What is Reiki?
The system of Reiki is a Japanese spiritual practice founded by Mikao Usui from the early 1900s that supports healing and personal development and promotes relaxation, compassion and wellbeing.
The word Reiki (pronounced Ray Key) is Japanese meaning “Spiritual or Sacred Energy”; our true nature or essence. The word Reiki is also used to represent an original method of healing, activated by intention developed by Mikao Usui in Japan in the early 20th Century.
Everything has energy or “ki” in it. Ki is life energy that infuses every living being with vital life force. When this energy flows uninterrupted there is balance and harmony within and around us and we experience a sense of well being. When we are unwell the energy becomes blocked causing disease, fatigue, aches and pains, depression etc.
What happens in a Reiki treatment?
Reiki is a safe and natural method of relaxation and healing with no contra-indications. It is a non-invasive therapy so suitable for all. You will lie fully clothed on the therapy couch apart from taking off your shoes and glasses and any excess jewellery. We can play relaxing music and have soft lights and aromatherapy. It is your time and your space so you choose.
I will place my hands on and off your body in various positions but nowhere personal or intrusive is touched. The entire treatment can remain “hands-off” if you prefer and I will hold my hands just above your body. Most people find the touch relaxing and comforting. I will ask you to be open to receive whatever you need at this moment in time from the treatment and energy flows to wherever it is needed as we share the healing space.
Some people experience mild tingling sensations, warmth or coolness, while some see colours or have a deep meditative experience. Some feel none of these things. Sometimes suppressed emotions are released and in some cases, symptoms can increase for a short period when healing starts.
Most people find Reiki a deeply relaxing, balancing and nourishing experience and feel lighter, energized and uplifted afterwards.
A treatment normally lasts around 1 hour
“Do you feel tired and depleted all the time? This is because your mind is constantly distracted by external elements. As energy follows the mind, this means that your energy is always directed outside of yourself. To remedy this, focus inward, bring your mind back!”
Frans Stiene - International House of Reiki
How can Reiki help me?
During a Reiki treatment the pure flow of energy is re-aligned within the body, clearing blockages and strengthening the flow of energy. This reinforces the body’s natural ability to heal itself at all levels, whether physical, mental, emotional or spiritual. Not only does this help us to feel physically better, but it allows us to feel a connection to the understanding of one’s life purpose.
Reiki encourages a state of openness and stillness as our constant internal dialogue of labelling and judging our experiences settles, leading to acceptance and a sense of ease, a wonderful way to begin to understand the concept of letting go and trying not to control each area of your life.
Reiki generates an awakening of the energy already within us and a glimpse of what it is to be in our natural state – open, expansive, peaceful and calm.
Reiki is really a form of moving meditation of love and compassion offering us a glimpse of our true self.
Benefits can include
Promotes deep relaxation
Natural relief for stress, tension and anxiety
Rebalances the immune system
May accelerate the body’s natural self-healing abilities
Gives a feeling of inner calm and wellbeing
Encourages and supports a more positive balanced outlook personal awareness and growth.
*Reiki does not take the place of conventional medical treatment. A Reiki practitioner never tries to diagnose. Healing (meaning to make whole) works on many levels. One can heal without being cured. Similarly if we are having a physical or mental crisis Reiki will not magically make this vanish but will support us with its loving energy and help us to cope better with pain and fear, bringing comfort, peace and acceptance.*