Updated: Mar 7
~What is Reiki?
Reiki is an ancient energy healing technique that aids in reducing unwanted stress, pain, and anxiety. It promotes self-healing and a strengthened connection with life-force energy through the use of supportive symbols and gentle(or no touch) hand positions. I will use my hands to deliver/direct energy to your body, improving the balance and flow of your energy lines, layers and centers, to support your health and well-being. This energy is available to all beings and runs through all things. It does not deplete me in any way to work with. Many eastern cultures have disciplines that focus on harnessing and flowing with this life force energy (ki/chi/prana), such as yoga or tai chi to name some.
~What happens during a Reiki session?
Every practitioner will work a little differently as intuition guides them. No two sessions will be alike, in my experience, so we must first release our expectations and call in our curiosity. The energy is intelligent and will naturally work with the individual in the way they need it most.
My practice starts off with time for a chat/cup of tea, and energy "check in," and often includes an oracle card reading if you are open to one. I then have you lie down(or position yourself however you need) on an adjustable, zero-gravity, memory-foam bed, while I dim the lights and play some relaxing sounds. If you're comfortable I will usually make use of aromatherapy as well. With your permission I will gently place my hands on or just above different areas of your body in order to direct the flow of energy. All I ask is that you close your eyes, try to relax your muscles and focus on breathing as naturally as possible. There is usually not much speaking once we being the treatment, but please feel free to speak up if anything bothers you. I may also pass along intuitive messages as I feel called to before, during or after a session, if you are open to receiving.
~What can I expect to feel during a Reiki session?
You may experience the energy in the form of bodily sensations like heat, cool, buzzing /tingling or pulsing in the areas I'm working. Others feel emotional reactions taking place, such as feeling intense waves of love, care and interconnectedness, or feelings of relief. Some people feel things moving through their body, and others do not feel anything other than relaxed. It's common for people to suddenly frown, smile, cry, twitch a limb, giggle, or fall asleep during a session. Since I'm just as curious as you are - I'll usually invite you to share what you felt after we're finished.
~How will I feel after a Reiki session? How can I integrate? After any energy work session, you will go through a period of integration and adjustment as you process the shifts and changes that have been activated within you. It is considered normal to experience some minor physical, emotional or mental changes. These changes are often very subtle and can go unnoticed. It's equally normal to feel as though you have not changed at all. There is no wrong way to experience or interpret energy, but as humans, we do tend to over-intellectualize. Some things you may or may not notice following a treatment: Recognizing a change in your energetic state. You may feel calmer, more relaxed, free, light, at ease, relieved, expansive, more present, embodied, and grounded within your body and life. For a few days, your senses could be heightened, and you could feel more emotional than usual. Energy levels may fluctuate between exhaustion or feeling “high”. You may feel called to rest/retreat more or spend time outside in nature. Some people report to me having very vivid dreams. You might experience physical releasing symptoms such as a need to go to the toilet more with increased urine or bowel movements, or increased sweat and tears. The body is ready to process and release! Headache or cold-like symptoms are less common, but these physical detox symptoms usually pass quickly. More common with throat center work in my experience. Even more subtle, you may notice itchiness or tingles through the body or have waves of hot or cold energy flow through you. It is not normal for any of these symptoms to persist longer than a week. If you feel like this is your case, please do not hesitate to contact your family doctor for a medical opinion. Helpful advice after a session: I recommend you drink plenty of water on the day of and the days following your session. Nourish yourself with foods and environments that feel good for you.
Give yourself some time and space to reflect on what you experienced.
You might like to go for a gentle walk in nature, cook yourself a healthy meal, meditate, have a salt bath or shower and/or do some journaling to reflect on what you experienced after a healing session.
~Which conditions respond to Reiki? Can it heal my condition?
Reiki is meant to be a supportive therapy for use in tandem with traditional western medicine. It is not meant to be a one-and-done, cure-all, miraculous healing.
Many people turn to reiki to relieve stress, anxiety and pain. The therapy's intention is to help support the body’s natural healing mechanisms. Some healthcare professionals think that reiki helps reduce the side effects of drugs and radiation and may even reduce or eliminate the need for pain medications. Other professionals clearly see the link between state of mind/emotional state and physical symptoms, and therefore recommend alternative therapies as a good option if the patient wants to try. I personally believe that if you truly want to improve your health, and are committed to keeping promises to yourself, you will find the good Health you are looking for. Remember, this energy works on levels above the physical plane.
~Is there anyone who should avoid Reiki? No. Reiki is a gentle, non-invasive, safe form of therapy for everyone. From babies to the terminally ill, anyone wishing to receive healing will benefit. I will not however, forcefully send reiki energy to someone who doesn't want it (like on behalf of another). ~What should I wear or bring? Wear something comfortable that makes you feel good. Some people keep a small token or crystal on their person that's very meaningful to them or is connected to a loved one. I also recommend no eye-makeup if you are prone to tears or are feeling especially ready for an emotional release. Other than that, bring nothing but an open mind and heart. ~Can it be done without touching? Yes! Absolutely. It's important to me that you to feel safe and comfortable. The energy can be applied at any distance. Even from the comfort of your own home if you prefer, for distance transmission. ~How often should I have a treatment? This is something that will be different for each person and I urge you to listen to your own intuition on the matter. If everyone could have daily access to Reiki energy, the world would be a much more peaceful place to live. While anyone can learn to channel it, I realize that this is not a realistic outlook. Money and time constraints create barriers to accessibility for the average person. Some of my clients like to come about once a month, others will come more frequently for a few weeks then take a longer break in between sessions. I like to recommend a seasonal approach if you're feeling good over all, or any time there is an important event weighing on you. Trust that you'll feel a "tug" when the timing is right for you. ~Is Reiki a religion or faith system? No. While reiki - like yoga or meditation - may have it's roots in eastern spiritual practices from long ago, modern reiki is not a religion. Both practitioners and clients come from all different belief systems. Receiving reiki is not intended to interfere with or change a client’s personal spiritual or religious beliefs. ~Is this draining for you as a practitioner? No. I am trained to have my body act as a hollow straw during Reiki energy channeling. I step aside with my own energy and harness the Universal flow that enters me and the space. My job is to help move and transmute the energy, not hold on to it. Please do not fear that the process is harmful to either party.