What is Reiki?
The word Reiki (pronounced ray key) is Japanese and means "Universal Life Energy". Reiki is literally the life force of the universe. The Light, The Force, God, All That Is, The Christ, Buddha, The Great Spirit, The Source, Goddess, Mohammed... you can call Reiki whatever you are the most comfortable in saying. Reiki is one of the many complementary therapies which focus on the whole person (mind, body, spirit) and works very well in conjunction with western medicine for stress reduction, relaxation, and to promote healing. Reiki as a healing method is not a disease "cure", rather the healing energy focuses on the root of the dis-ease. It is administered through a practitioner based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's life force energy is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.
Is Reiki a religion?
No. It is not a religion. It is very spiritual in nature, but there are no beliefs required or necessary in order to benefit. The beauty of reiki is that it will work regardless of whether you believe in it or not. Its use is not dependent on one's intellectual capacity or spiritual development and therefore is available to everyone.
What is a Reiki session?
A treatment session feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security, and wellbeing. In a standard treatment Reiki energy flows from the practitioners hands into the client. The client is usually laying on a massage table but treatments can also be given while the client is seated or even standing. The client remains fully clothed. The practitioner places her/his hands on or near the clients body in a series of hand positions. These include positions around the head and shoulders, the stomach, legs, and feet. Other more specific positions may be used based on the clients needs. Each position is held for three to ten minutes depending on how much Reiki the client needs at each position. The whole treatment usually lasts between 45 and 90 minutes. What one experiences during a Reiki treatment varies somewhat from person to person. However, feelings of deep relaxation are usually felt by all. As the Reiki energy encourages one to let go of all tension, anxiety, fear or other negative feelings, a state of peace and well-being is experienced. Some drift off to sleep or report floating outside their bodies or have visions and other mystical experiences. At the end of the treatment, one feels refreshed with a more positive and balanced outlook.
Are there any sensations during or after the Reiki treatment?
It depends on the individual. You might not feel anything, but this does not mean that Reiki is not working . On the other hand, you might have sensations during or after the treatment such as: heat, cold, tingling, buzzing, relaxation, sleepiness, or other. It may happen also that the symptoms briefly worsen after the treatment, after which you will feel wonderful. It is important to drink lots of water to aid the cleansing of the body.
What other Reiki techniques exist in the world?
Tibetan Reiki, Shamballa, Sacred Path Reiki, Ascension Reiki, Tera Mai Reiki, Seichem, Karuna Reiki, Karuna Ki, Saichim 7 Facet, Extended Seichim Reiki, Isis Seichim, Traditional Japanese Reiki, Raku Kei Reiki, Atlatis Healing System, etc.
What is the difference between these Reiki techniques?
They use a different method to attract the Reiki healing energy. They have a bit different techniques and symbols. Many styles are different from the original Usui Reiki.
What are Reiki Symbols?
They are tools to help direct energy.
What Reiki lineage are you attuned with and trained under?
Usui Rishi Ryoho
Can Reiki be used on animals and plants?
Animals respond faster to Reiki than humans. Plants also respond well, because they are living energy fields that can be out of balance.
Can Reiki be used with other therapies?
Yes. It can be combined with other complementary therapies very successfully. Reiki will enhance their effects. It can also be used to complement the health care you receive in hospitals or other health care providers.
Is there anything else I can do for my health?
Yes, of course! Self-care is very-very important. You should pay attention to your diet, exercise regularly (even daily walks do wonder), relax, meditate, do yoga, do imagery exercises...educate yourself, experiment and find out what is the best for you.
