Reiki is a Japanese relaxation and healing technique. Similar to acupuncture, but without needles, Reiki works to help energy flow through the body in a way that is both extremely relaxing and healing.
Reiki reduces stress, increases vitality and accelerates the body's natural healing ability. Because Reiki works with the body's natural energy systems, it is a safe and effective healing modality that
helps with both chronic and acute maladies.
Working alone or in conjunction with other medical or therapeutic techniques, Reiki relieves both the underlying condition and its symptoms, promoting recovery. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit, creating beneficial effects that include feelings of peace, security and well being.
You can read much more about Reiki here, including its history and a full FAQ.
Reiki mini Q & A:
Q: Is there a scientific explanation for how Reiki works?
A: I encourage you to read this article, which is an interview with Dr. James Oschman, Ph.D. His extensive background as a scientist and his experience and understanding of holistic healing place him in a unique position to bridge the gap between the academic/medical world and the healing community. His book, Energy Medicine, and his soon-to-be-released new book, Energy Medicine in Therapeutics and Human Performance, are remarkable in the way they easily convey a scientific basis for hands-on healing.
Q: Is Reiki like massage? Do you have to touch me?
A: Reiki usually involves the laying on of hands. However, touch is not required for Reiki to be effective. In fact, Reiki can even be given over distance.
Q: Reiki can be used at a distance? Is it effective?
A: Reiki can and is used with great effect at any distance. While it not necessary to be physically present, it is my preference to work with clients in person when possible.
Q: Will a Reiki treatment ever hurt? Can it harm me in any way?
A: Reiki is never harmful. On very rare occasion Reiki can bring about a peak in someone's illness in order that it can begin to heal. For example, if a client had a fever, the highest temperature will be reached faster and the fever will then break more quickly due to a speeding in the healing process caused by Reiki.
Q: Is Reiki associated with a particular religion?
A: Reiki by its nature is a spiritual discipline. However, Reiki is not connected to any religion, dogma or denomination. It has no dogma, and there is nothing you must believe in order to learn and use Reiki. In fact, Reiki is not dependent on belief at all and will work whether you believe in it or not. Because Reiki comes from God, many people find that using Reiki puts them more in touch with the experience of their religion rather than having only an intellectual concept of it.
Q: Does Reiki work with other medical or healing modalities?
A: Reiki is a complementary healing modality and works well with all other modalities. Clients have reported especially excellent results when receiving Reiki and acupuncture treatments in succession.
NOTE: Reiki can speed up both healing and the breakdown of poisons in the body. As such, Reiki can speed up the body's absorption of pain killers and should not be used during a surgical procedure that involves anesthesia as it can speed up the body's breakdown of the anesthesia. Reiki is not known to interact negatively with any other medicines but may speed up their absorption into the body in some cases.
Q: What is involved in a Reiki session with you?
A: I will bring my massage table to your home or we can work out an alternative suitable location. If you are unable to get onto the table, I can treat my clients while seated or in any position that is comfortable. If you desire, you may play peaceful music during the session. Once you are comfortable, I will ask a few questions about your condition and then briefly meditate. Once the beginning preparations are completed, I will begin hand placements - there are several positions that can be used depending on your individual need.
Keep in mind, I do not have to touch the client for Reiki to be effective and laying on of hands only occurs if this is comfortable for the client. The usual boundaries involved with professional massage are in effect during a treatment. I always gently ask permission before each hand placement. At any time, you may ask questions or make requests.
Q: What does Reiki feel like?
A: Reiki feels differently for each person depending on sensitivities to energy, heat and so on. My hands will become very warm at times during the treatment when a particular area needs more Reiki. During a treatment it is common for clients to enter a state of deep relaxation and peace. When a treatment is complete the client generally feels deeply relaxed, peaceful and slightly drowsy. After a period of restfulness, clients may feel energized or wish to relax or even sleep.
All clients report a greater sense of well being. A variety of illnesses and symptoms can begin to heal - sometimes immediately, sometimes over the course of a
few days or weeks. Some conditions require more sessions than others. Reiki leaves you feeling deeply peaceful and relaxed.
I'm happy to answer any further questions you have.
Please let me know!