So … what, exactly, is Reiki? This is a question I get a lot as a Reiki practitioner. To be honest, it’s not always easy to explain it succinctly. And since I am much better at organizing my thoughts on the page, rather than on the spot, I decided to tackle the question here on the blog.
Reiki is a form of energy healing with Japanese roots. The word Reiki is made up of two Japanese words: Rei, meaning Universal or Divine, and ki, meaning Energy Force. The practice can be described as a spiritually guided manipulation of the life force energy that flows in and around each of us at all times. The quality of this life force energy (known by many names: ki, chi, prana, and others) as it flows throughout and around the body is thought to be a direct indication of our state of health - physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Energy is generally manipulated with the practitioner’s hands, at times making contact with the client and, at others, simply hovering over the client’s body.
Reiki can also be administered from a distance with the practitioner using a focal point to represent the intended target of the work. Many practitioners use crystal grids, but really anything can be used for the job. The practitioner then sends the sacred Reiki energy into the proxy target while focusing on the spirit of the actual target. Is it a little out there, explained? To some, yes. Is it effective? To most, YES!
Reiki sessions will vary in the particulars, depending both on the practitioner’s relationship with energy manipulation, and her/his personality and preferences. I’ve known some practitioners who offer very minimal sessions with no direct hand-to-body contact, sparsely decorated treatment rooms, and silence during the session. I’ve also known practitioners who operate on the complete opposite end of the spectrum, incorporating mystical music, spa-like decor, and accoutrements such as feathers and glitter dust in their treatments. There’s pretty much a practitioner out there for every taste and preference.
During reiki sessions with me, you can expect to lie on the table fully clothed, while I place my hands on and around you in a variety of positions as I work to help unlock any blocked, stagnant, or manic energy pockets. You should feel safe, nurtured, and deeply relaxed during the entire session. In some cases, there may be some resurfacing of old feelings or memories accompanied by a physical emotional release. This is perfectly healthy. As the reiki does the work of realigning your energy channels, these releases should pass relatively easily, comfortably, and quickly. I rarely incorporate any other tools in my practice, with the exception of combined Reiki and Gemstone Healing sessions, which I find to be especially healing and rejuvenating thanks to the additional potent energies of the stones.
Sometimes the effects of a reiki session are felt immediately during the work. Other times, the effects are slower and more subtle. For instance, following a session, you may find that you are suddenly being presented with solutions to obstacles you were previously facing. Or, you might find that you are suddenly in the right place at the right time more often. For you Harry Potter fans, having a Reiki session can be a bit like taking a Felix Felicis potion. Things are just better after it.
Reiki is a great way to restore calm and peace during particularly stressful situations. It can be a wonderful way to assist the healing of injuries and dis-ease. It is also a beautiful maintenance practice for overall health and wellness.
If you’re feeling ready to give Reiki a try, head over to the Shop and choose the option that most calls out to you. And, as always, if you have any questions about the topic, just send me an email, and I’ll do my best to answer you quickly and efficiently. xoxo!
photo by the lovely and talented Melissa Godwin