Rick Vrenios is a recognized expert in the field of mind-body health and the energetic and spiritual dynamics of health, disease, and vitality.  Since 1985, he has been actively practicing and teaching both physical and energetic healing modalities, and he has gained extensive training in many different systems.  

He is a Licensed Massage Therapist in the State of Hawaii, Missouri, and Illinois (new license pending) with advanced training in Neuromuscular Therapy, Reflexology, and CranioSacral Therapy.  He is a Reiki Master/Teacher and has training in Healing Touch and Kundalini-based healing.

As a former resident of the Big Island in Hawaii, his passion is the ancient Hawaiian methods of healing and spirituality.  He has had the rare privilege of studying within two native Hawaiian lineages concurrently.  In the Lineage of Lono, he studies with Kahuna Pule Lanakila Brandt, and in the Lineage of Ku, he continues his studies with Kahu O Mana Ed Kaleolani Spencer.

Rick was named in a traditional Inoa Ceremony, Pono 'Uhane Ho'okuakua or "Maker of Spaces of Spiritual Hope and Well Being" by Ed Kaleolani Spencer.  Later, Rick received another name from internationally-renowned Kahuna Lanakila Brandt.  Kahu Lanakila named him Ka Loko Maika'i O Ka Lahui Kanaka or "Kindness, Generosity, and Benevolence for all Humanity."

Dedicating his life to carrying forward the traditions, practices, and profound wisdom of ancient Hawaii, he was hanai'd (a Hawaiian spiritual form of adoption) by a prominent native Hawaiian Kahuna and embraced a deep connection with the Lono traditions.  With his ongoing commitment and works in the Lineage of Ku, he was initiated as Kahu O Mana - the highest title awarded to a non-Hawaiian.

In 2004, Rick and his wife Connie co-founded Ke Ala Kahiko Center for Holistic Healing as the vehicle to preserve and fulfill the cultural, spiritual, and healing wisdom of the Hawaiian Nation.  They also co-founded the Reiki Council in 1997 as a professional association, as a publisher of art, educational materials, and books, and as a source of continuing education for bodyworkers and energy workers.  

They developed the Reiki-ssage System of Natural Healing, which has been featured in national publications for its unprecedented therapeutic benefit, and the Reiki-Reflex System of Reflexology, which has been called the healthiest and most blissfully relaxing style of Reflexology for both the practitioner and client.  

Rick has written two books - Preventative Care & Maintenance for the Health of Your Practice and Extraordinary Living Through Chakra Wisdom and recorded several audio training CDs.  He is currently working with Connie in a collaboration of a new version of the Chakra Wisdom book that will be released later this year by Red Wheel/Weiser Books.  Rick has also created a line of spectacular art prints including inspiring collaborations with internationally-famous artist Clint Sloan.

Together, Rick and Connie teach classes extensively in their Chicago area facility and in locations throughout the U.S. and Europe.  Their reputation for excellence has drawn students from across the United States and from many countries around the world.  They are frequent speakers for associations and professional organizations, and have received the honor of being guest lecturers on Hawaiian Heaing, Energy Medicine, and Mind-Body Health for Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine.