What is Reiki?

Reiki is a Japanese technique for relaxation and stress relief. It promotes healing and balances the energy systems in the body using hand placements on the body, hands hovering over areas of the body, or sending Reiki energy from a distance. Imbalanced or obstructed energy can lead to dis-ease of the body, mind, emotions and spirit. Using the intelligent energy of Reiki with a practitioner who has received a Reiki placement (attunement) can help to rebalance the energy systems (chakras) and promote healing and a sense of peace.

"Rei" can be translated as spiritually guided, and "ki" refers to the life force energy that flows through all things. Reiki can then be defined as spiritually guided life force energy. What differentiates Reiki from other terms we might recognize in reference to energy, (chi, prana) is the presence of a guiding spirit, source or higher power. This wisdom infused energy knows where healing and balance are needed, and through the channel of the Reiki practitioner, it is guided to those areas in mind, body and spirit. Reiki is not a religion, and you don't have to subscribe to any belief system to experience the benefits. People of all religions (and no religion) practice and receive Reiki equally.

Reiki is recognized by the National Institute of Health as a form of complementary medicine. It is used in many hospitals and clinics around the world to promote healing in conjunction with conventional and alternative medicine practices. Practicing Reiki and the Reiki ideals can benefit all aspects of our being, and some of the benefits include: stress reduction, better sleep quality, pain relief, improvement of physical ailments and spiritual connection.

What to Expect in an In-person Reiki Session

In an in-person Reiki session, you will lie down on a massage table or on a mat on the floor. You may also be seated in a comfortable chair. Blankets and pillows may be used for warmth and comfort. You might like to use an eye pillow to block out any light, helping you to relax more deeply. There may be some calming music playing. There really is no right or wrong position or props, as long as you are comfortable.

If it's your first time, the practitioner will spend a few minutes asking you about your goals and concerns. Once you are settled in, you will be guided through a short meditation. As you relax, the practitioner will use a variety of gentle and appropriate hand positions on your body to focus the Reiki energy. She might also hover her hands above areas of your body. Usually a combination of hands-on and hands off is utilized.

What About Distance Reiki

Distance Reiki is just as effective as in-person Reiki. This can be a great option if you don't have a practitioner in your area, or if you prefer the comfort of your own home. A distance Reiki session before bed can be a great way to help with sleep issues.

In a distance session, you will connect with the practitioner via phone or video. You can lie down or sit in a chair, just as you would in person. You will be guided through a relaxation meditation, and then the practitioner will send the energy to you, using symbols and hand positions. The hand positions can be placed or hovered over a surrogate, such as another person, a stuffed animal or a pillow.

What Feelings Arise

You might feel sensations of warmth, coolness or tingling. You might feel the energy in the form of a breeze. You might not feel anything at all, and that's ok. Reiki is still working for you. You may also experience emotions, insights, spiritual downloads or memories. This can be a very pleasant and enlightening experience. However, if something comes up that you are not prepared to deal with, you can speak up at any time, and ask the practitioner for a break. A drink of water can help to ground you.

It is also a good idea to journal after your sessions. Note what you experienced, what thoughts, emotions or body sensations came up. Check in with yourself in the days following your treatment, and note any changes or improvements.

The best way to approach a Reiki session is to have no expectations or desires for what you might feel, see, hear or experience. Every session is different and beneficial in its own way. What you experience in one session might be completely different than another session, but know that Reiki gives you exactly what you need in that moment. Reiki is here to guide you on your path to your highest self.