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By Carole Keily
Reiki, a gentle yet powerful Japanese energy-healing practice, is finding a growing place in our community —from wellness studios to salons and even among animal lovers. Rooted in the belief that energy flows through all living beings, Reiki promotes relaxation, balance, and self-healing for the mind, body, and spirit.
Originating in Japan in the early 1920s, Reiki combines two words: Rei, meaning “Higher Power” or “Divine Wisdom,” and Ki, meaning “life force energy.” Much like acupuncture, Reiki works with the body’s natural energy systems and is now offered in hospitals and wellness centers across the country, including the UVA Health Network. This complementary practice supports—but does not replace—traditional medical and therapeutic care and requires no prior belief or experience to be effective.
Reiki sessions encourage calm and stress reduction by helping energy flow more freely through the body. When that flow is restored, the body can begin to heal itself more effectively—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Local Practitioners
Several local practitioners are helping residents experience the restorative power of Reiki.
Juli Richardson, owner of Light Works Spiritual Wellness Center, discovered Reiki after a series of family losses led her to explore spiritual healing and energetic healing modalities. “I believe healing occurs when our bodies are in a state of ease,” she said. “Each person and animal is unique in their physical, emotional,
and spiritual makeup. My goal is to provide Reiki treatments that meet those unique needs.”
After leaving a career in finance, Richardson began seeing clients and opened her center, where she now practices and teaches. Her students include yoga instructors, stylists, massage therapists, and nurses—many of whom say they feel they’ve been “doing Reiki all along” through the caring touch they offer others.
Loretta Jameson, owner of Jameson Salon, came to Reiki after stepping away from a demanding career in television advertising. Her salon and Reiki room serve as peaceful sanctuaries where guests can relax and realign. “Reiki will flow where it’s needed,” she said. “We’re simply the channel through which the energy
moves.” She explains that each session is personalized to the client’s needs, offering both comfort and clarity. Jameson said she finds it rewarding to know that people are helping themselves heal.
Beth Lagerberg, owner of Beth Lagerberg Studios, began her professional life as a graphic artist before moving into cosmetology. Her desire to help clients feel their best—inside and out—led her to Reiki over 18 years ago, where she learned from a Reiki master in Portland, Maine. Today, Lagerberg continues to
combine beauty and wellness, helping clients nurture balance in mind, body, and spirit.
Reiki for Animal Companions
Reiki session for a dog
All three practitioners also offer Reiki for animals, using the same calming, energy-balancing approach to support pets’ emotional and physical well-being.
Richardson teaches a one-day animal Reiki class that begins in the classroom and ends with a visit to Hope & Serenity Animal Sanctuary in Nokesville. There, students can practice with animals in a peaceful, natural setting. “It’s amazing to watch how animals respond once they sense that energy,” she said.
Jameson and Lagerberg have also found joy in offering Reiki to their own dogs—and even to each other’s. “Sometimes our dogs seem to prefer another practitioner,” Jameson said with a laugh, “but they always know when it’s time to relax.”
What to Expect in a Reiki Session
A classic Reiki treatment starts with a brief consultation in a calm and comfortable setting to discuss session goals and expectations. You’ll lie fully dressed on the therapy bed, and the practitioner will begin to calm their energy and to offer the calming energy of Reiki intentionally. You may sense the practitioner’s hands
hovering above your body, and you may feel their hand lightly touching the crown of your head, near your ears, the nape area of the neck, or above your knees or feet.
You may experience mental tranquility accompanied by an overall sense of physical relaxation. While the experience is different for all clients, most report feeling deep relaxation. After the session, the practitioner will share self-care tips to maintain your experience throughout the day.
“Reiki is the life energy that flows through all things,” said Lagerberg. As more people discover Reiki, it is clear that this holistic practice is offering a gentle way to restore balance—not just for people, but for the pets who share their lives as well.
- Beth Lagerberg Studios, 9906 Liberia Ave., Manassas, 207-939-2461
- Jameson Salon, 9001 Digges Road, Manassas, 540-822-8085
- Light Works Spiritual Wellness Center, 9321 West St., Manassas, 703-926-4499
Carole Keily is Prince William Living’s Editor.
