Reiki - Frequently Asked Questions
What is Reiki?
Reiki (pronounced Ray-key) is a holistic healing modality which originated in Japan. The system is based on the principles of harmonising the natural energy flow of Ki (life force energy) to enhance the innate healing mechanisms of the body. The first syllable Rei refers to universal and adding ki gives us “universal life force energy.” Everything is composed of energy and science states energy can be neither be created nor destroyed, only changed from one form into another. A simple example being wind generators, taking the energy from the moving air and turning it into another form of energy we know as electricity, and yet the simple principle by which electricity works is none other than an energetic movement of particles called electrons.
Reiki energy is naturally occurring in all living things, and Reiki clients absorb that universal energy via the practitioner's hands. He or she is a pipe or conduit through which the universal energy flows.
How does Reiki work?
A Reiki practitioner allows the universal energy to flow into their body, and out via their hands. By placing their hands in a series of non-intrusive positions on or above the body it enables the client to draw the energy to any area where they require healing. Reiki is a simple system and requires no sudden movements, stress, or body manipulation. Reiki is not massage or muscle or tissue manipulation.
Does Reiki only work on physical ailments?
No, Reiki is holistic; it works on the whole of the person, that is physically, emotionally, and spiritually. In the true tradition of Eastern medicine Reiki treats the person, not just the symptom. Disharmonies in mind, body and spirit, which can cause emotional distress, are released, and positive energy then fills the void. Disease or “dis-ease” is often a manifestation of inner unrest and conflict. Reiki works to harmonize your entire system so that everything that goes to make up “you” is brought back into balance.
Is Reiki compatible with my religion?
The originator Mikao Usui recognized that the healing, peace, love, and universal energy came from the creator of the Universe. Usui was a Buddhist when he experienced enlightenment during meditation that led to him developing the system he called Reiki. Usui made no distinction between religion, beliefs, gender, or race, recognizing that the power to heal was bestowed on us by the creator. He taught several thousand people Reiki before he died. Reiki is not limited to any belief and has been successfully used with those who are skeptical or have no belief in a higher power. There are many Christian ministers, pastors, nuns, and priests who use Reiki in their daily lives and to help heal people.
What happens during a typical session?
The client fully clothed lies on a treatment table or if unable to lie down may be treated in a recliner or chair. Reiki flows easily through clothing; indeed it is possible to treat injuries through a plaster cast! No body manipulation occurs as in other treatments such as massage, rolfing, osteopathy, or other body work. The Reiki practitioner places their hands lightly on or several inches above the body depending on the areas being treated. They may concentrate on a specific area, or give a complete treatment to the whole body. Specific areas requiring treatment are determined by discussions with the client before treatment begins. An experienced Reiki practitioner will use their intuitive ability to direct the flow of energy to areas they find require extra help during the treatment. Often they will sense what areas require longer treatment as they work.
What can I expect during a Reiki session?
Most clients experience a deep relaxation when receiving Reiki. It is also common to experience heat, cold, or awareness of the energy flow as a tingling sensations or pulsing effect. Some may not feel anything physically different, but most are aware of a completely relaxed and peaceful feeling on completion of the treatment. It is not unusual to fall asleep during treatment!
After the treatment the practitioner will allow you to rest for a few minutes, discuss the treatment, and have a glass of purified water. This time allows you to come back to full awareness as often it is not unlike waking up from sleep. When you return home it is best to ensure that you keep warm for the next few hours to allow the Reiki to work at its best. Avoid alcohol before or after treatment, it impairs the efficiency as does not being properly hydrated. Before attending for treatment please ensure you have had sufficient water that day. (see example below for a guide).
For a few days after the treatment you may notice that you are detoxifying the waste that has built up in your system. You should increase your water and/or herbal tea intake so that the toxins are flushed out more readily, a good rule is to take your body weight in Kg and multiply by 33 ml to get the required minimum water intake.
EXAMPLE Body weight - 80 KG X 33 = 2640 or 2.640 Litres of water/day.
This only a guideline and depends on many things such as physical activity, air temperature etc.
In any case you should aim to drink plenty of water every day, most people drink too little, and it is often the cause of fatigue, headaches, and other common symptoms.
You may want to rest more, or you may find yourself energised and full of vitality. Most people feel their energy and alertness increase daily and a feeling of overall well being may be noticed. In the case of pain it is often the case that even after one treatment you will feel relief.
Can Reiki cause me harm?
No. Reiki is a natural form of healing and Reiki cannot harm any life form.
I am still skeptical, how can you convince me?
One thing I can tell you is that you do not have to believe in it to receive the benefit. All that is required is an open mind and willingness to allow it to work for your higher good.
Reiki has been and is used daily on animals too. Now animals (as far as we know) do not have a pre-conceived opinion of Reiki, and yet they know that it is working for them. I have seen animals being treated for various conditions, in one example a horse that had received many veterinarian treatments, had swollen nostrils, and was nervous with any stranger. At first it was not willing to have the practitioner too close, then after a while it relaxed as she worked on its flanks. After further work she attempted to direct the energy from about 1 metre away towards its nose. The horse walked towards her and put its head into her hands, as if to say “I know this is doing me good”. Two weeks later the nostrils were normal and the horse fully back to normal temperament. Cats, dogs, and other animals love Reiki.
There have been some scientific studies carried out to determine the existence of the human bio-magnetic field and how it behaves...More
Really the only way to decide is to experience Reiki in a session with a practitioner.
Why are there so many different types of Reiki?
Reiki energy is the same no matter whether it is Usui, Tibetan, Chikara, or any other type. There are about thirty Western styles and like any other system, has been added to, modified, and given a makeover by some practitioners and teachers.
Artt Therapy adheres to the practices of Usui Reiki and treatment is given in the manner closest to the original techniques practiced by Mikao Usui. Alan has studied extensively and been influenced by people such as Frank Arjava Petter a respected Reiki Master who has lived, taught, and researched Reiki in Japan, and has in his books revealed as close to the the true history as we know it about Usui and his original Reiki teachings.
What are Reiki symbols used for?
It is believed that Usui having designed the training introduced several symbols to assist students in their learning of the Reiki methods. The symbols were taught to students as a way of focusing the mind on the healing, on different techniques they were about to perform, and was really a aid to concentration. The symbols are still used by most people who train Reiki practitioners in order to attune or switch on the flow of Reiki. Some practitioners will use the symbols to concentrate their focus when working, and others never use them. The symbols carry no energetic properties, they are simply an aid to learning.
What did Usui teach apart from the techniques and methods of Reiki?
Reiki is not just a method of healing but for those that practice it Reiki can become a way of life. Just as the way of delivery is simple, so too are the principles which Usui insisted his students follow whilst studying Reiki.
They are five in number…
Just for today...
> I will let go of anger
> I will let go of worry
> I will give thanks for my many blessings
> I will do my work honestly (meditation & healing)
> I Will be kind to my neighbour and every living thing
Simple, yet a powerful way to live your life every day. Reiki can be a simple as receiving a wonderful relaxing treatment, or can become a way of life. Reiki brings calm, peace, and an inner awareness, both for the giver and receiver. Many times the practitioner will share in the peace and relaxation on a subconscious level.
What can Reiki treat?
The list below shows some of the more common conditions or issues for which Reiki is helpful. Reiki has been used to treat many conditions, therefore if yours is not listed please contact Alan who will be happy to give advice.
> Physical injuries, and assisting recovery from illness, accidents & surgery
> Reduce the pain and side effects of drugs.
> Headaches, including Migraines.
> Infertility and psychosexual issues
> IBS, ME/CFS and Fybromyalgia
> Dramatically reducing stress levels
> Insomnia
> Restoring the whole person to a state of harmony and balance
> Increasing your energy levels and vitality
> Promote personal growth and development.
> Accelerating the natural healing processes by harmonising the body's energies.
Can a Reiki practitioner advise me about my health?
Reiki practitioners do not diagnose, nor prescribe any medications, advise on dietary requirements, or exercise. A Reiki practitioner will however promote the natural healer within, and in many case the client will come to an awareness of what they need to improve their life and health.
Reiki is safe, drug free and natural but does not replace professional medical care. Reiki is complementary to professional medical care, and other healing modalities. You should always consult a medical practitioner if you feel you have an underlying medical condition before considering the use of Reiki or other complementary therapies.
Can anyone learn Reiki?
Yes. Anyone can be taught Reiki and use it for self treatment or to treat others. It is also true that some people have already a natural ability to heal others but may not be aware of it. Reiki awakens that ability.
