TOP QUESTIONS
Holistic Care Questions
There are a lot of questions that people have when visiting a new Reiki Therapist. Find some of the most common questions people have below. If something is still unclear, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
WHAT IS REIKI AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
What is Reiki?
Reiki stands for Rei (universal) ki (chi or life force energy). It is a form of energy healing that originated in Japan. We all contain energy within us that is also connected to the universe and everything around us. This energy flows through our bodies and through major energy centers called chakras, as well as through many energy meridians (consider them pathways) through the body. This is very similar to other Eastern ideas of energy healing such as acupuncture and acupressure. As we experience things in the world, they affect our energy. Certain events can cause energy to flow incorrectly or cease flow as they need to in the body. The theory of Reiki is that when these energies are not flowing as they should, physical and emotional ailments and diseases can start. When the energy is balanced by Reiki, it can help the healing process of these ailments and provide relief.
How does it work?
The Reiki practitioner is an individual who has been attuned to Reiki energy through a series of specific processes during their Reiki training. This means that they are able to tune to the lifeforce energy that connects us all and essentially become a conduit for this energy to flow though them and to the individual they are performing Reiki on. The Reiki practitioner is able to balance energy through the chakras and the meridians, usually by placing their hands over their client in these areas and allowing it to flow. Depending on a Reiki practitioner's level of training, they can also expand their abilities to heal animals, locations, groups of people, and the earth at large. Initial energy healing is done during one session, but the effects can last beyond that.
What are the potentia benefits?
The outcome varies with each individual, depending on what they need. There is a saying in Reiki that "the Reiki energy knows". This means that the practitioner again is just a conduit-a way for the energy to flow through and reach it's target-but the energy itself naturally knows where to go and what it's work is. Some individuals experience relief-permanent or temporary-of physical discomfort and symptoms. Others experience changes in their overall emotional state. Some have intense emotional reactions as energy is released, and some feel a more subtle but powerful calming effect or feeling more energetically "balanced". I always tell my clients that it's best to be open to whatever their experience is. This allows the energy to flow and release where it needs to.
WHAT IS DISTANCE REIKI?
This is where Reiki can become more abstract to people who are new to it, but essentially, distance Reiki is where the practitioner performes Reiki on an individual that is not present. The premise is that energy knows no time or space, and can travel freely through both. The Reiki practiioner focuses on their client, and directs the healing energy to them wherever (and whenever) they are. This was my introduction to Reiki, and having a profession based in the sciences, I was skeptical. However, I have experienced the powerful effects of Reiki through this method and can attest to its effectiveness. If you are unable to book an in person session due to distance or time constraints, I highly recommend a distance Reiki session.
WHAT SHOUD I EXPECT DURING MY SESSION?
In Person: With this method the client will lay on a Reiki table (similar to a massage table), or the option to sit in a chair is available if it is more comfortable. We will take a few minutes to discuss any intentions you have for the session and for me to answer any questions, and then I will begin. The process of Reiki lasts about an hour. I work on the energy centers on the front of the body, and then have clients turn over if possible to work on them from the back. During that time clients are encouraged to just relax. Nothing needs to be "done", as the Reiki energy knows where to go. It's even ok if clients fall asleep, and in fact, this can help them open up to the process. Afterwards, I take about 10-15 minutes to debrief with clients for them to share their experience, ask further questions, or for me to discuss any insights I recieved. This is optional, and the client is free to leave directly after the treatment if preferred.
Distance Sessions: I like to get in touch with the client beforehand, to see if there is anything they would like me to know before starting the session, and to answer any questions they may have. I do not need to know about any specific ailments or discomforts, as the Reiki energy knows where to go, but if I am told, I can do my best to concentrate the energy there. I ask clients to find a comfortable spot to sit or lay down wherever they are, about 10 minutes before the session starts. Then I begin. Just as the case in in-person Reiki, all the client has to do is relax to the best of their ability. The session lasts approximately an hour as an in-person session does and once it's finished, I can either call or connect on Zoom for about 10-15 min after that to debrief, or we can chat about the experience via email if that's preferred but again, this is not required.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER MY SESSION?
This part is very unique to each individual, but what I can tell you is the effects of the Reiki energy can last for varying times after the actual session. Some people have reported that their energy feels more "balanced". They don't react to things as emotionally as they once were. Some report a feeling of peace. Others report the opposite, feeling more emotions than they did before. This is because Reiki moves energy in ways that can possibly bring emotions to the surface that weren't felt before. I always tell people to trust this process and allow that energy to move through them. Sometimes I will recommend further Reiki sessions if there are a lot of emotional manifestations to work through, but usually the Reiki energy heals these over time.