What is Reiki?

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The Healing Art of Reiki

Reiki is a universal energy residing in all living things.  When that energy is allowed and encouraged to flow freely in and around the body, it promotes our natural healing ability.

The term comes from the Japanese Kanji forms for the words Rei (“universal” or “spiritual wisdom”) and Ki (“life force” or “energy”).  The technique through which a practitioner shares Reiki with others began in Japan through the teachings of Mikao Usui in 1922 and was introduced to the West in 1937.  Since the 1990’s Reiki sessions have become a recognized and popular source for gentle, effective alternative health therapies.

Reiki can support your healing journey in different ways.  It can ease and comfort physical pain. It can calm and lessen worries or fears.  It can light your path when you feel the loneliness of being stuck or lost. You might not even be aware of the wound needing attention until you ask Reiki to nourish those silent and dark corners with love.  It is a gentle and non-invasive technique to cleanse, balance and rejuvenate your body, mind and spirit.

What to Expect During a Reiki Session

A typical session begins with a conversation.  A Reiki practitioner will want to hear about any needs and expectations you are comfortable sharing about the reason for your visit.  If you want, this can be a safe time to communicate feelings, thoughts, or changes you are experiencing. And, of course, feel free to ask questions.

When you are ready for energy work, you will make yourself comfortable on a massage table or reclining chair.  Music, scents, crystals or other embellishments might be used in order to enhance the relaxing and nurturing environment, but these are solely at the discretion of the practitioner and the client.  They are not required nor should they be expected. It is not necessary to remove your clothes in order to receive a Reiki treatment though you might be asked to remove your shoes. The important ingredients are to feel comfortable and safe.

Reiki energy is often shared through a light touch of the practitioner’s hands, but the amazing beauty of Reiki allows the benefits to be equally effective with the hands off the body and the practitioner to be at any distance wanted.  Your preferences should be discussed prior to treatment as well as shared throughout the session.

While every Reiki session is experienced in different ways by different people at different times, there are some common sensations that occur more frequently.  The Reiki practitioner’s hands can feel very warm. Parts of your own body might become warm whether near or far from the practitioner’s hands. You might have a tingling or static-y feeling on the skin.  You might get the shivers. Hiccups. Laughter. Tears. All reactions are a powerful reminder that your body’s energy is releasing the old and receiving the new.

It might take a series of sessions before your body's energy relaxes and balances to the degree needed for healing to occur. The practitioner can recommend the best services for your needs moving forward. Always listen to your body and your spirit for guidance when choosing a practitioner and when deciding the number and frequency of treatments to receive.

Reiki can complement your current medical therapies. It provides me with relaxation, focus and vitality. And I have witnessed it help many others find their own relief and peace.

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