Reiki: A Japanese technique for
stress reduction, relaxation and healing. It is administered by “laying of hands” and is based upon the life force energy flowing through our bodies. If our life force energy is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is strong and flowing, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.

The word “Reiki” is made of two Japanese words; Rei, meaning Higher Power, and Ki, meaning life force energy. Reiki is then “spiritually guided life force energy”.

A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance. Reiki treats body, mind, and spirit creating many beneficial effects including relaxation and feelings of peace. This is a simple, natural, and safe method of spiritual healing and self-improvement that everyone can use. It is effective, and always creates a beneficial effect. It also works in conjunction with other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery.

What is a session like?

In a standard treatment Reiki energy flows from the practitioners hands into the client. The client is usually lying on a massage table but treatments can also be given while the client is seated or even standing. The client remains fully clothed. The practitioner places her/his hands on or near the clients’ body in a series of hand positions. These include positions around the head and shoulders, the stomach, and feet.

More specific positions may be used based on the clients’ needs. Each position is held for three to ten minutes depending on how much Reiki the client needs at each position. The entire treatment usually lasts between 45 and 60 minutes.

What can be treated or helped?

In oriental cultures, healing disciplines such as Reiki may be applied pro-actively. Reiki is also used to return to a state of health. In its long history of use it has aided in healing many injuries and illnesses as well as skin problems, cuts, bruises, broken bones, headache, colds, flu, sore throat, sunburn, fatigue, insomnia, muscle stress, impotence, poor memory, lack of confidence, etc. It is always beneficial and works to improve the effectiveness of all other types of therapy. These treatment have many benefits for both client and practitioner, including altered states of consciousness and spiritual experiences. Reiki will improve the results of all medical treatment, acting to reduce negative side effects, shorten healing time, reduce or eliminate pain, reduce stress, and help create optimism.

Where does Reiki energy originate?

Reiki energy is subtle, and is different than electrical, chemical, or physical energy. Reiki energy comes from the Higher Power, which exists on a higher dimension than the physical world we are familiar with. When viewed clairvoyantly, Reiki energy appears to come down from above and to enter the top of the practitioners’ head after which it flows through the body and then out of the hands.

It appears to flow this way because of our perspective. However, the true source of Reiki energy is within ourselves. This does not mean that we use our personal energy when we use Reiki but that the energy is coming from a transcendental part of ourselves that is connected to an infinite supply of healing energy.

Can I continue to visit my regular practitioner while receiving Reiki?

Yes. Reiki works well with regular medical or psychological treatment. Of course, if one has a medical or psychological condition, it is recommended to see a licensed health care professional in addition to receiving Reiki treatments. Reiki energy works in harmony with all other forms of healing, including drugs, surgery, psychological care or any other method of alternative care.

Are there any side effects from a Reiki treatment?

Most of the time a person will feel relaxed and uplifted by a Reiki treatment. However, as a person’s vibration increases, toxins that have been stored in the body will be released into the blood stream to be filtered by the liver and kidneys and removed from the system. When this happens, there might be times that a person can get a headache or stomachache or feel weak. If this happens, it is a good idea to drink more water, eat lighter meals and get more rest. The body is cleansing as part of the healing process so this is a good sign.