Reiki is a Japanese form of energy healing. DeToia uses use a technique called palm (or hands-on) healing, through which a “universal energy” is transferred through her palms to the client in order to encourage emotional or physical healing. She calls Reiki “a very simple yet profound technique” for combatting conditions like stress and depression.

   

“For depression I work on the seventh chakra, which is the crown chakra,” she says.

   

While doing energy work on people with mental health conditions, DeToia doesn’t talk to them. “I do the symbols on them and I let the energy do the work,” she explains. “Usually when you do Reiki with the symbols, the universal energy knows where to go to heal the person.” 

   

Relieving stress allows the body to use energy more effectively and to support its natural healing processes, she says.

   

“Whether you are feeling stressed out from daily life or you have a chronic disease made worse by stress, Reiki can help calm the parasympathetic nervous system, giving your body time to rest and heal,” she says.   

   

As owner of Merkaba Peace Reiki Services, DeToia works with people in their homes in Putnam, Westchester and Dutchess counties, providing energy healing through 30-minute one-on-one sessions and offering long-distance Reiki to those for whom in-person sessions aren’t an option. She’s also a public speaker for the National Alliance of the Mentally Ill, having volunteered for NAMI Winchester’s In Our Own Voice Program for 10 years.

   

In addition to earning Reiki I and II certification from Universal Healing Arts Connection, in Cortlandt Manor, DeToia has a master’s degree in early childhood and elementary education. She’s been a Reiki practitioner for five years. She donates a percentage of the proceeds of each Reiki session to charity, to support mental health education.