The belief that it can is the basis of Reiki (pronounced "ray-kee"). The idea is that through Rei—the attainment of higher spiritual knowledge—and Ki—life energy—one can transmit positive energies into another person via the chakras, the seven body "centers" that are considered sources of psychic or spiritual power. These energies are applied through a process of slowly placing the hands on these key areas, thereby stimulating the body and producing an overwhelming sense of calm and release that benefits every system of the body.

Reiki is an ancient Tibetan practice that was rediscovered in Japan in 1915 by Dr. Mikao Usui, a Christian minister. It has now found its way into Saratoga through the Southwest YMCA's Physability and Inclusion program, which offers Reiki, therapeutic yoga, tai chi chuan and meditation.

The Reiki program began almost a year ago on a donation basis. Due to certain policies, it has since gone to a pay service, and is now offered in half-hour sessions at $15 for members and $25 for nonmembers.

There has been an eager reception to the holistic health services offered and, in fact, the popularity of the program has sparked interest from other YMCAs, which have begun to look at Saratoga's program as a model.

"This program has drawn attention because it not only works with the physical aspects of the body but works on all systems," said Dalia Nir, the program director for the Physability and Inclusion program. "And we emphasize the inclusion of all people, with or without disabilities. Everyone has the opportunity to experience the classes and be part of the community."

Marie Jager, a seasoned Reiki and yoga instructor for the YMCA, assures that all of the teachers are certified and able to personally tailor sessions, although there is one requirement—being open to emotion.

"We make sure people know that this can be emotional. Sometimes people will have an unexpected emotional release, so you need to be willing to open up and feel a sense of trust," Jager said.

The presence of holistic health at the YMCA might seem strange to people who view the establishment as merely a health club, yet these classes are in sync with the club's founding principals.

"When the YMCA opened in the United States 150 years ago, the focus was the body as a triangle," said Christina Glynn, YMCA's public relations manager for Santa Clara Valley. "It represented the mind, body and spirit, and the idea was to develop the outer body to help the inner spirit."

"Many people think of Reiki as New Age," says Jager, "which it isn't. Like yoga, it focuses on the chakras. It is to help reach relaxation and healing on all levels. It is a very inward experience."

Jager thinks there is a chance the Reiki could become the next big hit in the way that yoga became popular a few years ago. "I think it could take off because yoga has gotten so many people thinking about energy. ... We all have energy in us—we just have to find it again," says Jager.

Connecting through Reiki is very important to Nir. "We are moving away from touch. We can be so isolated and alone that we forget that we thrive on touch. We forget that it can be so therapeutic."

Reiki is offered on Wednesdays from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon, and Fridays from 11:20 a.m. to 1:20 p.m. For more information about Reiki or other class offerings, call 408.370.1877 or visit www.swymca.org.