Reiki Origins
Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation, which also promotes healing in a holistic manner, attending the body, mind and spirit. Reiki is not connected to any religion, but embraces and enhances all beliefs. The Japanese word Reiki translates as universal life energy. This energy flows through all living things. Traditional energy healing has been used for thousands of years. However, Dr. Mikao Usui from Japan discovered and developed the technique of Reiki in 1922.
How Does Reiki Work?
If your energy is low, then you are more likely to get sick or feel stress. When it is high, you are more likely to be happy and healthy. Life force flows through our physical body through pathways called chakras, and around us in a field of energy called the aura. Our energy is responsive to thoughts and feelings. Reiki charges the energy field with positive energy, raising its vibration level, and allowing the life force to flow in a healthy and natural way.
Benefits
Clients report improvements with stress, insomnia, headaches, upset stomach, sprains and other minor conditions. Reiki has become increasingly popular with the medical community and in hospitals.
A research study conducted at the Hartford Hospital in Connecticut indicated that Reiki:
- improved sleep for 86% of patients
- reduced pain for 78% of patients
- reduced nausea for 80% of patients
- reduced anxiety during pregnancy for 94% of patients
Furthermore, nurses report that Reiki helps patients heal faster with less pain, reduces stress and improves mental attitude, improves appetite, strengthens the immune system, and reduces the negative side effects of chemotherapy, radiation and other medical procedures.
What to Expect During a Reiki Session
- You will remain fully clothed, either lying on the treatment table, or sitting comfortably in a supportive chair
- I will want to know if you have any particular condition that may impact your lying on your back or front (sitting on a chair may be an alternative to the table)
- A bolster pillow for you knees and a sheet or light blanket will be available for your comfort if needed
- Soft relaxing music will be playing, or silence if preferred
- I will be placing my hands a few inches above your body, starting from your head, then slowly working towards your toes, then back to your head
- If you have a trouble area, I will spend more time focusing on that location
What You May Experience
- You may feel warmth radiating from my hands
- You may experience small pulsation waves throughout your body
- Almost immediate release of stress and a feeling of deep relaxation
- A sense of calm and mental clarity, and sleeping well after Reiki
- Note that not everyone experiences it in the same manner
How many sessions should I receive?
- Four sessions is a usual recommendation and gives you time to evaluate what benefits you are receiving
- You may consider four or five sessions within a week for a serious health challenge
Note: Reiki is not a replacement for medical or mental health care. Reiki complements medical and psychological therapies to help facilitate recovery and healing. If you have medical conditions currently being treated (or which should be treated) by a physician, it is very important that you continue (or seek out) that care. A Reiki practitioner cannot give medical diagnoses or advice.