Chilling out on a massage table in a posh central Auckland suburb is not how I typically spend my Friday afternoons.
I've come here to meet energy healer Karen Reid. Somewhat paradoxically, she's been rushed off her feet since her appearance on The Real Housewives of Auckland, when she rather dramatically removed a number of "psychic daggers" from housewife Angela Stone after the Michelle-induced "plus size drama".
Reid deals in electromagnetic fields, chakras (energy centres) and auras. It's all a bit of a mystery to me - I'd go so far as to call myself a sceptic.
However, she reassures me that this is no joke, saying energy healing is in part grounded in the same principles which inform acupuncture.
It can't be done by just anybody, either. Reid studied for six years to become a qualified Brennan Healing Science practitioner and now travels to treat clients as far afield as the United States.
Still, I can't suppress my doubts as I clamber onto the table - and she can tell.
With a few deep breaths she "pulls" something out of my stomach: "Your nervous system's speaking to me today - it's almost like a deer in the headlights!"
I'm sure that's got something to do with the fact there's a camera in my face while she is trying to peer into my deepest, darkest soul, but I try to let it go.
My consultation with Reid is part aura examination, part counselling.
Many of her clients have physical and psychological illnesses, and a lot of her work is about getting people to become more self-aware and open to talking about how they feel.
So, does it work?
All I know is that after 15 minutes lying in a warm room with my eyes shut, I'm feeling pretty relaxed.
Maybe not "healed", but then again I didn't exactly feel broken to begin with.
I can see how easy it would be to build a trusting relationship with Reid, which could have real benefits for some people. If it works for you (and you can afford the $200), go for it.
And, despite my naysaying, there is one piece of advice I really took to heart:
"You're a bit like the other reporters that come in. On the go, loads to do. You handle it really well," she says.
But?
"You're going to have to have a decent holiday - tropical island calling."
I hope my boss is reading this.
Kim Choe / Newshub.
