What is Reiki
Reiki (pronounced Ray-Key) is an ancient technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It was rediscovered in Japan by Dr. Mikao Usui in the early 1900’s. Reiki is administered by a practitioner laying their hands on the client while fully clothed; techniques such as this have been practiced for thousands of years.
Reiki is a very simple yet powerful technique that can be easily learned by anyone. The word “Rei” means universal consciousness, and the word “ki” means the same as “Chi” in Chinese, or “Prana” in Sanskrit; it means life force energy. As long as something is alive, it has life force; when it dies, this energy departs. If your life energy is low, or if there is a restriction in its flow, you are more vulnerable to illness. When it is high and flowing freely, you are less likely to get sick.
Therefore Reiki is defined as ‘universal life force energy’. It is guided by the universe, and not by the practitioner & this is why it is simple for anyone to practice, no matter their qualifications or beliefs.
How does it work?
In a Reiki session, as a practitioner I place my hands on your body with the intention to send healing and then the Reiki energies begin to flow automatically. Reiki (because of its universal consciousness) has its own intelligence and knows exactly where to go and what to do. It is not necessary for me to direct the Reiki energy. It will communicate with your inner life force (Ki or Chi) and find the blockages itself. The easiest thing for you to do is to relax and enjoy the soothing energies flowing through you!
Can Reiki do harm? What happens once the Reiki goes into my body?
To receive and use Reiki is to work with positive energy, love and compassion. Every time Reiki is used, it sets up a wave of positive healing energy which spreads outwards. Reiki energy is drawn not from but through the healer’s body, ensuring that there is no energy depletion for or from the healer. The Reiki flows into your body through the chakras. These are 7 main energy centres within the body that regulate the flow of “chi” or “ki” and take in the universal life force energy and transform it into subtle energy. They radiate 
the ki outwards and around the system through pathways which carry the healing to other parts of the body. When Reiki finds a blockage, it clears it. You can learn more about chakras, meridians and auras if you choose to learn Reiki.
the ki outwards and around the system through pathways which carry the healing to other parts of the body. When Reiki finds a blockage, it clears it. You can learn more about chakras, meridians and auras if you choose to learn Reiki. Is Reiki faith healing?
Reiki practice is spiritually based. However, Reiki itself is not a belief system and has no religious connection. Without attachment to any dogma, it can be taught, accepted and received by any person of any faith. Likewise, because animals and plants can receive Reiki, faith is not required. Neither is mental preparation needed to receive a treatment, simply a desire to be healed.
What can Reiki help with?
Everything can be helped by using Reiki. Reiki works well as a stand-alone treatment, but is also excellent when combined with complementary therapies. Reiki can aid cures for illnesses and diseases such as:
Tension and stress Grazes/ wounds/ skin problems
High blood pressure
Headaches/ migraines
Period pains
Muscle pain/ cramps/ MS
Arthritis
Flu/ colds/ sore throats
Digestive disorders/ IBS
Cardiovascular diseases
Kidney stones
Insomnia
Broken bones
Fibroids
Morning sickness
And many more! Overall, Reiki is a perfect balanced treatment for relaxation and total well-being, bringing calmness and tranquillity into hectic daily schedules, and providing the “top-up” we need in order to help our bodies work at their maximum potential. Think of it as a workout for the mind, body and soul!
Reiki is Complementary
You must continue to take any medical or psychological treatment prescribed by your own doctor (GP) or other specialist practitioner while receiving Reiki. In fact, Reiki can improve the results of some medical treatments, acting to help reduce their negative side-effects, such as those from chemotherapy, surgery, and invasive procedures. It shortens healing time, reduces or eliminates pain, reduces stress and helps create optimism. It has been regularly noted that patients receiving Reiki leave the hospital earlier than those who don’t.
What happens during a session?
You will lie down on my treatment table fully clothed. I will then place my hands on different parts of your body, starting at your head and working down the front of your body to your feet. You will then be asked to turn over and I will repeat the same process on your back.
This treatment takes just over an hour. If there are any specific areas to be treated, then the session may last for up to an hour and fifteen minutes. During the session, most clients fall asleep, or enter into a deep relaxation. Some people report that they feel heat from the practitioner’s hands; with some saying they see colours corresponding to the various hand positions. Reiki can also be felt as a cold sensation too. The client receives whatever their body needs; i.e. if the body needs recuperating rest, it will feel calm and restful after a session. If the body needs energy and a vitality boost, then the client will emerge from a session revived and refreshed. Reiki always knows best!
Namaste, Maria