alternative therapy

Alternative Healing Sessions

Reiki and Traditional Healing Ceremonies in the Diné (Navajo) Traditions

We offer alternative healing sessions to our community at Roots and Rays in order to provide a unique opportunity to experience powerful, holistic healing practices rooted in ancient knowledge. These sessions honor the wisdom of these traditions and acknowledge their power and continued significance, as we strive to remember our way back to ourselves, each other, and the planet.

 "The wound is the place where the light enters you."

– Rumi

Reiki Healing

The word reiki originates from the Japanese words “rei” meaning “universal spirit”, and “ki”, meaning “vital life force” or “energy”.  Reiki is a gentle, non-invasive healing practice that uses the power of universal life energy to restore balance to the body, mind, and spirit. Either through a “hands off” technique or the laying of hands, Reiki helps to remove blockages, ease tension, and promote deep relaxation. Our practitioners are trained to channel this healing energy, facilitating the body's natural ability to heal itself. Reiki sessions can help with:

  • Reducing stress and anxiety

  • Enhancing emotional clarity

  • Supporting physical healing and pain relief

  • Promoting spiritual growth and self-awareness

Whether you are seeking relief from physical ailments, emotional balance, or spiritual alignment, Reiki offers a nurturing space for deep restorative healing.

To learn more about pricing and booking availability please contact us to set up a free consultation.

  • Annie Novotny, practice founder, is a Reiki Master Teacher.  She is a trained practitioner skilled in Reiki at the highest level. She holds deep respect for this gentle yet powerful energy work, and ensures she approaches each session with care, integrity, and cultural sensitivity.

  • Reiki can be used to treat a wide range of concerns, including:

    Stress, anxiety, and depression, Trauma and emotional wounds, Physical pain and tension, Spiritual disconnection or searching, and Fatigue and burnout.  Reiki aims to bring the body, mind, and spirit back into alignment, promoting overall well-being.

  • During a Reiki session, you will typically lie down fully clothed in a quiet, comfortable environment. The practitioner will place their hands either on or just above your body, channeling healing energy to specific areas. You may feel warmth, tingling, or deep relaxation as energy moves through you. Each session lasts about 60 to 90 minutes, and afterward, you may feel calm, centered, and rejuvenated.

  • Sessions can last anywhere between 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the type of healing being offered and the specific needs of the client.

  • The number of sessions varies depending on the individual’s goals and needs. Some clients find relief after a single session, while others may benefit from a series of sessions to achieve deeper healing. Your practitioner will help you determine a personalized plan based on your progress.

  • Yes, REIKI sessions can be complementary to other forms of therapy, including talk therapy, EMDR, or somatic therapy. These practices are holistic and can enhance your overall healing journey by addressing aspects of your well-being that traditional therapies may not reach.

  • After a session, you may feel relaxed, peaceful, and more grounded. Some people experience emotional release or feel more in tune with their inner self. It’s important to drink plenty of water and allow yourself time to reflect and integrate the healing you received. 

  • To book a session, you can fill out the contact form on our site, or send an email. You may want to reach out to book a free consultation if you have specific questions or needs.  Our team will be happy to guide you through the process, answer any additional questions, and help you find a session time that fits your schedule.

  • Here are some helpful resources to learn more about REIKI:

    • "The Reiki Manual" by Penelope Quest and Kathy Roberts
      A comprehensive guide that covers the basics of Reiki, including techniques, principles, and practical applications.

    • "Essential Reiki" by Diane Stein
      This book provides an in-depth exploration of Reiki's history, principles, and practices, making it a great starting point for beginners.

    • "The Healing Power of Reiki: A Comprehensive Manual for Home Practitioners" by Pamela Miles
      Focuses on practical applications of Reiki for personal healing and enhancing well-being.

  • We believe in the power of the ancient healing traditions and ways that came before. What we identify as “the standard of care” within contemporary healing modalities / the medical model / western psychology, can be limiting.  We understand that healing is a deeply personal journey and there is no singular approach that applies universally to all.  At Roots and Rays we have made it our mission to understand healing ways and traditions that span beyond the medical model so that we may meet our participants where they are, offering a truly integrative experience. By providing these powerful healing methods, with respect, we aim to cultivate a transformative space for those seeking a holistic approach to wellness or a deeper connection to their spirit.

    Whether you are navigating trauma, seeking clarity, or simply looking for ways to enhance your well-being, engaging in one of our Alternative Healing Sessions may provide a welcomed respite on your healing journey.

    Whether you are navigating trauma, seeking clarity, or simply looking for ways to enhance your well-being, engaging in one of our Alternative Healing Sessions may provide a welcomed respite on your healing journey.

Traditional Healing Ceremonies in the Diné (Navajo) Traditions

Grounded in the ancient wisdom of the Diné people, the traditional healing ceremony honors the sacred connection between humans, nature, and spirit. These ceremonies are rooted in the medicine ways of the Diné healers who have carried and protected this ancient knowledge of their ancestors, offering a powerful opportunity for spiritual cleansing, grounding, and transformation.  This knowledge has been entrusted with us and in turn, we humbly walk this path with care and intention.  We offer these ways to our clients as an opportunity to connect more deeply with spirit, self, and creation.  Each ceremony is tailored to the individual or group, incorporating elements such as:

  • Prayer and song to invite the presence of guiding spirits

  • Herbal and natural medicines for healing and purification

  • Sacred rituals to restore balance, honor nature, and reconnect with the Earth

These ceremonies are deeply rooted in respect for cultural traditions and are designed to support holistic healing on multiple levels: mental, physical, and spiritual. Offered to facilitate personal insight, emotional release, and a deeper connection to the natural world.

To learn more about pricing and booking availability please contact us to set up a free consultation.

  • Annie Novotny, practice founder, has been initiated into the traditional healing ways under the guidance of a Medicine Man in the tradition of Navajo ceremonial ways. She holds deep respect for the traditional indigenous practices she has had the privilege to study, ensuring each session is approached with care, integrity, and cultural sensitivity.

  • Anything that may be concerning you, or that you are looking to receive a prayer or blessing around. These practices aim to bring the body, mind, and spirit back into alignment, promoting overall well-being.

  • Healing ceremonies vary based on individual needs but often include prayers, songs, and the use of sacred herbs such as prayer tobacco and spiritual tools for healing. These rituals are guided by the principles of balance and harmony and are conducted in a culturally respectful manner. The ceremony may include symbolic acts of purification, connection with nature, or spiritual guidance to help resolve emotional and physical issues.

  • A ceremony can last anywhere between 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the type of healing being offered and the specific needs of the client. Some healings may take longer, especially if they involve more elaborate rituals or preparation.

  • Yes, a traditional healing offers a concentrated and deeply intentional prayer.  One can engage in a traditional healing ceremony if they are in need of extra support around a certain issue or concern.  A healing is a stand-alone intervention that can complement or support other forms of therapy you are engaged in, including talk therapy, EMDR, or somatic therapy. A traditional healing ceremony may enhance your overall healing journey by addressing aspects of your well-being or spiritual health that modern or western therapies may not reach.

  • Yes, the traditional healing ceremonies are open to all individuals who approach these ways with respect. We honor the cultural significance of these traditions and do not take our role as medicine carriers lightly.  We do all that we can to ensure that these ways are facilitated with integrity and the highest cultural sensitivity.

  • To prepare, it’s recommended to wear comfortable clothing and arrive with an open mind/ heart. You may also want to set a personal intention for healing. During the consultation, the practitioner will provide additional guidelines depending on the nature of the ceremony.

  • In the aftermath of a healing, you may feel relaxed, peaceful, and more grounded. Some people experience emotional release or feel more in tune with their inner self. It’s important to drink plenty of water and allow yourself time to reflect and integrate the healing you received. For deeper healings that may occur during traditional healing ceremonies, the effects may unfold over days or weeks as your mind, body, and spirit continue to align.

  • To book a session, you can contact us directly by phone or email or book a free consultation.  Our team will be happy to guide you through the process, answer any additional questions, and help you find a session time that fits your schedule.

  •  We believe in the power of the ancient healing traditions and ways that came before. What we identify as “the standard of care” within contemporary healing modalities / the medical model / western psychology, can be limiting.  We understand that healing is a deeply personal journey and there is no singular approach that applies universally to all.  At Roots and Rays we have made it our mission to understand healing ways and traditions that span beyond the medical model so that we may meet our participants where they are, offering a truly integrative experience. By providing these powerful healing methods, with respect, we aim to cultivate a transformative space for those seeking a holistic approach to wellness or a deeper connection to their spirit.

    Whether you are navigating trauma, seeking clarity, or simply looking for ways to enhance your well-being, engaging in one of our Alternative Healing Sessions may provide a welcomed respite on your healing journey.