Reiki Benefits & Frequently Asked Questions

Reiki is an ancient Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by "laying on hands" and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.

In a standard treatment Reiki energy flows from the practitioners hands into the client. The client is usually laying on a massage table but treatments can also be given while the client is seated or even standing. The client remains fully clothed. The practitioner places her/his hands on or near the clients body in a series of hand positions. These include positions around the head and shoulders, the stomach, and feet. Other, more specific positions may be used based on the clients needs. Each position is held for three to ten minutes depending on how much Reiki the client needs at each position. The whole treatment usually lasts between 60 to 90 minutes.

We are alive because life force is flowing through us. Life force flows within the physical body though pathways called chakras. It also flows around us in a field of energy called the Aura. Life force nourishes the organs and cells of the body, supporting them in their vital functions. When this flow of life force is disrupted, it causes diminished function in one or more of the organs and tissues of the physical body.

Reiki is universal life force energy and is pure love energy thus will  do no harm. It always knows what a person needs and will adjust itself to create the effect that is appropriate for them.

In addition, because the practitioner does not direct the healing and does not decide what to work on, or what to heal, the practitioner is not in danger of taking on the karma of the client. Because the practitioner is not doing the healing, it is also much easier for the ego to stay out of the way and allow the presence of the universal life force energy  to clearly shine through.

Because it is a channeled healing, the Reiki practitioner's energies are never depleted. In fact, the Reiki consciousness considers both practitioner and client to be in need of healing, so both receive treatment. Because of this, giving a treatment always increases one's energy and leaves one surrounded with loving feelings of well-being.

Reiki can help with relaxation, stress reduction, pain relief, improved sleep, and a general sense of well-being. It can also help with emotional healing, spiritual growth, and personal development.

What one experiences during a Reiki treatment varies somewhat from person to person. Most report feeling deeply relaxed.  As the Reiki energy encourages one to let go of all tension, anxiety, fear or other negative feelings a state of peace and well-being can be experienced. Some also drift off to sleep. At the end of the treatment, one feels refreshed with a more positive, balanced outlook.

No, Reiki is not a religion. It is a spiritual practise that is compatible with all religions or no religion at all.