What is Reiki?

Reiki, pronounced "Ray-Key" is a Japanese word-Rei, meaning Universal (or Higher Power), and Ki, meaning Life Force. This Life Force is the force that flows through all living things. Reiki is an ancient Japanese healing technique that involves the "laying of hands" in which the practitioner acts as a channel for this energy, transmitting it to the recipient. Reiki is not a religion, and there is no belief system needed to perform or receive it. Some of the benefits of Reiki are: Increased relaxation, Boosts immunity, Helps relieve pain, Raises body's energetic frequency, Adjusts the energy flow of the endocrine system bringing the body into balance and harmony, Helps in spiritual growth and emotional clearing, Increases Vitality!


How does Reiki work?

Our whole energy field, and that includes our physical body, is very responsive to thoughts and feelings, and this flow of energy can become blocked when negative thoughts or feelings arrive- whether consciously, or subconsciously. Reiki will help break through these blockages, and will help you heal yourself. Much like when you may go to a massage therapist, and they help you release a knot from your muscle, Reiki seeks to break through energetic "knots" (blocks)! The human energy system is the interconnecting factor of all human systems. When the energy system is affected, so are the separate parts of the body. In order to fully change, whatever is creating the symptom in the first place must be put back into balance before complete healing can be achieved. Reiki seeks to balance, whether it be physically, emotionally, spiritually, or all of the above. When a practitioner is sending Reiki to a recipient, the recipient's body allows the Universal Life Force energy to draw into itself. This encourages the body to balance its own energy system. The Reiki Healer is but a channel for this energy, and helps direct it through intention. Much like the power of prayer, the energy is guided with loving intent.


What would a Reiki session involve?

First, your intentions for the session would be discussed, and see if you have any further questions about Reiki, or about what you wish to gain from the experience. Then, if you wish, you could say a mantra/prayer, or just get right up on the table! Reiki is typically administered 'hands on' while the recipient remains fully clothed on the massage table. The practitioner's hands are rested lightly over the key locations (energy centers primarily) on your body. The client will absorb the heat from the practitioner's hands and the energy begins to flow. Each session is unique to the individual, and it is important that the client gets in touch with their own body awareness, and how they are personally reacting to the energy. Some typical overall sensations are heat and a sense of deep relaxation. Some feel energized, while others feel like they need a nap, and sometimes fall asleep. Others may share stories, have visions, and may go into a meditative state. Then, there are some that may be turning their wheels trying to decipher what's happening. Any of these are fine, and whatever you need in this session will be supported. There is no right or wrong way to experience Reiki, your body works with the energy in accordance with your needs, and each outcome is different. In essence, your session, after you leave the table, is what YOU make it.