Alternative healing methods include reiki, acupuncture and music programs

The new year brings with it new opportunities to make lifestyle adjustments. While many individuals pursue physical fitness, some turn to alternative healing methods to keep a healthy mind and spirit.

REIKI

The human body endures physical, mental and emotional stress daily caused by internal and external factors.

To help reboot the body’s system, Centennial Hills business owner Amy Barilla uses reiki to channel energy into a client by means of a “therapeutic touch.”

“It’s an opportunity to gain some perspective and clarity, so you don’t feel so foggy and bogged down,” Barilla said. “Sometimes, when you feel that way for a long time, it can almost be paralyzing, and you feel stuck.”

Barilla was introduced to reiki in 2007 after her father was diagnosed with cancer. Soon after, she worked to become a practitioner.

“When my dad got sick, that was kind of the turning point,” she said. “I figured that if I couldn’t be home in New York taking care of him, then I was going to be here in Las Vegas helping others going through the same thing.”

While Barilla focuses mainly on women and children, she also has a number of male clients. New clients are encouraged to attend three weekly sessions starting at $135 for children and $250 for adults.

“This type of treatment requires accountability, commitment and investment, not only in a monetary value but also in time,” Barilla said. “The problem you have was built up over time. It’s unrealistic to think that reiki will knock it out of the park with one visit. Healing is a journey.”

For more information, visit thereikigallv.info or call 702-875-2967.

ACUPUNCTURE

While needles usually aren’t associated with relaxation, acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice used to revitalize the body’s qi, or its energy field.

“Qi is what makes you different from a piece of furniture,” said Dr. Fiona Kelley, owner of Las Vegas Acupuncture, “much like a living tree is different from a table or chair.”

The practice uses needles in specific patterns to affect the body’s energy, alleviating pain and treating physical, mental and emotional conditions.

“We have three levels of medicine,” Kelley said. “The simplest level helps physical conditions, like shoulder pain. The second level deals with emotional and mental issues, such as depression and anxiety. The final level addresses spiritual disorders, feeling like something is not right.”

Acupuncture generally doesn’t hurt because the needles are the equivalent of a strand of hair, according to Kelley.

“Some people are surprised to find how incredibly relaxing it is,” Kelley said. “Acupuncture has been done for thousands of years, so it gives me assurance because all the testing has already been done.”

An initial visit costs $110 for two hours. Subsequent treatments cost $75 for an hour and 15 minutes.

For more information, visit acupuncturelasvegas.com or call 702-369-3406.

MUSIC

It’s common for individuals to use music to relax, but Spring Valley business owner Judith Pinkerton has created a health club and training center based around music therapy.

“We focus on mental fitness programs that build up a person’s capacity to deal with stress,” Pinkerton said. “We focus on people who are underemployed or overemployed and teach them topics that help them be happier and to destress.”

Music 4 Life, 2975 S. Rainbow Blvd., Suite B, offers three public programs: wellness classes, music medicine and drum circles.

Wellness classes use tools and techniques to help individuals obtain and maintain a positive mind-set. Music medicine services include a boot camp to create an ideal playlist, CDs and a vibroacoustic bed. Drum circles are used to relax participants and make them feel part of a community with one voice.

In addition to the public programs, Pinkerton also provides music therapy to court-ordered programs, addiction agencies and private clients as a licensed therapist.

“Music therapy applies to people cradle to grave,” Pinkerton said. “Music 4 Life is a community of people that want to think differently and be surrounded with like-minded people.”

Memberships start at $20 for four classes. For more information, visit music4life.us or call 702-889-2881.

Contact Henderson View reporter Caitlyn Belcher at cbelcher@viewnews.com or 702-383-0403.