​In the year 2000, in a small town above Dharamshala, India, I studied Reiki. It was unquestionably the experience that began my adventure with energy work and other holistic modalities that I have learned and practised since. I am forever grateful to the time and skills I learned in those months. When you tune into the energy around you and within you, life changes. I love offering sessions and teaching Reiki courses because of the profound impact it had, and continues to have on my life.

Did you know that Reiki can help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and enhance overall well-being? In today's fast-paced world, many are seeking holistic approaches to healing, and Reiki stands out as a powerful practice for both physical and emotional recovery. This blog post will explore what Reiki is, how it works, its numerous benefits, and practical tips for incorporating it into your life. Whether you are new to energy healing or looking for ways to deepen your practice, this comprehensive guide will illuminate the transformative power of Reiki.

What is Reiki?
Reiki is a form of energy healing that originated in Japan in the early 20th century. The term translates to "spiritually guided life force energy," signifying its focus on channeling the energy that exists in all living things. At the core of Reiki is the belief that energy flows through our bodies, and when this energy becomes blocked, it can lead to physical, emotional, or spiritual distress.
Practitioners use gentle touch or a hands-off approach to harness this energy and facilitate healing. Reiki operates on the principle that by channeling positive energy to a client, it promotes their natural healing abilities, enabling them to restore balance and well-being.

The History of Reiki
Reiki was developed by Mikao Usui, who created the practice after years of studying ancient healing techniques. In 1922, Usui established the first Reiki healing clinic in Japan and began teaching others the principles of energy healing. Since its inception, Reiki has spread around the world, gaining popularity as a complementary therapy for various conditions, including anxiety, pain management, and emotional healing.

How Reiki Works
Reiki works on the basis that every person has a life force energy that flows within and around them. This energy influences our physical, emotional, and spiritual health. During a typical Reiki session, the practitioner focuses on the recipient's energy fields, identifying areas of blockage or imbalance.
Channeling Energy: The practitioner uses specific hand positions on or above the client’s body to channel energy. This energy activates the body’s natural healing processes, allowing it to mend itself.
Relaxation and Release: Clients often experience deep relaxation, which can lead to the release of stored physical or emotional tension. Reiki helps facilitate a state of calm that encourages holistic healing.
Mind-Body Connection: Reiki emphasizes the connection between the mind, body, and spirit. By addressing this connection, it encourages a more integrated approach to health.

Benefits of Reiki
The benefits of Reiki are numerous, affecting various aspects of well-being.
1. Stress Reduction
Reiki is widely recognized for its ability to reduce stress and promote a state of relaxation. Many individuals report feeling calmer and more centered after a session, which can lead to improved mental clarity and focus.
2. Pain Relief
Research has shown that Reiki can effectively reduce pain associated with chronic conditions and recovery from surgeries. Many patients have experienced a decrease in pain levels after receiving Reiki treatments.
3. Emotional Healing
Reiki helps individuals process emotional traumas, fears, and anxieties. By promoting a sense of security and comfort, clients often find it easier to navigate challenging emotions and improve their overall emotional health.
4. Spiritual Growth
Reiki can also foster spiritual connection and personal growth. Many practitioners have experienced heightened spiritual awareness and clarity, leading to a deeper understanding of their life’s purpose and direction.

Incorporating Reiki into Your Life
If you’re interested in experiencing the transformative power of Reiki, there are several steps you can take to integrate it into your life.
Seek a Certified Practitioner: Start by finding a qualified Reiki practitioner like me, Katherine, to experience a session. Make sure they have the necessary credentials and experience in the field. Session can be done in person or at a distance.
Learn Reiki Yourself: Consider taking a Reiki course to learn how to practice on yourself and others. I find great fulfillment in sharing this healing modality. I offer Reiki I, II, III and Master courses. Most courses are from 8 to 15 hours in duration.
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Conclusion
So, what are the next steps? If you are ready to embrace the power of Reiki, begin by seeking a session or signing up for a course. By opening yourself to this transformative energy, you can unlock your potential for healing and personal growth. Visit the treatment or course section to find a session or course today and take the first step in your healing journey. Remember, the journey to healing begins with a single step. Embrace the power of Reiki and inevitably change your life for the better.

​In search of the blind masseuse, we walked up and down the streets of Siem Reap in Cambodia. After the long drive from Phnom Penh, cramped in the back of a pick-up truck with thirty other people, our bodies were sore, stiff, and battered, in need of some tender care. 

Unable to read Cambodian signs and in a time before GPS, we walked, wandering aimlessly, hoping we might mysteriously find the man we were looking for. After repetitively walking up, down and in circles along the same street, we were ready to give up when a Cambodian man pulled up on his motorbike and asked if he could help us. Once again with our limited language skills, we tried to convey that we were searching for the blind masseuse we had heard about. 

He told us to hop onto his bike, and he would take us there. So, with the three of us on his motorcycle, off we went to find our “massage.” We stopped in front of a building with a red light outside. I was pretty sure this was NOT the place we had been told about. The man was so happy to have helped us and stood with a big smile as he opened the door. 

As we entered, we walked into a front room where rows of chairs held young women with numbers. We were asked to choose whom we wanted. My male friend made his choice and went off to do whatever they did. When the woman in charge spoke to me and asked whom I wanted, I told her I was looking for the best massager she had. She told me all of them were good at massage. Clearly, I should have been clearer on what part of my body I wanted to be massaged. 😊 

I refused to choose, feeling it was such a derogatory question as I was seeking a skilled masseuse, nothing more. After my insistence she assigned me a young woman who led me up the brothel stairs. Showers were running, naked women were chatting through open and closed doors, and I was led into a room. The lights were turned on, and a ceiling fan whirled overhead.

She sat next to me on the bed and asked what I wanted.

“A back massage,” I said. She began percussion movements on my back for about five minutes and then asked, “Anything else?”

“Nope,” I replied, feeling quite awkward—probably because I was entirely out of my depth in this unfamiliar situation. She asked for her $5 payment, and we headed back downstairs.

I didn’t ask how my friend’s “massage” went, but I have a sneaky suspicion it was quite different from mine.
 
As a side note: Before leaving for Asia, I was working with a safe house dedicated to protecting children working in prostitution. This experience was one of those eye-opening moments I never could have expected in a foreign country—and definitely one I won’t forget anytime soon.

So, why am I telling you this story?
Because, when looking for a massage, or any therapist it is essential to trust your instincts and don’t settle for just “anyone.” The right fit makes all the difference in your healing journey.

                         Choosing the Right Therapist: Why Energy, Connection, and Intuition Matter
 
Massage is offered almost everywhere these days — in spas, clinics, gyms, airports, resorts, shopping centers, and holistic spaces like The Holistic Cottage. But while massage may be available everywhere, not all massage experiences are created equal.

What makes one massage deeply healing and another simply… okay, or even awful?

It often comes down to something less visible but deeply felt: connection, energy, and alignment between you and your therapist.

More Than Just Technique
Massage therapy is as much about who is giving the massage as it is about how they do it. Every therapist brings a unique energy, presence, and approach to the table. While skills and credentials are essential, the most transformative sessions happen when there's something more — when you feel safe, seen, and understood. Remember that just because someone has a piece of paper that says they passed all their exams, does NOT mean they know how to touch someone.
 
Healing happens most naturally when clients feel energetically aligned with their therapist. This isn’t something that can be forced. It’s felt through subtle things: the tone of their voice, the way they hold space, the intuitiveness of their touch, or even just how you feel in their presence.
 
Trust What You Feel
In a world that often asks us to override our inner knowing, we invite you to do the opposite. Whether you’re at The Holistic Cottage or visiting a wellness center on the other side of the world, trust your intuition. It knows what — and who — is right for you.
 
If you walk into a massage space and something feels off, honor that. If you meet a therapist and feel an immediate sense of ease or familiarity, pay attention to that too. Healing isn't transactional — it's relational. It's okay to be selective.
 
Some signs you’re with the right therapist:
You feel relaxed and grounded in their presence.
You don’t feel rushed, judged, or “talked at.”
Their touch feels attuned — like they’re listening with their hands.
You leave feeling more connected to yourself, not just physically better.
 
Massage Is Everywhere, But Energy Isn’t Equal
You can receive a massage at a luxurious resort and leave feeling untouched, or walk into a humble cottage and leave feeling completely renewed. Why? Because intention, presence, and alignment matter more than location or price tag.
 
Some places treat massage as a quick service or add-on. Others, like The Holistic Cottage, treat it as sacred space — a moment for you to come home to your body, your breath, and your being.
 
Finding Your Right Fit
We know it can be overwhelming to choose a therapist — especially with so many options available. Here are a few gentle suggestions:
 
Read therapist bios, and notice who you feel drawn to.
Ask questions — don’t be afraid to reach out before booking.
What does the space you are being treated in feel like?
Does you therapist talk to you and listen to your needs?
Check in with your body after a session: Do you feel lighter, clearer, softer?
Allow yourself to try different people until you find a connection that feels genuine.
 
And remember: it's not personal if a certain therapist isn't the right fit for you. Just like in any relationship, resonance matters.
 
The Heart of The Holistic Cottage
At The Holistic Cottage, we offer a range of treatments, each rooted in heart-centered care. We hold space not just for your body, but for your whole self. If you’re unsure if massage, Creative Energy Work, Reiki, Kinesiology or Foot Reflexology would best meet your needs.

One of the beautiful aspects of holistic therapies is their adaptability to your mood, needs, and personal preferences. You might feel the urge for a soothing Reiki session on a stressful day, or you might crave a more hands-on kinesiology treatment if you’ve been dealing with physical tension. Your body and energy levels shift, and so do your therapy needs. Every session begins with a conversation to discover what you feel most aligned with in that moment.

Because healing is never one-size-fits-all — and your body already knows what it needs. All you have to do is listen.
You deserve to feel held, heard, and encouraged to tune into your own powerful healing energy and ability.
Wherever you are, trust your intuition — it’s leading you home.
 
Interested in booking at The Holistic Cottage?
Come by, email me or send me a WhatsApp message to schedule your session.

​ Refocus Your Energy with Faith, Fire & Intention 🔥

We’ve reached the halfway point of 2025. Can you feel it?
 
This moment—right now—is your pause.
A gentle breath in the middle of the year to reflect, reset, and reignite.
 
Whether the first half of your year went exactly as planned or completely off course, this is your opportunity to come back to you—your purpose, your power, and your path.
 
Ask Yourself These 4 Questions:

What do I want to focus on for the next 6 months?
Not what you “should” do—but what lights you up. What is calling for your energy and love?
 
What are my goals—and which ones feel truly aligned?
Be honest. Let go of outdated goals that no longer resonate. Make space for the ones that do.
 
What beliefs or faith systems do I need to strengthen (or release)?
Growth requires letting go. Whether it’s limiting beliefs, fear, or old stories—you get to choose your narrative now.
 
What is my WHY?
What motivation will pull you out of bed on tough days? Who are you doing this for? What’s the deeper reason?
 
These questions are the foundation for living the rest of your year with Focus, Faith, and Fire and you don’t have to do it alone.
 
Join me on July 1st to come together to share, discover and create an actionable plan to keep you on track to achieving your goals. This three hour in person session will be followed up with once-a-week WhatsApp check in to keep you accountable and moving forward for the month of July. A massage or treatment of choice is also included to help realign your body and soul with your vision.

If you are not able to join us physically, energetically, I would still love to encourage you to take some time for yourself to get clear on what you are calling in to your reality.

Create Space for Your Vision ✨
To help you map out your intentions in a creative and tangible way, I’ve put together two beautiful tools to support your mid-year reset:

🖼️ Printable Vision Board Kit
A downloadable kit to help you visualize your next chapter. Use it to collage, dream, and manifest what you want to call in—whether it's peace, abundance, clarity,  courage.

https://amzn.to/4lpbzOf
https://amzn.to/4llNXtU
https://amzn.to/40sHvJv

Key Tip:
Keep the manifestation energy alive and active by displaying your Vision Board somewhere you will see it every day. Take a moment to feel all the bliss you are calling into your body and energetic field each time you see it.
 
📓 Mid-Year Reflection Journal

You get to write your next chapter! These blank journals provide the space to help you explore your current path, release what’s no longer serving you, and reconnect with your inner wisdom.

https://amzn.to/40sAuZh
https://amzn.to/46eB6Fx
https://amzn.to/40uy24r

Key Tip:

Every Day write your goal. Read it to yourself. Read it out loud. Spend one minute visualizing what it feels like to embody that vision as it has already materialized.
 
Let This Be Your Turning Point 🌿
You don’t need a new year to begin again.
You only need a moment—and this is it.
 
Imagine ending 2025 proud of how you showed up.
Grounded in your truth.
Clear on your direction.
Radiating with purpose.
 
Let’s go there—together.
 
With deep belief in you,
Katherine

Why is it that in the Western world we wait until we feel like we’ve been hit by a bus before we “treat” ourselves to massages or other Holistic Therapies?
In the Eastern Tradition of Chinese Medicine, doctors were only doing their job correctly if their patient didn’t get sick. That’s right; their job was to maintain the balance of health in their patients instead of trying to fix it with prescription drugs after dis-ease had set in.
​​
​In Touch for Health Kinesiology we use the Eastern model of Chinese medicine along with the knowledge of chiropractics to maintain and restore balance in the body. Kinesiology means the movement of muscles yet, Touch for Health is specifically geared towards muscle testing to get bio-feedback from the body.  Your body can talk and through muscle testing we learn to LISTEN. Once we have the overall understanding of what is out of balance (muscles, organs and meridians), we can apply the most appropriate corrections to restore energy, eliminate pain and help achieve the desired goal for the session.

In Kinesiology we talk about the triangle of health. This 3 fold perspective treats the physical body, the emotional/mental side and the biochemical imbalances. The concept implies that when one side is out of balance the other two sides also are affected. For example, if you are having a tough time emotionally/mentally your posture may change in that you slouch more or have pain in a particular area of your body. At the same time, your eating becomes emotional so you are eating less healthy food which comes full circle back to keeping you from feeling uplifted and positive. It is so important to look at all sides of the triangle if you want to have lasting results.

This course is highly recommended for people who are interested in learning simple and effective holistic tools, for parents, for coaches and teachers of any kind. As humans, we generally approach challenges from the mind. Listening to the body helps us to align the energies within. Muscle testing often takes us to the route of the issue and allows us to correct it on a deeper level with results that stick.
​
The course is $300 per level or $900 for levels 1-4. Not only is this price much more economical than in most places in the world, it also means you get to spend time on the shores of Lago Atitlán.
Level 1 -  August 8th. 9th ,10th
​Level 2 -  August 18th, 19th
Level 3 -  August 21st, 22nd
Level 4 - August 25th, 26th

If you would like to reserve your spot,  Contact Me 
​A $200 non refundable deposit before July 25th ensures your space.

As high season has come to an end, this is the perfect time to settle into San Marcos la laguna on the the shores of beautiful Lago Atitlan. May and June are, with any luck, the time to get some rain showers to sprinkle the earth and turn the vegetation into all shades of lush and tropical green. Do not worry, you are still in the land of eternal spring so the days are still bright and showers often offer a few hours to snuggle up and relax in the afternoons. 
There are still a lot of activities to get involved in and it is a great time to take a course, write that book you are working on, and rejuvenate your body, mind and spirit.
Different season attract different types of travelers and rainy season is, in my opinion, is where you meet more authentic, down to earth, kind, curious people who are trying to get out of the matrix and live a more fulfilling life.
Here are some tips to make your experience and the town’s experience a little more pleasurable for everyone.

1) While it is best to make reservations in high season, rainy season is a great time to get discounts on accommodation if you plan to stay a few months. Prices can vary greatly depending on location and style so it is best to look at a few places to see what best suits your needs. There is a San Marcos la laguna community page on facebook which often has posts on available places to stay this time of the year.  Ati Hostel and Venga Atitlanare popular places to stay as they are on the lake.

2)  Your money has power. Support established businesses and people who are here year-round that give back to the community.  

3)  San Marcos is termed the “spiritual community” around the lake. 
There are many opportunities to learn, to participate in activities, training and events here. Use your judgement and intuition to find the right people for you. When in doubt, ask around for recommendations and see who has been operating successful businesses for years. These are the ones who have enough satisfied clients to stick around.

4) Sexual Therapies are illegal in Guatemala. If you are being offered these services, be aware that there is a fine line between therapy and abuse. No means NO in both English and Spanish.  Be careful with self-proclaimed shamans and plant medicine gurus. 

5) While pretty much any conversation can be had in San Marcos, it is best not to have them on the 1.5-meter-wide Hippie Highway (main path). It is the main path and people use it to get to where they need it to go. Culturally, it is rude to walk between people so please move to the side or go sit somewhere to talk.

6) There are generally three price tiers in these parts, tourists, residents, and locals. Tuk Tuks and boat prices are regulated and posted at some of the docks. If you can’t afford the extra Q5 to get to San Pedro, DON’T GO. Just because you have been here before or for a week does not make you a resident. If you can get away with paying less, fabulous, be grateful, but quite frankly it is embarrassing to hear and see people arguing over 80 cents. Some places, like Pana, treat everyone equally when it comes to pricing. Here, it is not always the case. Try to get informed of how much tuk tuks and transport costs are so at least you can find another driver if someone is totally trying to rip you off.

7)  Same goes for produce, if you are being charged unfairly, don’t buy with those vendors. They must make trips to surrounding markets themselves to bring goods here. The extra few q that you may save will be spent on your transportation costs. Again, you have free will, so feel free to use it.

8) The Quetzal is the currency in Guatemala. Dollars are becoming harder and harder to change. Banrural only accept pristine $50 and $100 notes. Any rips, marks or stains will not be accepted. Dollars are almost impossible to change in the city so if you need to change them, Pana and San Pedro are your best options. Il Giardino and a few other places may change smaller bills in town at a lower rate of exchange.

9) There is an ATM in town. At times people have reported issues with it so if you are going to use it make sure you can see your account online to double check security. If there is a problem, call the bank immediately and report it.
Xoom is getting to be more popular for money transfers but only works with USA accounts. Wise is a bank-to-bank transfer service that some people seem to use.
Bitcoin is now accepted by some vendors, hotels and other businesses. The Emporium has a Bitcoin ATM.

10) Most crime that happens here is avoidable. You do not need your ATM card, passport or hundreds of Q with you while you are swimming, hiking or at any big event. Leave your valuables at home, locked safely away if possible. You are in a third world country and have a lot more than most that live here. So if you want to leave your phone or computer on your bed with your door unlocked while you leave the room, go ahead, but, do not be surprised when it is gone by the time you get back.

11) If a crime happens, please report it to the police. They are located behind the school which is behind the stage in the Central Park. In one of the “files” on the San Marcos Atitlan community fb page there is a list of emergency numbers if you are in need of assistance.

12)  Follow your intuition. If a situation feels wrong or uncomfortable you do not have to be polite, get out of it.  Your boundaries are yours, no explanation needed. Ask for help and watch out for each other.

13) Get dressed in the morning and stay dressed while in public places. You are a visitor in an Indigenous community where girls were not even allowed to wear shorts to play sports 10 years ago. When you see the majority of Indigenous women walking around in booty shorts and in their bras and the majority of men walking around shirtless or in Speedos, by all means, feel free to do the same.
We are not on an island, this is not a beach town, so unless you are physically at the lake just, please put some clothes on. 

14)  While San Marcos attracts people who may be more holistic and chemical free when using personal hygiene products, everyone appreciates it if you smell clean or do not smell at all. There are  many shops that sell natural products here and there is a lake to bathe in so really, there are no excuses.

15)  If you are choosing to engage in recreational, hard core or medicinal drug use, please be advised that it is not legal here. Police say they have a right to search anyone, at any time, just because you are in an area where marijuana use is prevalent. There is absolutely no judgement here, just giving you a heads up that you want to keep it out of public places to minimise your chances of having a run in with police. You may be here short term but long-term businesses will be held accountable for your choices if you get caught in their premises.

16) It is incredibly sad when we must call your parents or your embassy to come and get you after a bad trip or plant medicine experience. So, please, make responsible, discerning choices with those who are well trained, experienced and have incredible respect for the plants they are using. Advertising of plant medicine ceremonies are not allowed on public community pages as the admins and town can't insure the safety, quality or professionalism of these offering. Again, be wise, trust your intuition and please make good choices.

17)  A smile goes a long way in these parts. Especially if you do not speak Spanish (which by the way is also the second language for the Indigenous people who live here.) Communicate by smiling and at least make an attempt to learn a few words. An effort is always appreciated.
If you choose not to speak Spanish, just so you know, talking louder and yelling at people in another language does not help them to understand. I am willing to bet that you have had more opportunities to learn a second language than the people here. For most, English is their third.

18) If you fall in love with a four-legged fury friend while here, they are yours for life. If you are not planning to take them with you when you leave then please do not adopt them, feed them, give them love and then abandon them. It is unfair to the animals and to the restaurants they will later frequent for food scraps, and the long-term residents to care for them once you have deserted them. If you want to help care for street dogs, there are sterilization clinics and a dog rescue project in Tzununa who would be happy to accept donations and help.

19) Be Kind, Be Respectful, Be Aware and enjoy your stay

San Marcos has so much to offer. So explore, get involved, have conversations, ask questions and most of all be the change you want to see in the world.
​Your experience is up to you, so open your heart, expand your mind and connect. Wishing everyone a safe, fun filled, inspirational journey.