What is Reiki?

Reiki (pronounced ray-key) is the act of lying on of hands; an ancient and natural healing technique. For both the “giver” and “receiver,” it can feel like a flow of a high frequency of energy throughout the body, an energy the Chinese call Ch'i or Ki. The energy or “Ki” flows within the physical body using pathways called “charkas” and around the body in an energy field called the “aura.” Any disruption or blockage of that natural energy flow can cause all types of illness and disease. Energy is also responsible for our thoughts and feelings. When we are positive about life, we increase our energy flow and we feel better. When our thoughts and outlook are negative, there is a disruption of our energy flow. Cells and organs are affected by the diminished flow and blockages that lead to loss of energy and illness.

How does Reiki work?
Reiki is an energy that comes from the highest spiritual source, having its own intelligence and knowing exactly where to go and what to do. When the practitioner begins the session, the energy goes into and through them, out their hands and into the person being treated. Coming from that “Higher Power” or “Source,” the supply of energy is limitless. Also, since the energy first flows through the Reiki practitioner, both the practitioner experiences an increase in their own life force energy, and receives a healing, along with the person being treated.
Reiki heals on all levels - body, mind, and spirit. By flowing through the affected body parts, charging them with positive energy, Reiki raises the vibrational level. This causes the negative energy blocks to break apart and fall away. Reiki clears, straightens, and heals the energy pathways, allowing for a healthy flow of energy.

How is a Reiki treatment done?
The client is usually lying on a massage table or can sit on a chair if preferred. The practitioner places their hands above, or on, the body in a series of positions starting with the head and working down the body. Then the client flips over onto the stomach and the healer starts with the head again and works down the body to the feet. Each position is held 2 to 5 minutes. Sometime positions may be held longer to treat specific conditions. The entire treatment lasts 45 to 90 minutes. A treatment creates a wonderful radiance that is deeply relaxing and includes many beneficial affects for both client and practitioner. Since energy knows no physical boundaries, Reiki energy can be sent “long distance” to another person… in another room or even across country.

What does a Reiki treatment feel like?
Individual experiences with Reiki varies. Generally, most people feel the energy as heat as well as a feeling of deep relaxation and a glowing radiance. Reiki energy assists in the release of tension, anxiety, fear, or other negative feelings. Some people drift off to sleep or report a feeling of floating outside their bodies. Some experience mystical visions, colors and even become aware of past lives. At the end of the treatment, one feels refreshed, deeply relaxed, positive, centered and balanced.

What can be treated?
Reiki may be used as a preventative method and can assist people to return to a state of health on all levels - physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Reiki is both powerful and gentle and can aide in healing virtually every known illness and injury, and can help a person overcome challenges of unwanted habits and emotional issues. Note: Reiki, like any other healing modality, is a process and may require more than one session to achieve desired affects.

Are there any side effects of Reiki?
The Reiki treatment may start a cleansing process which affects the physical as well as emotional bodies. Toxins that have been stored in the body may be released along with feelings and thought patterns that are no longer useful. One may experience emotional releases, and on the physical side, diarrhea, increased urination, temporary skin rashes, cold or flu like symptoms, or excessive perspiration. The detox process usually lasts only a few days and during this time, it is advisable to drink plenty of water, eat lightly, rest, keep a journal, meditate, and confide in someone you are comfortable with.

Is Reiki a religion?
Reiki is spiritual in nature, not a religion. Reiki is will assist you whether you believe in it or not.

Who and what else can be assisted with Reiki?
Newborns to people who are going through transition benefit from Reiki. It can also heal plants, animals, and even cars… because everything is energy!