Reiki and the Body’s Memory of Trauma
Our bodies remember what our minds forget. Stress, fear, or trauma often settle in the nervous system and show up as tension, fatigue, or persistent discomfort long after the event has passed. These experiences are not just memories — they live in the body, shaping how we move, breathe, and respond to the world.
When the nervous system is sensitized, everyday sensations may feel overwhelming. For some, even supportive touch, such as massage or medical exams, can trigger protective responses like fight, flight, or freeze. This is the body’s way of protecting itself — not a sign of failure.
At Healing Arts Center in Virginia Beach, Reiki is offered as a trauma-informed, nervous-system-aware practice. This means that we understand and respect the impact of trauma on the body and mind, and our approach is designed to promote safety, choice, and empowerment for our clients. Reiki — often translated from Japanese as “universal life energy” — is facilitated through gentle or near-body touch. For clients who prefer minimal physical contact, Reiki can also be practiced at a distance of several inches from the body. The focus is choice and safety.
Trauma-informed Reiki is not just about the practitioner's actions, but also about your empowerment and control. It emphasizes your presence, regulation, and consent. Practitioners proceed at your pace, invite your feedback, and ensure your choice throughout the session. This collaborative approach helps your body feel safe enough to begin reshaping old patterns of tension and reconnect with its natural state. Many clients report feeling more grounded, more in touch with their boundaries, and better able to sense early signs of stress.
What to expect in a session:
A brief check-in about comfort, preferences, and goals
Options for touch or no touch, adjusted at any point
Slow, attentive pacing that invites the nervous system to reset
Time to notice sensations, breathe, and be present
Reiki, a practice that supports the body’s capacity to self-regulate, aligns well with other therapeutic or medical care. Its gentle, adaptable nature makes it especially suited for those navigating stress, trauma, or recovery. This adaptability ensures that you, as a client, can feel secure and comfortable throughout the session.
Ready to explore trauma-informed Reiki in Virginia Beach? Book a session or schedule a free consult today: healingartsvb.com
📍 Healing Arts Center – Virginia Beach & virtual sessions available
About the Author — Victoria
Victoria Duarte is Co-Founder of Healing Arts Center in Virginia Beach. She specializes in somatic and mindfulness coaching and integrates modalities like Reiki, breathwork, and hypnotherapy. Her approach is grounded in consent, collaboration, and practical tools clients can carry into daily life.
