From Sherri’s Desk:
What Is Reiki?
Reiki is one of many energywork modalities from the Eastern traditions that focus on universal life-force energy (prana, chi, ki). It is a non-invasive relaxation technique that was uncovered in Japan and Tibet, shown to promote physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It works on the premise that the human body has a natural healing response and is designed to heal itself, and when we are more relaxed and present, we are able to allow the body to heal better.
In Japanese, “rei” and “ki” together translate to: spiritually guided conscious life-force energy. As the reiki master, my role is to serve as a clear channel to funnel in this focused energy through thought, intention, and sacred symbols that contain focused light energies from Source Light/God/Universe — only as much light as your nervous system can hold at once.
There are many energywork methods, such as Healing Touch, that incorporate life-force energy or chi. The difference in the teachings of reiki and its history (and various styles) is, reiki is the only one that uses sacred symbols passed down through the certified reiki master/teacher to the reiki student during specialized attunements or ignitions in structured classes.
Universal life energy is something that flows through you as long as you are alive and breathing. With clear intentions and a strong focus, I call in infinite Source energy that is available all around us, working with your angels and highest spiritual guides to transmute any heavy energies and strengthen the light that is already within you.
I am able to assess intuitively how your various energy centers (chakras) and pathways of the body are functioning, clear excess or stuck energies, and facilitate re-alignment and balance. Although not traditionally linked to reiki energy healing, chakra work provides additional information and focused access points to intend for reiki to flow.
There are seven main chakras in the subtle or astral body (the body of life energy underlying the physical human body) and they each correlate with different major organs, nerves, and physiological processes.
Our hectic society and demands in life, as well as old wounds and traumas, often knock our energies out of alignment. When our chakras are spinning efficiently and in alignment with one another, we are able to feel more connected and flow through life with more ease and awareness.
In this work, imbalanced energetic centers and meridians are believed to manifest physically and/or emotionally. Chakras are never “blocked” or “closed” while we are alive. Likewise, chakras are never fully “open” until we reach enlightenment. It is more accurate to describe chakra function (and their connections to one another) as: congested or stagnant, out of balance, or flowing with vitality.
Formal reiki sessions are administered on a reiki/massage table to a fully clothed individual, but reiki can also be channeled alongside any of the other services here. Sessions are usually scheduled for an hour; allow 75 minutes for more comprehensive insights for integration. If lying down is uncomfortable, sitting upright in a chair is also possible. Light, non-invasive touch or no touch at all may be involved, based on your preferences.
As with all complementary medicines, remember that energy work is not intended for use in diagnosing, treating, or preventing dis-ease, and, reiki is not intended to be a substitute for medical or psychological care.
What can reiki help with?
Reiki can help you:
- Be present for yourself and your loved ones
- Reduce stress and support your nervous system
- Improve focus, sleep, digestion
- Reduce anxiety and worry
- Manage depression naturally
- Improve post-traumatic stress
- Reduce migraines and headaches
- Improve chronic pain
- Support recovery from injury or surgery
- Clear out stuck energies or unprocessed emotions
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What can you expect from a reiki session?
Before the session, reserve space in your schedule for yourself so that you are not rushing to another commitment right away. Wear loose, comfortable clothes to the session. Avoid caffeine, smoking, alcohol, and large meals before the session. Take time to share with the practitioner about any injuries, scars, sensitivities, and specific needs. The practitioner will walk you through a brief client history and consent form during your first visit.
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During the session, the practitioner will open the session by creating a sacred energetic space and channeling a guided meditation to help you center and ground. The practitioner will then move around you using light, non-invasive touch and/or hovering above the physical body. You may experience sensations in your body such as heat or tingling, see colors or images, receive insights or aha moments, and/or notice old memories resurface. Emotional release may also come up through crying/tearfulness or laughing. Many people fall asleep, or enter a sleep-like state and experience deep relaxation. You are encouraged to keep an open mind and open heart. Don’t put expectations on yourself or force yourself to relax; allow reiki to relax you.
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​After the session, you may feel refreshed and energized, becoming more grounded and focused. You may also feel more tired in the evening than usual, an indication of the body’s natural healing response. Pay attention to what your body needs and prioritize rest and sleep as much as possible. If certain thoughts or memories repeat themselves, consider journaling or meditating on them without judgment.
In order for buried emotional/mental/spiritual wounds to heal, they must first come to the surface and this often feels unfamiliar and uncomfortable at first. Stuck energies that have been with you for a while usually require several reiki sessions to work through fully, as the subconscious mind usually needs training and consistency to release old patterns and narratives. For further insight or guidance, always feel free to contact me with any questions or comments as you move through your process.