FAIRHOPE, Ala. — The Fairhope City Council recently approved a franchise agreement with the Reiki Center of Fairhope that will allow the center to set up and operate a “Stress Management Services Kiosk” at the North Beach Park near the Fairhope Municipal Pier.

The council voted 4-1 to allow the franchise, which complies with Fairhope's Franchise Agreement.

Reiki Master Teacher Julie Brent said she hopes to have the kiosk set up by mid-February, weather permitting. Since the booth will be outdoors Brent will not set up the kiosk in extreme weather, heat or cold.

“We want to offer stress management to all the people who walk and relax down by the water," Brent said. "I think our methods will be well received in that location.”

According to ReikiCenterofFairhope.com, Reiki is “universal life force energy that is specifically used for healing...can be used for any kind of healing, mental, emotional or physical.” Reiki is a technique based on the principle that a therapist can channel energy into a patient's body by touch or massage, to restore physical and emotional well being.

Brent plans to receive payment for the service on a "pay what you can” basis.

“It is not going to be very commercial," she said.

Brent presented the idea to the council during a work session in early January. Police Chief Joe Petties told the council he did not foresee any concerns with public safety because of the kiosk.

Brent is nationally certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, Alabama licensed in Therapeutic Massage and is a certified Quantum Touch instructor. The Reiki Center also offers workshops in Fairhope.

For more information on Reiki, contact Brent at 251-504-5328 or by email at reikicenteroffairhope@gmail.com. Fairhope’s Franchise Agreement can be found at the City of Fairhope's website.