Reiki

What is Reiki?
Reiki in Japanese translates roughly as “universal life force.” The theory behind this spiritual practice holds that a skilled Reiki practitioner can be an open vessel to the Reiki energy allowing it to flow through the practitioner and be received by the client to improve their health and well-being. The Reiki practitioner acts as the conduit for the patient to draw what is needed for their own balancing and healing needs. In this way, the patient becomes an active participant in the healing process.

What does a Reiki session look like?
During a typical Reiki session, the patient remains fully clothed, preferably wearing loose clothing to allow for maximum comfort. No oil or lotion is used. Reiki is administered in one of two ways—either in person or via distance healing. During an "in person" Reiki treatment the client will be asked to lie on a massage table or mat. The room is usually calm and gentle music can be added for relaxation. The Reiki practitioner will place their hands gently on the client or just above an area of the body to allow the transfer of energy from their hands to the client. Some schools of Reiki prescribe specific spots on the body for hand placement, while others believe that the hands of the Reiki practitioner should detect the area of need to administer treatment. This second school believes the practitioner will intuitively recognize places of imbalance in our bodies. During a distance healing session, the client will be asked to set up a relaxing environment at home or somewhere else of choice where they won't be interrupted preferably for the next thirty minutes to an hour. The Reiki practitioner will then enter a relaxed stated and direct the energy to the patient from a distance.

Many people who experience Reiki are struck by the intense feelings of warmth and comfort they feel during a session. Others claim to actually feel the waves of energy move from the practitioner into their body. A typical "in person" Reiki session can last anywhere form a half hour to an hour depending on the client's needs. Reiki treats the whole person (e.g., mind, body, spirit, and emotion). Some of the benefits people might notice include a deep feeling of relaxation, a sense of peace and well being, or the reduction of pain.

Always consult your doctor and your therapist to see if massage or specific massage types are right for you.