Reiki
What it is, What it isn’t & what to expect from a treatment.
When you hear the word Reiki, what does it bring to mind?
For some, words like “inner peace & tranquility “ or “emotional healing” come to the fore, while for others there will be a strange shudder through the room, as associations like “New-Age woo-woo” or “An occult practice that’s not to be trifled with”, are made. Then of course, there are the people who will simply say “what the heck is Reiki?!”.
Wherever your own thoughts & beliefs fall on this scale, I’ve written this article to explain briefly what Reiki is; look at some common misconceptions of what it isn’t; tell you what you can expect from a treatment & hopefully provide you with enough information to make your own informed choice as to whether or not it is right for you.
What is Reiki?
Originating in the early 20th Century in Japan, the term Reiki itself comes from two Japanese words;
Rei- meaning “universal wisdom”
Ki- meaning “life energy”
It is based in the belief or truth that everything in the universe is made of energy & that a practitioner can channel this universal life energy into a persons body to clear energetic blockages, help promote balance & support the body’s natural healing processes. It is carried out with loving intention, gentleness & compassion.
Yet, because the basis of Reiki is energy, something which is unseen, I feel this is where a lot of the misconceptions arise.
When talking to people who are skeptical or get bad vibes at the mention of Reiki, I often find describing what it isn’t to be of just as much, if not more benefit in helping to allay any untoward feelings they have about the practice.
What Reiki isn’t
Reiki is not a religion- while it does have spiritual elements to it, it doesn’t require specific beliefs, rituals or religious affiliation & is practiced by people of all backgrounds.
Reiki is not dark magic or supernatural power- although described as energy work, it is based on the idea that the practitioner is a channel for universal energy, & focuses on compassion, balance & healing, with no sinister or hidden agenda.
Reiki is not dangerous & can not drain your energy- Since Reiki practitioners channel universal energy, they are not using their own life force. Similarly, it can not take away or alter your energy in a harmful way- it only aims to promote balance & relaxation.
Reiki is not a medical treatment- it doesn’t diagnose, treat or cure dis-ease & is considered a complementary practice to allopathic medical care.
Reiki is not a massage or physical manipulation- the treatment itself is non-invasive, but can be carried out alongside other physical therapies to deepen relaxation & enhance wellbeing.
What to expect from a treatment.
The treatment takes place in a quiet, calming room with gentle healing frequency music playing. You will remain fully clothed & lie comfortably & fully supported on the massage table.
Beginning with a few deep breaths to aid the body to begin relaxing, you can set an intention for the treatment at this point, but you don't have to.
During a session the practitioner will place their hands lightly on or just above your body using specific hand positions to direct energy flow, usually along the main 7 chakras, as well as arms, legs & feet. Each position is held for up to a few minutes or longer, depending on what the practitioner feels guided to do.
You might experience warmth, tingling, a sense of calm or emotional release during a session. Some people feel nothing at all, which is also perfectly normal.
After a session you may feel deeply relaxed, peaceful or even sleepy. Some people experience emotional release, increased mental clarity or a boost in energy. Others simply feel calm & grounded.
It is recommended to drink water & rest afterward to support the body’s natural rebalancing process.
Potential benefits of Reiki
While scientific evidence on Reiki’s effectiveness is growing, many people report the following benefits:
Reduced stress & anxiety
Improved sleep quality
Enhanced emotional well-being
Pain relief (in conjunction with conventional treatments)
Faster recovery from illness or injury
Is Reiki right for you?
Reiki is safe & gentle, making it suitable for most people. It can be particularly helpful if you’re seeking:
Stress relief & emotional support
Support during recovery from illness or surgery
Complementary care alongside conventional medical treatments
A deeper sense of relaxation & well-being.
Final thoughts
Reiki is a gentle yet profound energy healing practice, that offers relaxation & supports overall wellness. While it isn’t a cure or replacement for medical care, it can be a valuable tool for stress reduction & promoting the body’s own natural healing process.
If you’re curious about how Reiki can benefit you personally, why not book a session with us & decide whether it’s a beneficial addition to your self-care routine. If you still have any questions or uncertainty about it, leave a comment & we’ll answer as best we can.