We are very happy to be welcoming Erum Sheikh, a Reiki healing practitioner, hair stylist, and generally wonderful human being into the Collective Skin Care fold. Erum will be offering Reiki healing sessions at Collective Skin Care on select dates throughout the year. We can’t wait for you to experience Erum’s energy healing talents!
Read on and get to know Erum and how Reiki became a part of her life and her offerings.
Sun Sign
Leo 
Years of practice:
I’ve been sharing Reiki with others since 2022, but my personal journey with the practice began over 21 years ago.
What is Reiki?
Reiki is an ancient Japanese technique that developed in the 19th century. It’s applied through a non-invasive, non-manipulative, and gentle hand-palm healing movement over the body. To give you a visual: if you rub your palms together vigorously and then slowly pull them apart, you may feel a slight cooling sensation between your palms. This is the energy I use over the body. However, the energy I work with is activated and feels much stronger than the sensation you may feel between your palms.
What are the benefits?
Reiki healing helps bring balance and activation to both the emotional and physical bodies, encouraging deeper integration between the two. The emotional body stores and processes feelings, while the physical body includes our biological systems—like the nervous, immune, circulatory, and endocrine systems.
Reiki supports clearing energetic blocks and balancing the chakra system, which you can think of as emotional receptors linked to your organs. After a session, clients often report improved sleep, reduced anxiety, a quieting of the overthinking “monkey mind,” and a deeper sense of alignment with their true self.
Some may also experience an emotional release or feel temporarily tired as the body processes. Overall, Reiki can offer relief from both physical and emotional pain while fostering greater clarity and harmony.
Who is an ideal candidate for Reiki therapy?
An ideal candidate is someone open to holistic healing—whether or not they’re familiar with energy work. Reiki can benefit people who:
- Seek balance in body, mind, and spirit: Even if they’re new to energy healing.
- Experience stress or anxiety: Reiki promotes deep relaxation and emotional release.
- Live with chronic pain or illness: While not a substitute for medical care, it can support pain management and overall well-being.
- Are recovering from trauma: Reiki’s gentle, non-invasive nature can be especially comforting for those healing from emotional, mental, or physical trauma.
- Are undergoing medical treatments: It can help ease side effects and boost resilience during chemotherapy, surgery, or other intensive treatments.
- Are on a spiritual path: Reiki often deepens one’s connection to self, intuition, and the unseen.
What drew you to becoming a Reiki practitioner?
Many years ago, I thought I wanted to be a psychologist. I spent a lot of time working and volunteering at a children’s hospital but eventually found myself in the hair industry. Even then, my approach was always a bit like ‘hair therapy.’ Over time, I began incorporating Reiki into my services. It feels like my path has always been leading me toward helping others. Reiki supported me as I unpacked my own trauma and carried me through years of various medical procedures. It empowered me in so many ways, and I knew I had to share these practices in a safe space with my community.
Tell us more about the treatment you are offering and your inspiration in developing it.
Every Reiki facilitator brings their own unique approach. For me, it was important to create a guided ritual that weaves together my personal practices—designed to support each client in breaking through inner barriers and reconnecting with themselves on a deeper level.
The 1-hour Reiki Sensory Journey includes sound frequency, cranial pressure points, tapping, quantum touch, guided meditation, breathwork, personalized take-home guides, and simple exercises to carry into daily life. It’s a unique experience of deep relaxation and reconnection, inspired by my calling to support others on their path.
Is there anything you’d like to share about how people should expect to feel during their treatment?
The energy moves wherever the individual is open to receive it. During a treatment one can feel energy currents moving through the body. Some people may fall asleep or experience vivid dreams. Overall, Reiki offers a moment for the over-thinking “monkey mind” to quiet down, creating an experience of deep relaxation. Many leave feeling more energized and connected to their true self—without all the noise.
How often would you recommend having a Reiki session?
It really varies from client to client. Some may need more frequent sessions at the beginning and then gradually space them out. In general, I recommend it once a month. Some clients like to align sessions with intention-setting, especially when navigating a significant life change or transition.
What is one piece of self-care advice you would give your younger self?
Take a deep breath before reacting. Ask yourself: am I responding from my own wound at this moment, from the other person’s wound, or from an external influence? Return to your center. See if you need a moment, or if you’re able to communicate from a clear and grounded place.
What are some of your favourite local spots?
The Polygon Gallery—I love taking the Seabus there, soaking in Vancouver’s stunning city views, enjoying a well-curated exhibition, and grabbing a snack from the market or Nemesis Cafe. I also love long walks on the seawall, Maruhachi Ramen, Kitsune Café for a matcha latte, and a hug from my friend Deb who manages the space.
Currently streaming:
Nothing at this moment, lol. I just finished a beautiful poetry book I found at a little bookshop during my travels to Tangier—Unfasten the Silk of Your Silence by Souad Labbize, translated into three languages. And I’m about to start reading The Sheltering Sky by Paul Bowles.
Erum is now offering 1-hour Reiki Sensory Journeys ($100) at Collective Skin Care.
Ready for some energetic self-care? Request an appointment with Erum.
