Treatment Descriptions
Reiki Therapy
Reiki is an art of healing that involves bringing universal healing energy to the recipient.
Reiki can alleviate pain both physical and emotional, reduce stress, and help to bring about a better sense of “self”. The facilitator, through the use of symbolism, brings this healing energy to the client. The client need only to have the desire to have some aspect of their well-being, physical, emotional or mental, receive this energy and the energy will go to where it is needed. The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words: Rei, “God’s wisdom” or the “higher power” and Ki, “life force energy”. The practice of Reiki is a means of bringing forward spiritually guided life force energy to promote ease, peace, and healing. The living body (animal or human) radiates warmth and energy. This energy is the life force itself, and has as many names as there are human civilizations. In India it is known as Prana, in China it’s called Ch’i. Ki is the essential life force (energy, air, breath, vital essence). It is the essential life force of the earth, the planets, the stars, and the heavens and those sources of energy affect the living body’s Ki. Everything alive radiates this life force – it is the biomagnetic energy of the aura.
What do I need to do as a recipient?
Reiki can be a spiritual experience, but it is not a religion and one doesn’t have to belong, believe or buy into any kind of religious affiliation to partake. Reiki respects the rights and beliefs of all those that seek it and can do no harm. All you need to do to receive Reiki is to ask for it and be open to it. You remain clothed for a treatment as it does not work directly on the muscles like a massage does. Before the session starts, the practitioner may ask you if you have a desired intention for how you want Reiki to assist you. This could be an emotional issue, a practical dilemma, or a physical dis-ease in your body; or you can leave it up to Reiki to flow where you need it the most. The person bringing Reiki through will place his/her hands directly over or on (with permission) your body and move them according to where/when the energy flows. In a full session, the practitioner will place her/his hands either directly on or just above the receiver’s body at or near each of the chakras (naturally occurring energy centers or transformers in the body). When the Reiki energy flows, it can be sensed by the healer as heat, a vibration, a cooling sensation, a sound, or a color and the recipient may experience the same feeling(s). The practitioner will keep her hands over each area until the intense sensation has passed indicating that the client has received all that is needed at that point. In some cases a recipient may not feel anything at the time of treatment but will still reap the benefit of the treatment. The Reiki technique in and of itself may appear to be simple yet the results can be profound. Most people find it very soothing and calming. Some people may find that they feel the effects of the treatment several days afterward. Sometimes the effects are subtle but long lasting and even life/changing.
How long does a Session Last?
Reiki can be felt and received in just a few minutes but a typical session takes between 30- minutes to an hour or more. Most Reiki practitioners will follow a set routine of hand positions, spending more time on areas where the energy is needed. Once the flow has stopped, the Reiki session is complete for that time.
What will happen afterwards?
After your session (and even during), you will be encouraged to share any thoughts and feelings associated with your session with your practitioner. Of course, if you are not comfortable with sharing, you can keep that information private. Anything you do share in a Reiki session is confidential and will not be shared with others without your permission. You may have powerful sensations and emotions in the days following your Reiki treatment. This is a common occurrence and is nothing to be afraid of as it is simply your way of handling the changes the healing energy brings.
How often can I receive Reiki?
You can receive Reiki as often as you like, however, the first time you experience it, you may want to give yourself time to adjust and become aware of how it affects you before scheduling another session.
Is there any situation when someone should not receive Reiki?
Reiki energy can do no harm. It is appropriate for patients in any state of health. It can be especially beneficial for people who are experiencing pain, and life trauma. Care should always be taken to respect a receiver’s boundaries; with that in mind, the one who brings Reiki can accommodate so that it can be received without actual touch. Reiki has been widely accepted in the Medical community and studies show that many experience a significant reduction of pain during childbirth, and after medical procedures, including cancer treatments. Patients have also reported a reduction in anxiety levels when they received Reiki before or after surgery. Some hospitals reported that post-surgery patients decreased their use of pain medication, and had shorter hospital stays after receiving Reiki. There has also been evidence of improved immune and nervous system function in patients with conditions such as MS, lupus, and fibromyalgia.
