What is reiki?

 

Reiki is a form of energy work, a non-invasive relaxation technique that promotes physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Pronounced “ray-kee,” reiki was rediscovered in Japan in the early 1900s and involves the transfer of universal life energy (known as prana and chi in Eastern medicine) through the palms/hands of a trained and certified practitioner, who serves as a clear channel to help reawaken what is already within you.

 

The reiki practitioner usually begins by assessing your energy centers and auric fields, and then focuses on clearing and rebalancing energy pathways that flow through and from each chakra (“cha-kruh,” pronounced with the “ch” sound like in the word “chess”) — a Sanskrit word that refers to the main energy centers or energy wheels of the body.

 

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. Despite convenient correspondence, it is important not to confuse the chakras with the physical body. Stuck or imbalanced, wobbly chakras tend to manifest as physical pain/dis-ease or stagnation as we move through life.

 

Our hectic society and demands in life 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. Once you find a practitioner you resonate with and they can be a clear channel with pure intentions, reiki is one modality that can aid in this process of self-knowledge and self-realization.

 

Formal in-person reiki sessions are usually completed on a comfortable reiki/massage table in a quiet, peaceful setting to a fully clothed individual; however, sitting upright in a chair is also possible, as is reiki practiced in noisy or high-stress environments when needed. Light, non-invasive touch or no touch at all may be involved. Aromatherapy, crystals or gemstones, and sound therapy instruments may also be used. It is important to note that reiki is effective by itself and external tools are not required.

 

Reiki is not intended for use in diagnosing, treating, or preventing dis-ease, and, as with all complementary therapy techniques, reiki is not intended to be a substitute for medical or psychological care.

​

What can reiki help with?

​

Reiki ultimately helps us to be more present for ourselves and the people around us as we navigate through life. I specialize in reiki for:

 

• Mental health and wellness

• Trauma, grief, stress, addiction

• Vocal injury and healing

• Traumatic brain injury

• Acute and chronic pain

• Fertility and women’s health

• Relationship work and healing

• Inner child work and healing

• Soul retrieval and ancestral healing

• Toddlers, young children, adolescents with:

  • Anxiety

  • Developmental delays

  • Communication challenges

​

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.

​

During the session, the practitioner will move her/his hands 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, visualize colors or images, or notice old memories appear/resurface. Emotional release may also come up through crying/tearfulness or laughing. Some people fall asleep or enter a sleep-like state and experience deep relaxation. You are encouraged to keep an open mind and open heart, as people’s first time experiencing reiki can range from subtle to intense. Don’t put expectations on yourself or force yourself to relax; allow the reiki to relax you.

​

After the session, you may feel refreshed and energized, becoming more grounded and focused; however, 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 for most people. For further insight or guidance, always feel free to contact the reiki practitioner with any questions or comments as you move through your process.