What is Reiki?

Reiki is a powerful yet gentle form energy healing. It works with our own body systems to effectively release energetic blockages. Reiki can help to transform negative energy into positive energy and it can help revitalize and raise our vibrations on a cellular level. Reiki assists in supporting our body’s natural desire to maintain a healthy balance.

Where does Reiki energy come from?

Reiki energy, also known as Universal Life Force Energy, Chi, The Tao is a high vibration, subtle energy that exists all around us. The Reiki Practitioner is someone who is trained to channel and direct this energy. They are ‘attuned’ to specific vibrations thus allowing Reiki energy to be channeled into the recipient. Reiki is said to have its own intelligence therefore, once channeled, will work with the recipients own energy system to bring balance on multiple levels.

What types of issues can be treated with Reiki?

Reiki energy has been shown to have positive effects on literally all forms of illness and negative conditions. One such study that focused on Canadian hospitals was published in the Journal of Palliative Care in 2013. The study found that providing patients with reiki treatment led to lower levels of discomfort, restlessness, anxiety, and pain. Reiki treatment was also associated with mood improvements. The study ultimately concluded that reiki was a valuable addition to the treatment options offered at the hospital.

Other studies conducted at different hospitals produced similar results, with most researchers determining that Reiki can help with pain, mood, and other issues commonly experienced by hospitalized patients. Recently a study published in the American Journal of Hospital Palliative Care found that the use of Reiki on patients in the oncology and infusion services unit decreased VAS anxiety scores by more than half. The mean VAS pain score of patients in this study dropped from 4.4 to 2.32. In addition, patients showed signs of improved sleep quality, better relaxation, reduced anxiety, and enhanced overall well-being

What can you expect during a session?

During a session, the Practitioner will place their hands lightly on, or slightly above the recipient, intuitively moving their hands to the various energy centers on the body effectively working with the individual to clear imbalances. Recipients are fully clothed and lying comfortably with pillows and blankets. What you may experience during a session may include.

• Heat, tingling, energy moving

• Seeing colors or other visual experiences

• Temperature changes

• Subtle physical responses such as muscle twitches

• Emotional releases

• Sleepy or dreamlike state

• Deep relaxation

• Insights, visions or messages

Every Reiki session is personal and unique. Each individual will experience Reiki in different ways.

Is Reiki relaxing and is it okay to fall asleep during a treatment?

YES! Reiki is actually that relaxing. Many people are so relaxed that they will fall asleep during a treatment. This is why treatments are performed mostly in silence. Silence allows the mind and body fall into a deep state of relaxation similar to meditation. The relaxation received from Reiki lasts from a few days to a few weeks everyone is different.

How to receive the most benefit from a Reiki session?

Reiki energy, also known as Universal Life Force Energy, activates our natural ability to maintain a healthy balance by removing imbalances and allowing energy to flow naturally. The degree to which Reiki supports that process can depend on the individuals’ ability to let go of anything that may not be serving them on a conscious and/or subconscious level. Although a recipient does not need to ‘do’ anything to receive Reiki energy, it is helpful if the individual can:

• Be open to receiving and healing

• Surrender any unwanted thoughts

• Trust Reiki energy is working for your highest good

What can be expected after a session?

Reiki is an intense energy movement experience. Recipients will likely continue to feel the effects well beyond the Reiki session. Recipients are encouraged to drink plenty of water after the session to help eliminate blockages from the body.

Are there any side effects from a Reiki session?

Most often, a person will feel relaxed and uplifted from a Reiki session. Occasionally, a person will have what they may consider a ‘bad reaction’ and feel nausea, headache, weak or emotional. This is actually a good sign as the body is purging itself of any lower vibration energies. As as person’s vibration increases, toxins that have been stored in the body will be released. If this happens, it should not last long, usually 48 to 72 hours post treatment. It is recommended to drink plenty of water, eat lighter meals and get plenty of rest until the body completes its cleansing cycle.

Should one stop seeing their health care providers?

No. Reiki works as a compliment to any regular medical or psychological treatment. Reiki energy works in harmony with all other modalities of treatment including medications, surgery, psychological care and any other method of holistic therapy.

Is Reiki safe for pregnancy or babies?

Reiki is Universal Life Force energy and therefore can only ‘do good’. Pregnant women have safely received Reiki with great benefit to help with mood, stress, sleep issues, physical discomfort and anxiety. I have personally used Reiki on my three children as babies. I have found it quickly calmed them during episodes of colic, helped them fall asleep faster and even eased tummy aches.