Energetic Work in Breda: Gently Support for Body and Mind

Dear reader,

"What exactly is energetic work?" This is a question I regularly get from people who come to Studio Tree Of Life for the first time. They may already know me from the yoga classes, but as soon as I talk about the energetic sessions I offer, I see a mixture of curiosity and uncertainty in their eyes. I understand that well - for years, energetic work was also a mysterious concept to me.

Today I want to lift the veil for you and take you into the world of energetic healing. Not with vague stories, but with concrete experiences from people I've had the privilege to support and what science can now tell us about this practice.

My Own Discovery: From Overstimulation to Regulation

Since childhood, I felt restless easily and worried a lot. My mind was constantly busy and I had no idea how to quiet my thoughts.

I was willing to try anything to feel better. As a teenager, I already received several Reiki sessions, which certainly kept me going. During my burnout, I ended up with an energetic coach who helped me peel away layers of stress and restlessness.

This profound experience with energetic work was so transformative that I decided to learn Reiki myself. I eventually became a Reiki Master, which means I'm trained in Reiki 1, 2, and 3 and am authorized to give attunements myself. Now that I've gained more knowledge about how the nervous system works, I better understand why energetic work worked so well for me; it helped my nervous system switch from chronic stress to rest and recovery.

What Actually Happens During an Energetic Session?

Reiki, the heart of my energetic work, is a Japanese healing method developed by Mikao Usui at the beginning of the 20th century. The word consists of 'rei' (universal) and 'ki' (life energy). As a Reiki master, I function as a channel through which this universal energy can flow to you.

An Energetic Session at Studio Tree Of Life goes beyond a standard Reiki treatment. I combine my knowledge of yoga health sciences (Ayurveda and TCM), the nervous system, and energetic healing to create a session that aligns with what your body needs at that moment.

We always start with a conversation. How do you feel? Where is tension in your body? What do you hope to experience? Sometimes we begin standing or sitting with some gentle movements or regulating exercises if your body needs that, before you lie down on the comfortable treatment table.

During the session, I gently place my hands on or just above different parts of your body. What people often notice: a deep silence emerges - not only in the space, but also in their own system. It's as if the body finally gets permission to fully rest and recover.

What Do the People I Support Say?

The experiences of people who come to my energetic sessions are perhaps the best evidence of the power of this work:

• Fleur shares: "A wonderful energy session, where there is genuine listening to the questions you bring. I've had multiple sessions now and each time I leave completely relaxed."

  
  

• Ankie shares: "Beautiful experience, rest! For the skeptics among us... try it! Difficult to explain what it does but one thing is certain – it does something! Thank you!"

  
  

• Carla describes it like this: "This time I tried the Reiki session, and it was once again a lovely experience! I highly recommend it especially if you feel weak or sick, my immune system was reinforced and now I feel so energized and vital."

  
  

• Carmen adds: "I've been able to do both yoga and Reiki sessions with Manoek, she does both with so much loving energy and attention, I always leave with peace in my mind."

What Does Scientific Research Show?

Although energetic work was long considered unproven, recent research (see sources at the bottom of the blog) increasingly shows what actually happens in our body during a Reiki session.

• The Nervous System Comes to Rest

Fascinating research showed that Reiki directly influences our autonomic nervous system - the part of our nervous system that regulates our heart rate, breathing, and digestion. After a Reiki treatment, heart rate and blood pressure decreased significantly, while heart rate variability increased. These changes indicate activation of the parasympathetic nervous system - our 'rest-and-digest' system.

• Stress and Anxiety Decrease

A comprehensive analysis of 824 participants in various studies showed that Reiki is effective in reducing anxiety and stress. Particularly interesting: short interventions of 3 sessions or less were already effective in reducing anxiety in people with chronic conditions AND in healthy adults.

• Long-term Effects

Research shows that the positive effects of Reiki can last up to a year after treatment. This suggests that energetic work not only gives a temporary feeling of relaxation, but actually contributes to long-term balance in our system.

• The Vagus Nerve Is Activated

What I find particularly interesting - and what also perfectly aligns with my blog about the vagus nerve - is that Reiki appears to stimulate this important nerve of your parasympathetic system. The vagus nerve is crucial for our sense of safety and connection. By activating this nerve, our body is invited to deeply relax and recover.

Who Is Energetic Work For?

In my practice, I see people with the most diverse needs that I'm privileged to support:

• Physical tension - people with chronic pain in back, shoulders, hips, or headaches who notice that tension keeps returning

• Mental challenges - those struggling with burnout, depressive feelings, anxiety, or concentration problems

• Emotional blockages - when sadness, frustration, or shame are stuck and need space to be seen and softened

• Nervous system regulation - for people who are constantly 'on' and want to experience lasting peace and regulation

• Hormonal changes - support during menstrual complaints, perimenopause (changing cycles before menopause), menopause itself and postmenopause, as well as premature menopause

• Immune system support - when you get sick often or your body has difficulty recovering

• Longing for connection - if you want to connect with your intuition and inner wisdom

Why Choose Studio Tree Of Life in Breda?

What distinguishes my approach is the combination of my background in yoga, my knowledge of the nervous system, and my trauma-informed way of working. I understand that every person makes a unique journey through life, and every body tells a different story, which is why I adjust each session to what is needed at that moment.

My studio at Teteringsedijk offers a warm space where you can be who you are, with everything you carry. The personal approach means you're not one of many people I guide, but that I take the time to listen to your specific needs.

Practical Information

-What Can You Expect During Your First Session?

We start with an intake where I listen to your story and needs. Then we can do some gentle regulating exercises before the energetic session. Next, you can lie comfortably on the treatment table. I always ask permission: do you want me to touch you or do you prefer if I hold my hands just above your body? Both ways work equally well and you have the choice. During the session, I let the energy flow to where it's needed. A session lasts 75 minutes.

-How Often Is Recommended?

Scientific research shows that positive effects are already visible after 3 sessions. That's why I offer the Deep Recovery package: 3 sessions spread over 3 months, so we can build on the momentum of each previous session. You can see this as a container of self-care in which your body gets the time and space to soften and recover even more with each session.

Of course, you can also book individual sessions and sense for yourself how often and after how much time you want to return. Many people experience relief after the first session. From my own experience - both as a receiver and giver of energetic sessions - I've seen the deepest change after a series of 3 to 6 sessions.

With severe complaints, you could come more often, but here too I invite you to experience for yourself what the sessions do for you.

-When Is Energetic Work Less Suitable?

Energetic work is a complementary therapy that can enhance the effectiveness of other treatments without side effects. In several countries, Reiki is used within regular healthcare as a complementary method alongside conventional medicine.

Although energetic work is safe, there are some situations where extra caution is advised or treatment is not recommended:

Caution with:

• Diabetes - blood sugar levels can change

• Medication use - always consult with your treating physician

• Psychological vulnerability - consult with your therapist or doctor

• Pregnancy - different opinions in the reiki community, I'm very cautious with it myself

Not suitable for:

• Pacemaker - can change rhythm

• Organ transplant - when using anti-rejection medication

If in doubt about your health condition, I always advise getting a diagnosis and advice from a doctor first. I never interfere with therapies and medication prescribed by doctors.

-Pricings at Studio Tree Of Life

• Single Energetic Session: €55

• Deep Recovery package (3 sessions): €145

• Transformation Package (6 sessions): €260

An Invitation to Experience

Perhaps you're curious but not quite convinced yet. I completely respect that - I was skeptical myself in the beginning. Energetic work is something you have to experience to understand.

To meet you halfway and give you the chance to experience this yourself, I have a special gift for you. Because sometimes we need a little push to try something new that can change the quality of our lives.

Your Gift - Valid Until December 31, 2025:

• 5% discount on a single Energetic Session - discount code 'HERSTEL5'

• 10% discount on the Deep Recovery package (3 sessions) - discount code 'HERSTEL10'

• 15% discount on the Transformation Package (6 sessions) - discount code 'HERSTEL15'

Enter the correct discount code at checkout! You can use the corresponding discount code for each option. So if you start with a single session and later choose a package, you can apply the discount for both!

Final Thoughts

Energetic work is not a miracle cure, but it is a powerful way to invite your body to deep relaxation and recovery. In a time when we all have so many stimuli to process, it offers a moment of rest and support in which your system can finally reset.

What if one session could make the difference between being stuck in tension and feeling connected to your inner strength again? That investment in yourself is worth trying.

You are very welcome in my studio, exactly as you are - with all the questions, doubts, or curiosity you bring.  I offer sessions in both Dutch and English, so if you're looking for support in English, you're more than welcome here.

Do you have questions or want to talk about what energetic work could mean for you? Feel free to send me a message via info@studiotreeoflife.nl. I'm happy to help you.

With warm regards,

Manoek - Studio Tree Of Life

Sources & Scientific Research

The scientific information in this blog is based on peer-reviewed research:

Effecten op Angst en Stress:

• Guo, X., Long, Y., Qin, Z. et al. (2024). "Therapeutic effects of Reiki on interventions for anxiety: a meta-analysis." BMC Palliative Care, 23(147). Analyse van 824 deelnemers toonde significante vermindering van angst. https://bmcpalliatcare.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12904-024-01439-x

Zenuwstelsel en Parasympathische Activatie:

• McManus, D.E. (2017). "Reiki Is Better Than Placebo and Has Broad Potential as a Complementary Health Therapy." Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 22(4), 1051–1057. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2156587217728644

Hart en Bloeddruk:

• Mackay, N., Hansen, S., & McFarlane, O. (2004). "Autonomic nervous system changes during Reiki treatment: a preliminary study." Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 10(6), 1077-1081. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15674004/

Burn-out en Stress bij Zorgverleners:

• Díaz-Rodríguez, L. et al. (2011). "Immediate effects of reiki on heart rate variability, cortisol levels, and body temperature in health care professionals with burnout." European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 3(4), e147-e154. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21821642/

Hartslagvariabiliteit Studies:

• Baldwin, A.L. et al. (2008). "Effects of Reiki on Autonomic Activity Early After Acute Coronary Syndrome." Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 55(10), A48.E450. https://www.jacc.org/doi/1650.1016/j.jacc.2010.03.082