Reiki (pronounced Ray-Key) means “Universal Life Force Energy” in Japanese. It is an abundant energy that is ever-present in all things throughout the Universe. In other cultures, one may call this God or Source energy, prana, chi or simply, energy. While some consider Reiki to be a form of spiritual healing, it is not affiliated with any particular religion, creed or doctrine.
When our health is optimized, we are vibrant with life force energy, and have little difficulty recovering from minor imbalances and illnesses. However, prolonged stress, illness and imbalances can deplete or obstruct the flow of this life force energy, thus making it more difficult to heal. Reiki sessions help restore and reestablish optimal flow of this energy while balancing all levels of our being. While Reiki energy is intelligent and goes where it is needed most, it is also responsive to healing intentions established at the beginning of each session.
Reiki treatments are administered in person with light physical touch.
Reiki treatments will often initiate a deep cleansing and detoxifying effect on the person being treated. Because of this, some people may find that their symptoms or discomfort will intensify for a few hours to a few days following a Reiki session, only to improve dramatically afterward. It is thus very important to allow the body to rest and to drink plenty of filtered water to flush out toxins during the days following a session.
Reiki therapy is most effective when consecutive sessions are received in a short period of time. Depending on the level of imbalance, stress and illness in a person, a series of sessions may be needed over time in order to successfully restore balance.
What to Expect
Reiki office sessions are administered with the client fully clothed on a massage table unless the session is combined with massage. It is recommended that any jewelry is removed before table work, as metal can change the quality of energy flow throughout the body.
Light touch is applied using a series of hand positions working from the head to the feet. About midway through the session the client will be asked to turn over and the session will resume down the back of the body. After the session is complete, you will meet with your therapist to discuss the session, ask questions and to set up a follow up appointment.
Everyone experiences Reiki differently, and an individual’s experience of Reiki can vary from session to session as well. The most common experiences include deep relaxation, sleepiness, tingling sensation, or warmth. Many people report a deeper sense of calm and peace, and mental clarity that lasts for days after a session.
Post-Session
Benefits of a Reiki session continue long after the table work, and may unfold quietly over time. It is important to drink plenty of water, rest and listen to your body after a session.
Many people ask how often and when they ought to return for their next session. There are no strict guidelines and each client is encouraged to consider the following factors for best results:
- The greater the imbalance and the longer it has been building up, the more time may be needed to restore balance. Chronic conditions often require more frequent treatments at first to restore balance.
- If you are seeking Reiki treatments for general stress and relaxation, bi-weekly (every 2 weeks) treatments at first may be beneficial. Once your ability to manage your stress has stabilized, monthly sessions are recommended to maintain balance.
- For chronic conditions that involve pain, trauma recovery, cancer, etc. weekly sessions are recommended to support your body’s ability to heal.
Reiki Benefits
- Increase in sense of well-being
- Deep relaxation
- Pain alleviation
- Stress reduction
- Accelerated healing time
- Rejuvenation
- Emotional clearing and balancing
- Aid in detoxification
- Enhanced post surgery recovery
- Diminish harsh effects of heavy medication, radiation or chemotherapy
- Spiritual growth
- Lowered blood pressure
- Supports traditional medical care and other complementary therapies
- Greater ability to gracefully move through life’s challenges