Reiki is a spiritual healing art with its roots in Japanese origin. The word "reiki" comes from the Japanese word (Rei) which means "Universal Life" and (Ki) which means "Energy". Reiki is not affiliated with any particular religion or religious practice. It is not massage nor is it based on belief or suggestion. It is a subtle and effective form of energy work using spiritually guided life force energy.
Reiki is the life energy that flows through all living things. Reiki Practitioners understand that everyone has the ability to connect with their own healing energy and use it to strengthen energy in themselves and help others. It is believed that a person's "ki" or energy should be strong and free flowing. When this is true a person's body and mind are in a positive state of health. When the energy becomes weak or blocked it could lead to symptoms of physical or emotional imbalance.
A Reiki session can help ease tension and stress and can help support the body to heal on all levels- physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. A session is pleasant and relaxing and is often utilized for one's personal wellness. Reiki is not a cure for a disease or illness, but it may assist the body in creating an environment to facilitate healing. Reiki is a great tool to use as a complement to "traditional" medicine and is practiced in many hospitals and medical care settings.
Many times a client, after experiencing Reiki treatments, will wish to learn Reiki to work with this energy themselves by taking a Reiki 1 course. This can be beneficial as they may then use this stress reduction and relaxation tool anytime they wish when cost would prohibit otherwise.
Description of a Typical Reiki session:
A session is usually 60-90 minutes long. A discussion will usually take place during the initial session with a Reiki Practitioner. They will describe the session to the client, give the client an opportunity to discuss any particular problems or issues they are experiencing and ask them what they are hoping to achieve from their session. For the actual session, the client will rest comfortably on a massage table on their back (or stomach) with their shoes removed. Reiki can be performed with the client sitting comfortably in a chair as well. Unlike massage therapy, no articles of clothing are removed and a client is always fully clothed; loose, comfortable clothing is suggested. A session can either be hands-on, where a Practitioner will apply a light touch during the session, or hands-off, where they will hold their hands slightly above your body. If a client prefers not to be touched they can indicate this to the practitioner before they begin.
The session will then proceed with the Reiki Practitioner moving through specific standard Reiki hand positions beginning at the person's head or feet. A recipient of Reiki might feel a warming sensation or a tingling during the session or nothing at all but sheet relaxation. The session should be very pleasant, relaxing and invigorating.