Reiki Healing
What is Reiki?
Reiki is an ancient Japanese technique rediscovered by Dr. Mikao Usui during the beginning of the 20th century. It is used for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. Reiki is administered by "laying on hands" that uses the life force energy to heal and balance the subtle energies within our bodies. If one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stressed, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.
Reiki addresses physical, emotional, mental and spiritual imbalances. The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words- Rei which means "God's wisdom or the higher power" and Ki which is "life force energy." So Reiki is actually "spiritually guided life force energy." While Reiki is spiritual in nature, it is not a religion. It has no dogma, and there is nothing you must believe in order to learn or get Reiki treatment. Many cultures have described hands on healing and have been around for many centuries such as Lemuria, Atlantis, Egypt, India, Tibet etc.
The reiki practitioner serves as a vessel that supplies healing energies where they are most needed. Reiki's ki-energies flow out of the practitioner's body through the palms of the hands while they are touching the recipient's body. Reiki has been used to help patients manage pain and increase their quality of living. The hand placements coincide with the seven major chakras or energy centers of the physical body.
What to Expect During a Reiki Healing Session?
You will be asked to lay down on a massage table, fully clothed except for your shoes. You may also be asked to remove or loosen your belt so that your breathing is not restricted in any way. It is best to choose loose-fitting garments to wear on the day of your appointment. You may be asked to remove any jewelry (rings, bracelet, pendants, etc) prior to the session.
Often we create a relaxing atmosphere for the Reiki sessions with dimmed lights and meditative music. During the Reiki healing session the practitione will place their hands lightly on different parts of your body and allow it to rest for 5 minutes or more before moving on to the next area. For some areas the practitioner does not actually touch the client instead hovers over the body (face, lower body etc). Reiki is not massage, and there is no kneading or manipulation of the tissues or muscles of the patient. Instead the practitioner's hands remain still, and the energy of healing is sent through the practitioner to the patient. Reiki is a smart energy that automatically flows where the imbalances are in your body regardless of where the practitioner's hands are placed.
Reiki treatments are said to be 100% safe and do not incur any side effects or injuries. There are sensations that are felt, but they are different for everybody. Some people experience a sensation of warmth or tingling. Others experience a spirit of relaxation and balance. Depending on the patient, Reiki treatments have been known to show results immediately or over a period of extended time.
