reiki 101

I’m a big fan of Reiki and have been enjoying its many gifts for years. Here’s my take on this remarkable healing tool - and a few words on what to expect when you sign up for a session with me.

WHAT IS REIKI? Reiki is a gentle and ancient Japanese healing technique that promotes balance and harmony within the body, mind, and spirit. It is based on the belief that an unseen life force energy flows through us, and when this energy becomes stagnant or depleted, it can lead to physical, emotional, and spiritual imbalances. Reiki practitioners act as conduits for this life force energy, using their hands to transmit healing energy to the recipient. The energy is intelligent and knows where it is needed most, allowing for a personalized and holistic healing experience. Reiki sessions can promote relaxation, reduce stress, alleviate pain, and contribute to overall well-being. It is considered a complementary therapy that can support traditional medical treatments and enhance the body's natural healing ability. Reiki is also a wonderful tool for personal growth and self-care, providing a pathway for individuals to connect with their inner wisdom and cultivate their own healing abilities.

Simply put, Reiki is a universal life-force energy transmitted through the hands, or energetic projection. At its core, Reiki is a technique to bring calm, reduce stress and open the door to healing. It can be received on its own as a rejuvenation therapy, or with Western and Eastern medicine as a complementary therapy to aid healing. Reiki treats the key energy centers in the recipient’s body by balancing and opening the flow of energy. Reiki energy harmonizes your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual planes to energize your being at a core level. When we open and expand your energy channels, we can begin to restore your wellbeing and your health; both mentally and physically.

HOW DOES REIKI WORK? Reiki energy is transmitted through gentle touch and energy projection, by a practitioner who has been attuned to the Reiki frequencies and symbology. It works by clearing stagnation and removing blocks that occur on our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual bodies and thereby increasing the energetic vibration of the recipient.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR SESSION/TREATMENT First, know that Reiki can do no harm. It is a gentle flow of energy that is regulated by your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Though my treatment will center around your Chakras and any areas of concern that you may have, Reiki energy will go where it is needed, as guided by your higher self.

For treatments at my Seattle studio, your session will begin with a few moments to catch up, center and discuss your needs and intentions for the treatment you are about to receive. Then you will, fully clothed, lie down on my treatment table. When you are comfortable, I will begin by connecting energetically to Reiki energy and then begin to place my hands on or above key energy centers in your physical being to transmit that energy. This is not massage, this is gentle laying of hands or no-touch therapy. Treatments usually lasts between 30 and 60 minutes – give or take. The full sessions, about 90 minutes.

For distance work, we’ll have a quick video chat catching up and going over your needs and requests. Once we are set, I will conduct the session remotely while you, ideally, lay or sit somewhere quietly as the Reiki energy is projected your way. As a recipient of Reiki – some of my best sessions have been from a remote practitioner!

Whether remote or in person, you will want to do your best to relax (the Reiki will help with that!) and allow the energy to do it’s work. Everything that you need will flow to you if you are in a relaxed state and open to receiving.

Moving energy can be big work – after some treatments you may feel fatigued, elated or even both. Some of my clients report no physical sensations at all, but a mental clarity like they’ve never experienced. Many clients report various gentle reactions from chills, to giggles to yawns. Many report feeling a strong heat emanating from my hands. It’s all good and it’s all very natural and very gentle.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate! Whatever your experience, I highly recommend hydrating before and after your treatment!