What is Reiki?

Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It was discovered by Fr. Mikao Usui in the early 1900’s.

Rei - means universal - higher knowledge or spiritual consciousness. It understands each person completely and knows the cause of all problems and difficulties and knows how to heal them.

Ki - life energy. As long as something is alive it has the life energy. In yoga it is called ’prana’. If your life energy is low or if there is a restriction in this flow, you are more vulnerable to illness. When it is high and flowing freely you are less likely to get sick. It is the primary energy of our emotions, thoughts and spiritual life.

Reiki can be described as the spiritually guided life energy.

How Does Reiki Heal?

Ki flows within our bodies through pathways, chakras, meridians and through our aura.

Ki nourishes the organs and tissues as it flows through them.

What to expect During a Reiki Session

During the session, relaxation is very important. Being sure to be comfortable, open to relaxation. Minimal movement is best, although if uncomfortable in temperature or position please quietly voice your needs.

Comfort

Comfort can assist in experiencing a deeper session. It is recommended to wear loose, comfortable clothing. You will be laying faceup on the table, covered by a blanket to keep warm.

Breathing

I will ask you to then to take a few deep breathes to allow your diaphragm to expand and relax to prepare the body for the session. You’re encouraged to focus on your breathing. Thoughts may wander in your mind, you may acknowledge them and then like the clouds in the sky, let them drift away and return your attention back to your breathing throughout your treatment.

Sensations

The session is usually silent with light music in the background. Eyes closed, to enhance the relaxation experience. A folded towel may be placed over your eyes, if wished.

You may feel sensations during your treatment, or you may feel nothing at all. Sensations are varied person to person, some can feel ‘air flow’ through the body, some may feel flutters, vibrations, heat or cold. There can be images of colour, objects, maybe even sounds and smells.

As with the distracting thoughts and sounds, best to acknowledge these as they come, observe them for a time, and when ready release them.