What is Reiki?
Reiki is a form of alternative therapy that originated in Japan in the early 20th century by Mikao Usui. The word "Reiki" is derived from two Japanese Kanji: "rei," which means universal, and "ki," which means life energy or vital force. Therefore, Reiki can be loosely translated as "universal life energy."
The practice of Reiki involves a practitioner placing their hands lightly on or just above a person's body, with the intention of channeling the universal life force energy into the recipient. The belief is that this energy promotes physical, emotional, and spiritual healing, facilitating relaxation, stress reduction, and overall well-being. When asked if this was a psychic healing method Usui responded, “Yes, you could call it one kind of psychic healing method, but you could also call it physical therapy. One may say as well, that Reiki was a physical healing method, because the whole body of the practitioner radiates light and energy.”
What can I expect in a Reiki Session?
In a Reiki session, you can generally expect the following:
Relaxed Setting: The session usually takes place in a quiet, comfortable environment, often with soothing music, incense, and low lighting to promote relaxation.
Clothing: You remain fully clothed during the session, typically lying down on a massage table or sitting comfortably in a chair. Remember to dress in loose fitting, comfortable clothes, and remove any jewelry that may be cumbersome during the session.
Touch and Non-Touch: Reiki practitioners may lightly place their hands on or just above different parts of your body, focusing on energy centers (chakras) and areas that need attention. You will be asked before hand if you have any areas that you do not want touched, for instance, some individuals that hold a lot of past trauma prefer not to have their neck touched.
Sensations: You might feel warmth, coolness, tingling, or relaxation during the session. People often report a deep sense of calm and peace. You may experience a rush of emotional release causing tears or even laughter. In some cases clients may drift off in to a deep state of relaxation or even sleep.
Energy Flow: The practitioner channels Reiki energy to help balance the energy flow within your body, promoting healing and relaxation. The practitioner is a conduit for the energy to flow through, so there is no energy transfer from client to practitioner or vice versa during the session.
Duration: Sessions typically last around 30 minutes to an hour, although this can vary based on the your needs.
Discussion: Some practitioners may discuss your experiences and any sensations felt during the session afterward, offering insights or recommendations for self-care.
It's important to note that Reiki is considered a complementary therapy and should not replace conventional medical treatment. It's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for any serious physical or psychological concerns.
Is Reiki a Religion?
Even though Reiki is spiritual in nature, Reiki itself is not a religion. Practitioners and clients alike are not required to follow any one religion or change their current belief structure. They are free to believe in whatever religous dogma they wish and are encouraged to continue to explore their own personal beliefs.
Are there after effects from a Reiki treatment?
In most cases, clients often feel relaxed, uplifted, calm, slightly sleepy, or in a place of bliss after a session. In some cases, if a client had a rather traumatic unblocking, the body will expel those toxins in to the blood stream where the liver and kidneys will filter it out. If this happens, clients may experience a slight headache, fatigue, or stomach ache. If you experience this do not worry, simply drink plenty of fluids, and rest. This is a good sign that the body is healing.
What can Reiki help treat?
Reiki has the ability to help promote positive affects for all forms of illness, either mental, physical, or spiritual. These can include minor ailments such as colds, flu, sinus issues, stomach ache, head ache, bites, scratches, tension, stress, insomnia, and anxiety, just to name a few. It can also have amazing effects on serious illness such as heart disease and cancer. Not only can Reiki help speed up healing for these illnesses, but it can also help mitigate the effects of their treatments such as chemotherapy, post operative pain and discomfort, and depression. While there are many documented cases of Reiki completely healing patients, it is not guaranteed. Reiki should be used as a complimentary therapy alongside any other treatments that your medical professionals suggest.
Who can benefit from Reiki?
The short answer is simply all living things will benefit from Reiki. Humans, animals, plants, the Earth, everything around us that emits energy can benefit from Reiki energy.
Is it true you can send Reiki from a distance?
Yes! Reiki is so amazing! Once you become a Level II practitioner you are taught to send Reiki to clients over long distance. Reiki energy has the ability to transcend time and space to flow where it needs to for the highest and greatest good. So for instance, if you are in California and I'm located in Pennsylvania, I can send Reiki energy to you in a similar setting as if you were in my practice on my Reiki table. One of Sensei Usui's favorite practices was sending Reiki to distant patients using a photograph of them. This can also be used to send to national disasters, crisis situations, or even world leaders and the energy from Reiki will help them.