I’m quite often asked, ‘What is Reiki?’ (my first answer is - ‘AMAZING!’ but that’s not very descriptive!!) so I thought I’d give you a little bit more info about it as, before I ever looked into it, I didn’t really know anything about it, except that you laid down for a bit while it was ‘done’ to you!
Reiki (pronounced ray-key) ‘Universal Life Energy’, is a spiritual healing art with its roots in Japanese origin.
The word Reiki - coming from the Japanese word (Rei) which means ‘Universal Life’ and (Ki) which means ‘Energy’ - describes a system of natural healing
We live in a world where everything is made up of energy that nourishes and maintains all living things and everyone has the ability to connect with their own healing energy and use it to strengthen energy in themselves and help others.
When a person’s ‘ki’ or energy is strong and free flowing, as it should be, their body and mind is in a positive state of health and wellbeing
If the energy becomes weak or blocked it can lead to symptoms of physical or emotional imbalance.
Reiki does not directly diagnose or cure diseases or illnesses, it’s a complementary/alternative health approach which is used as a way to manage symptoms and improve general well being
It is not affiliated with any religion or religious practice and is a tradition that is open to any belief system and can help the body emotionally and spiritually
WHAT HAPPENS AT AN APPOINTMENT?
At your first appointment there will be a short introduction or chat about the process and your expectations or intentions.
To receive a Reiki treatment you remain fully clothed and lie on a couch and relax.
During the session, the practitioner places their hands either directly on you or just above and it is believed that the reiki energy directed by the practitioner is able to stimulate your body’s natural healing abilities.
The practitioner gently places their hands in a series of non-intrusive positions on or near the body while the body of the recipient draws in the reiki energy through the practitioner.
There is no massage or physical manipulation and the whole person is treated rather than specific areas. Sessions typically take between 20 and 90 minutes, depending on your needs.
Generally there won’t be any talking during the session, but you can feel free to let your practitioner know if there’s something you need to feel more comfortable or to share what you’re experiencing.
WHAT WILL IT FEEL LIKE?
Each person experiences reiki differently and each person may experience each session differently, depending on your individual needs at the time.
You may or may not feel sensations during a treatment. Some things reported by recipients of Reiki include deep relaxation promoting a calm, peaceful sense of well being on all levels, sensations of heat, tingling, or experience seeing colours, pictures, or having memories appear, whilst others can have an emotional response, indicating that shifts are taking place, allowing harmony to be restored.
Personally I’ve experienced all of the above in different healing sessions, I also sometimes feel a pulling or a moving sensation inside and also had times where I’ve felt very little so it really varies and doesn't mean that one experience is ‘better’ or ‘worse’ than another
Try to allow whatever arises to pass without attaching too much meaning to it.
Your experiences may deepen the more you continue with reiki.
PREPARING FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT
Wear clean, loose-fitting, comfortable clothing. You may wish to wear natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, or silk. Remove your shoes, jewellery, and glasses before your session, and keep your phone switched off or leave it behind.
Remember to drink plenty of water after your session. Some people feel calm, peaceful, or energised. You may also feel tired.
CRYSTALS
Depending on the practitioner, crystals may also be used during your reiki session. (Personally, I love to incorporate crystals)
Crystals add an extra element of healing to the treatment by helping to release emotional, mental, or spiritual blocks.
They may be placed on or around your body or you may be asked to hold a crystal depending on what your expectations and intentions are for the session
A Reiki session can help ease tension and stress and can help support the body to facilitate an environment for healing on all levels – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual
A session is pleasant and relaxing and is often utilised for one’s personal wellness, how often you have reiki sessions will depend on your reasons for having reiki and how you feel after your sessions
I hope that’s helped explain a little bit more about reiki, it’s really quite hard to explain when you’ve not experienced it as everyone’s experience is so personal and different, my advice would be that if you’re even a little bit curious, go for one session and try it out for yourself. Reiki is always performed with the intention of serving your highest good and can do no harm
