THE powers of natural healing were put to the test during a special taster session highlighting a Japanese therapy technique.

More than a dozen people gathered to learn about the art of reiki, a spiritual practice that focuses on natural energy.

They met in a "healing room" above Blue Jay Café on Portland Road, South Norwood, last Monday.

The event was organised by owner Joy Blake, who is also a qualified reiki master, to give the group a flavour of what the Japanese art involves.

Members were guided through a meditation session and worked with crystals to learn about their healing powers.

Joy, who started learning about the art 18 years ago, said the session was a way of bringing like-minded people together.

"Everyone really enjoyed it," she added. "They felt it really benefited them and it was something they could take on again and use regularly.

"Everyone there was really relaxed and able to feel the energy within the room."

Another reiki session is taking place at the café on September 6 from 7.30pm.

For more information visit www.reiki-joy.co.uk