Questions about Reiki
WHAT IS REIKI?
Reiki, pronounced “RAY-KEY,” means “Universal Life Force.” It was developed in the late 1900s by Dr. Mikao Usui, a monk from Japan. The Reiki treatment is a hands-on practice. Hands are gently placed in different positions on the body.
The first pattern covers the front of the torso. The second pattern covers the head and neck. The third pattern covers the back, legs, and feet.
The Reiki energy flows through the practitioner and out the palms of their hands. The client often feels warmth from the practitioner’s palms. The Reiki flows into the client and gently releases impurities, revitalizing the body’s cells. By the end of the treatment, all body systems (blood supply, nerves, organs, emotions, etc.) operate in a stronger, more vital manner.
Over time, and with continued treatments, clients experience deep and effective shifts—physically, emotionally, and mentally. These shifts allow us to live more fully in our bodies and more clearly with our emotional states.
HOW DOES REIKI WORK?
Reiki works by increasing the "life force energy" that flows through and around us — the energy that keeps us alive. This energy is influenced by our thoughts and emotions. Negative thinking, especially about us can disrupt or weaken it. When our life force is low, we’re more likely to feel stressed or become ill. When it’s strong, we’re more likely to feel healthy and balanced.
Reiki gives this energy a positive boost. It raises the vibration in areas where the energy has been disrupted, helping negative energy break up and release. This restores the natural, healthy flow of life force throughout the body.
IS REIKI A RELIGIOUS PRACTICE?
Reiki is not a religion. It is a philosophy of care that teaches practitioners to relate to a person’s core or essence rather than their personality; to listen without passing judgment, to be willing not to know or understand the “why’s” underlying a client’s symptoms; and not to view a client’s response to Reiki treatment as a personal achievement. The practitioner provides a conduit for the universal life-force energy but does not control the process.
WHY START WITH FOUR TREATMENTS?
For those new to Reiki, I recommend starting with four sessions within a short period—ideally once or twice a week, depending on our schedules. This gives your body and mind a strong start on the healing process.
Physical and emotional issues often build up over time, and they don’t disappear overnight. Reiki works gradually, and it takes a few sessions for the body to begin responding. During the first session, the body may be unsure and stay somewhat closed to the energy. By the second session, it starts to relax and open. The third and fourth sessions often go deeper and begin to bring about the real healing response we’re looking for.
After the initial four sessions, I recommend coming in for weekly treatments, then monthly treatments as needed for maximum shifts to occur. Each client experience is very different from case to case so it’s always up to the individual client and their needs.