From Pain to Peace- Reiki Saves the Day

It's not the first time I have been accused of going overboard. Somehow I forget myself (my earthly limitations) and I just blindly go for it- whatever it may be. Most of the time this lands me in beautiful, unexpected places. This past week it dumped me on the living room floor writhing in pain.

The herniated disks in my back (and I'm guessing some of their neighbors) organized a mutiny late Monday night in response to a new bike, a cold, a scary movie and an awkward sleeping position. I am guessing they saw this winning combo of events and quickly mobilized.

My muscles, aggravated by the commotion, tried to squeeze the ever growing inflammation with fierce intensity. I told them to let up, but apparently they are about as focused as I. How can I blame determination? So they squeezed, I swelled... buckled... fell to the floor. BOOM!

Red hot sparks shot down my leg as I jerked from this violent battle inside me. Each shock wave sent up my spine accompanied a yelp of pain. Since my nature is to grit my teeth & tough it out, I couldn't let go of this tug of war. No, I fought it as whimpers turned to growls and I cabbed it to the emergency room Thursday.

"Are you still menstruating?" broke the silence in my Northwestern waiting room. WHAT? Slumped on my stomach (drool hitting the gurney) while my legs hung in the air behind me, I could not turn my head to see who made this hideous assumption. All the nurse could see was my backside. Does my butt give that post menopausal look? Is that a standard intro for patients? Will I ever wear these yoga pants again? How cruel.

The rest of my visit at the prominent hospital followed this same disturbing, sitcom-like mayhem. No one even tested my reflexes. They just told me that they'd prescribe whatever I wanted. What does that mean? Curiously enough medication are always my last resort. I just wanted relief. They looked at me puzzled.

Although powerful narcotics and muscle relaxers pulsed through me, they somehow were no match for my lower back brigade. I felt as miserable leaving the hospital as I did when I came in.

Scrambling through my haze, I reached out to my reiki master and she got me right in. Could reiki even help my physical deterioration? After an hour of pure relaxation I felt the symbolic wave of the white flag. My body was no longer interested in fighting and protecting me. I was at peace- mentally and physically. I finally let go.