday, May 22 from 1 – 4 pm at Lotus of Life Chiropractic in Decatur, GA, I will be taking part – along with other alternative healthcare practitioners – in a wellness event to honor and remember the service and sacrifice of our veterans and military families.

The event is being organized by Sara P. Gartland, LMT to honor the memory of her brother, Capt. Dennis L. Pintor, who was killed in action in Baghdad, Iraq on October 12, 2004. I’m grateful that Sara has decided to put together this day to provide much-needed healing and support to people who have endured much on physical, emotional and spiritual levels as a result of their service to our country. My husband is a Desert Storm veteran (USMC) and I have a number of other family and friends who have served in the military. I know that those experiences do not leave the body and can linger for years after returning home.

I will offer 30 minute Reiki mini-sessions to help the body restore its natural balance. Reiki is a form of energy healing using hand placements lightly on or just above the body. Reiki treaments are very relaxing, and can help reduce stress, anxiety and alleviate discomfort or pain. As with many forms of Eastern medicine, the ultimate goal and benefits associated with Reiki are to feel healthier and happier and progress toward a state of greater self-awareness. 

A number of alternative therapy services will be provided by licensed and certified professionals, including:

• Massage Therapy
• Acupuncture
• Healing Touch
• Reflexology
• Reiki

A recent article in the L.A. Times highlights the epidemic of PTSD affecting our military veterans. The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Department of Veterans Affairs failed to adequately care for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and that “treatment delays for PTSD and other combat-related mental illnesses are so “egregious” that they violate veterans’ constitutional rights and contribute to the despair behind many of the 6,500 suicides among veterans each year.”  Hopefully, the VA will begin to make much-needed changes to their system to give our veterans the treatment and support they deserve. As bodyworkers and healers, we at least have the opportunity at this event to share our gifts and simply say thank you.

To register or for more information contact:
Sara P. Gartland, LMT
spgartland@gmail.com
347-351-3216

This event is open to veterans of all wars, Gold and Blue Star families. Advance registration recommended.

To learn more about Reiki and the work I do, please visit my site: Dragonfly Reiki

For more information on how Reiki is being used to help returning veterans cope with PTSD, anxiety and pain from injuries, see the article “Reiki for Veterans,” written by Eileen Day, M.A., RMT and Michael Emanuel, RMT.

(Image credit:  Pam Roth (Bubbels on sxc.hu), www.creatingonline.com/)