ABOUT REIKI

Reiki is a safe and gentle healing technique.  

The word "Reiki" is Japanese and means:

Rei - Divine Wisdom     Ki - Life Force Energy

In Japan the word "Reiki" is used when speaking of "spiritual energy" or what is more commonly known in the West as "life force energy" or "universal energy". In the West the word "Reiki" is also used to name the system of healing that was developed in Japan in the early 1900's by Mikao Usui.  

The system of Reiki is based on the concept that life force energy flows through our beings and gives us life. This healing force is known as Prana in India and Ch'i in China. When one's life force energy is low or out of balance we are more susceptible to dis-ease and stress. Through Reiki practice or sharing, one's life force energy is increased and balanced.  This helps one to release negative emotion and stress and allows oneself to be in a place where they are open to receive clarity and healing. Reiki supports one's entire being — there are benefits physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. It is often used as a complement with other holistic healing methods and with treatments prescribed by medical doctors. 

Many people are familiar with the practice of meditation.  Reiki is similar in the sense that when we come together to share Reiki we are "pausing" from doing and thinking and, instead, gently inviting ourselves to relax and become present.  During a Reiki session, the client wears comfortable clothing and lies on a table (or sits in a chair).  They are made comfortable with pillows and blankets and guided to let go of tension in the body.  Once the body is relaxed there is less distraction for the thinking mind and space is created to form an intention.  The client may bring a specific intention to the session. The intention to simply be open to receive what is needed for healing, balance and clarity is always set.  The client is guided to let go of any expectations or need to know what this will "look like"  and simply trust and become a witness to the process.  

the best way to truly understand reiki is to experience it

Ultimately, the practice of Reiki is the process of uncovering and discovering your True Self.  As a Reiki practitioner, I am dedicated to a daily practice of Reiki exercises, meditation and mindfulness.  As with anything, the more we practice, the better we are able to do something and the stronger we become.  And so it is with Reiki that the more one practices, the more attuned one becomes to sensing the flow of life force energy and the stronger the flow of one's own life force energy becomes.  During a Reiki session the Reiki practitioner and the client invite distraction to fall away and remember that we are all connected. Life force energy or Reiki flows where it is needed most.  Energy follows intention so the flow will also go where the focus is. Experiences with Reiki are unique to each person and to each session.  The most common responses immediately after a session are "I feel so calm", "I feel very relaxed" and/or "I feel lighter".
 

If we already have energy or ki, why do we need reiki?

"To help understand, envision a free flowing river. This beautiful river is like energy flowing easily down through the body. Occasionally a pebble, or even a rock, will fall into that river, making the flow of the water a little more difficult. These pebbles are human worries, fear, anger, and each pebble builds on top of the other. Soon there is only a trickle of water running in that once beautiful free-flowing river. And so it is with energy in the human body. Energy flow can be obstructed so much that at this point physical pain may be experienced. 

During a Reiki treatment the pure flow of energy is re-aligned in the body. It washes down, clearing obstructions and strengthening the flow of energy. This not only helps us feel physically better, but it allows us to feel a connection to the understanding of one's purpose on earth and the most effective way of achieving it." Frans Stiene, International House of Reiki

There is so much more I could say.  I love to talk about Reiki !  Reiki is often explained in very spiritual terms.  It may also be explained in scientific terms.  But really the best and the only true way to understand and know something is to experience it.