Common Questions about Reiki
WHAT IS REIKI?
Reiki is the ancient gentle, but powerful, vibrational energy technique of hands-on-healing. Reiki practitioners use their hands to deliver energy to your body, improving the flow and balance of your energy to support healing. It is a safe, non-invasive form of healing that increases energy, reduces pain, relives stress/anxiety, and produces deep relaxation and a general feeling of well-being. It is a specific energy that helps our own healing systems to work to their full potential. It aids in restoring the natural balance in the body by balancing our energy systems. It helps us maintain balance in our own health and life. Reiki is a holistic therapy that harmonizes body, mind, and spirit.
Reiki is a Japanese word meaning “Universal Life Force Energy”. “Rei” means “universal” in the sense of spiritual consciousness; “Ki” is the same word as Chi or Qi, the Chinese word (or Prana in Sanskrit), meaning the life force energy found in all living things. When our life force energy is low, we can more easily become sick, hurt, or depressed. Ki is also the energy of thoughts, emotions, and our spirit.
Reiki complements other healing methods and spiritual practices. It is not tied into any religion or belief system. It works independently of whatever your own beliefs or preferences are.
WHY REIKI?
Reiki improves our feeling of well-being, our outlook, and our quality of life.
It effectively creates a state of deep relaxation and for physical, mental, and emotional healing.
When used in complement with conventional medicine or therapies as well as holistic approaches in care, Reiki improves results for healing and comfort for people suffering from physical pain, illness, and disease.
With the unexpected and uncertain impacts of COVID-19, heightened stress, and anxiety at work, at home and on our bodies is normal.
Whether we are coping with stress issues related to coronavirus, health issues, dealing with a personal situation or desire support in achieving our personal or professional goals, Reiki supports us in many ways.
Many people enjoy Reiki’s gentle approach because it is easy and non-intrusive. A session requires only to be open to receive Reiki and to breathe while they lay or sit quietly. It is this simple to experience deep inner peace.
HOW DOES REIKI WORK?
Reiki practitioners act as a conduit between you and the source of the universal life force energy. The energy flows through the practitioner’s hands to you and your body determines what it needs and where the energy should go.
Healing is on all levels (mind, emotions, body, spirit) because a lack of harmony on any level or discord between levels will cause imbalance, and eventually illness and symptoms somewhere in the body. When dealing with symptoms it is worth remembering that many physical ailments are only manifestations of long-term imbalances within the total person, and that the ailment is a sign of distress. A person needs to be viewed in completeness, consisting of all the various parts, not just the parts in isolation. If it is only the symptom that is removed, the cause will only send up another sign of distress, possibly moving the symptom to another location, or refusing to respond to treatment.
Our life force energy flows all through us, around all our organs and through special pathways – the chakras and meridians. It also surrounds us in an energy field called the aura. The life force is “feeding” our cells and organs. If it isn’t free flowing, or if there isn’t much of it, the organs and cells do not function well, and we can feel ill or depressed. Reiki flows to the parts of our life force energy field where the Ki flow is weak and charges that area with positive energy – breaking up the congested / negative energy and thus healing the energy pathways and letting the Ki flow properly again. Thus follows a return to health.
Some conditions may be healed very quickly but others may take several treatments. It all depends on how deep-seated the condition is.
There is increasing research evidence documenting the effects of Reiki, such as lowered heart rate, blood pressure, and stress hormones; increased immune strength. It works by shifting the body from domination by the "fight or flight" (stress) response to the relaxation response and supports the body's own healing.
IS REIKI RIGHT FOR ME?
If the idea of a Reiki session has been coming up for you, or what you’ve read or heard about Reiki resonates with you, I encourage you to consider giving it a try. Follow your inner voice or gut feeling.
There are many reasons you may wish to receive Reiki.
Maybe it is to experience this energy healing for yourself, and you are listening to a call of curiosity that you feel ready to act upon.
Or, maybe you have some specific needs that you’d like Reiki to support your healing for such as…
Relief from a hectic, stressful job or lifestyle which may be causing you mind racing, muscular tension, other stress-induced mental or physical symptoms?
Feeling trapped or blocked from achieving your desired goals?
Alleviation of a physical chronic ache or pain?
Boosting results from “conventional” medical or therapeutic support you are receiving?
Relief from anxiety or feeling easily triggered or reactive?
Feelings of greater self-love or self-esteem?
Empowerment during a time of career or personal transition? Readiness for change?
Feeling connection to spirit or spirituality?
Desiring mental clarity?
Peacefulness in coping with grief, sudden loss or navigating the unknown?
Reiki is safe for pregnant mothers and their babies.
Whatever your intention(s), we’ll talk about them at the start of your session. It is important to note that Reiki is never a replacement for medical treatment.
One last note, you can Google Reiki and read page upon page of information on the internet, listen to a friend’s experience, however you won’t know the experience until you try it for yourself. Reiki is an experience unique to everyone. The decision to experience Reiki is a very personal one, as is the experience itself. If you’d like a phone consultation, please send me a message on my contact page. I’d love to connect with you.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING MY FIRST REIKI SESSION?
During a Reiki session, the client will lie on a massage table, sit in a comfortable chair, or stand, fully clothed. Your reiki practitioner gently places their hands, palms down, on or just above the client's body in specific energy locations. In a standard treatment, Reiki energy flows from the practitioners’ hands into the client. The practitioner will use a series of different hand positions. The length of time that the practitioner leaves their hands in each position is determined by the flow of energy through their hands at each location. The whole treatment usually lasts between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on which session you chose.
WHAT DOES REIKI FEEL LIKE?
During a Reiki session, you may experience sensations like heat, cool, tingling or pulsing where the Reiki practitioner has placed their hands. Sometimes, people feel sensations moving throughout the body, while other people do not perceive any change at all. Most people feel very relaxed and peaceful during reiki treatment, and many fall asleep during the process.
You may feel something like a glowing radiance flowing around and through you during and after your treatment. You get treated as a whole, including your body, mind, emotions, and spirit. As a result, wonderful relaxation is felt throughout the body and mind. Most people feel a feeling of wellbeing, security, and peace.
WHAT IS DISTANCE REIKI?
Distance Reiki (remote healing) can be done in the comfort of your own home. The distance symbol is used to cross any distance in time or space. It allows practitioners to clear blockages from someone's past, as well as perform reiki on someone who is not physically present. Distance Reiki works according to an ancient principle called the Hermetic Law of Similarity, which says that we are all connected, we are all made of energy and part of a larger whole. Invoking this law during a distance Reiki session allows the practitioner to link up to the energy field of the recipient.
Distance Reiki is a wonderful way to experience that feel good, pick me up, all is ‘right with the world’ harmony you feel when your energies are balanced, mind, body, and spirit. By doing regularly scheduled sessions, you can enhance that wonderful feeling of Harmony. You don’t need to be sick, sad, depressed or feeling ‘lost’ to benefit from a Reiki session, but Reiki will only benefit you if you are in those states.
HOW IS A DISTANT REIKI SESSION CONDUCTED?
Practitioners run their distance sessions in the same way as in person. You'll lie down in a comfortable, quiet place at your home and the practitioner will complete the treatment in their space. They may call you on the phone, zoom, or check in before and after with an email. It is the client’s choice how they would like to conduct their distant session.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY FIRST REIKI SESSION?
Prior to your first Reiki session, you will be asked to complete Client Information Form. It will be emailed to you after booking your session. Whether you are receiving an in-person or remote Reiki session, the preparation is the same.
To prepare for your session, it is encouraged to read the information on this website, especially if you are new to Reiki. Also, think about what intentions you may have for your session. We will discuss these at the beginning of your session.
Before for Your Reiki Session
It is suggested to refrain from caffeine or alcohol at least three hours before a session. If you are receiving a remote session, refrain from these things during the session as well. Avoid having a heavy meal before a session. Use the restroom if you need so that you can enjoy the full session without being interrupted.
Wear comfortable clothing. In an in-person session, you will be laying on a massage table with linens and blankets. You can get under them or lay on top. For a remote session, find a comfortable place to lay down or recline. Turn your devices to ‘do not disturb’.
Creating Your Space for a Remote Reiki Session
While it is not required, it is strongly suggested that you give yourself this session to focus on you and experience Reiki in a mindful, quiet manner. Turn your devices to ‘do not disturb’. Do what you need to ensure any people or animals in your environment will know not to disturb you during this time. Additionally, you may listen to low playing music, light a candle, hold crystals or have them nearby, burn incense to clear your space – whatever you like to do to be comfortable in quiet. If you’d like to listen to music, you may enjoy listening to my playlists on Spotify.
For the session, you’ll lay down in your bed or sit in your favorite chair. Make the space comfortable with cushions and a blanket if needed, use your crystals, essential oils, or incense to create a peaceful atmosphere. Have water available to drink if you are thirsty. Some clients enjoy being in nature or lying on the earth. The possibilities are endless. There are many options to prepare your special space before receiving your Reiki session. Plan so that your space is ready for your scheduled session. Make this session about you, you deserve this time for yourself!
WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER MY SESSION?
When the practitioner is finished with the session. Slowly take 3 deep, big breaths to tell your body it’s time to change gears. Open your eyes when you feel ready.
Take a moment to write down any thoughts that popped up during your time, often the most golden ideas come to you in these quiet moments.
After your session, it’s always good to drink a glass of water when there has been energy movement. Go about your day, and take note of anything that comes up; you might think of a particular situation or person, something that’s been bothering you that you are ready to address, or you might have some ideas and inspiration drop in.
