What is Reiki?

This is a question that I get asked regularly and I find so difficult to define in one simple sentence, but I shall offer my interpretation of Reiki.

Reiki (ray-key) means “Universal Life energy” and it is a Japanese healing system that works with energy for stress reduction, relaxation and to promote self-healing.  It was founded in Japan in the early 20th Century by Dr Mikao Usui and the tradition has been passed on over the years.  It is a holistic therapy that works on the mind, emotions, body and soul to help bring balance, peace, relaxation and well-being.  It is not linked to any religious beliefs or systems, and can be used as a stand-alone therapy, or to support traditional medicine and other alternative therapies.

We are all energy, and energy needs to flow freely in the body to function properly.  Sometimes our energy can have blockages and these blocks can reduce the flow of energy in the body.  If the energy is low, we may become stressed, anxious or sick, and when it is higher we are more likely to become happier and healthier.  Reiki raises our energetic vibrations and helps the flow of energy by bringing in more energy where and as it is needed at a higher vibration, thereby stimulating the body’s self-healing abilities.  Healing may take place on a physical, emotional or spiritual level.  It is connecting with the Universal life force energy that is all around us.

My Reiki

My journey with Reiki began two decades ago.  I took a family member for an alternative therapy and, whilst there, was advised that is was actually myself that needed the treatment and that it should be Reiki.  I had never heard of Reiki but I went along to my first session with a wonderful Reiki practitioner with an open mind.  From the first time I received it, I felt a profound effect.  Reiki took me to a deeper state of relaxation than I had ever experienced before and for days after I felt the benefit of the treatment.

Fast forward a few years, I was completely stressed and at such a low point in life.  My career ended and the Universe presented me with an opportunity, this time to train as a Reiki practitioner.  Since then, I have qualified as a Reiki I and Reiki II practitioner in the Usui lineage.  I am fortunate now to be able to help others experience the wonderful therapy of Reiki.

What to expect during a treatment?

Everyone’s experience of Reiki is different as we are all individuals vibrating at different frequencies and healing is very personal.  However, many clients say that they have felt warmth or tingling, some see colours or images, but almost all will describe an incredibly deep sense of relaxation.  To many it is a feeling of wonderful glowing radiance.

The treatment is carried out with the client fully clothed whilst laying comfortably on a massage table.  It is a very natural and safe treatment.  As a practitioner, I will then lay my hands either gently on or just above the body using my intuition and guidance.  At the very least, most clients will leave in a calm and relaxed state of well-being.