What is Reiki?

Reiki can be explained as a way of guiding energy throughout the body to promote the recipient’s own self-healing abilities. (As described by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).

The energy healing treatment originated in Japan with Dr. Mikao Usui. He had an experience on Mount Kurana where he received a transmission of universal energy, which he then used to successfully heal others. This led to his opening the first Reiki practice in 1921. REI means universal/Holy Spirit, while KI means life force energy.

How Can Reiki Help?

Studies have found that Reiki can reduce stress, reduce pain, promote sleep, and promote healing. Part of the healing ability may have to do with the fact that Reiki reduces the stress levels to an extent that the body can then better heal from disease, injury, or anxiety.

So much of our discomfort—be it physical aches or repetitive thoughts—continues to occur because our mind and body are just in the habit of doing it. At one point these things may have served us. Our anxieties might be trying to protect us from a perceived danger. Our inflamed muscle might be overcompensating for the weakness of another. The healing process is often about shifting these subtle impulses so that a different experience can take place.

How is Reiki Sent?

The process of sending Reiki is not coming from the actual practitioner, but rather the energy uses the practitioner as a channel. The ability to send Reiki is taught through an attunement practice and initiation ceremony. Sending Reiki remotely is a different process than giving it via hands on or beaming in person.

What to Expect from a Session?

Every Reiki session is a unique experience. No matter what you intend to work on, the Reiki will flow where it needs to go for the best possible healing at the time. You may feel a variety of sensations during a session, like heat, light, movement, emotions, or you may feel nothing at all. Some people come to new awareness during the session, while others notice later that something has shifted for them. Some people fall asleep during the session, which is also perfectly fine! The Reiki will work no matter what.

What to Expect After a Reiki Session?

Immediately after a Reiki session, you may feel tired, energized, emotional, or blissful. If the Reiki was addressing physical pain you may notice some immediate changes. If it’s a more emotional process, it may continue to evolve and change over time.