What is Reiki?
- Jul 23, 2022
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 24, 2022
"What is Reiki?"
This is the number one question I receive when I tell people that I am a Reiki Master. And I genuinely enjoy answering it! Many people are unaware of reiki because it is still such a new concept in the Western World. So with every opportunity that arises, I love that I can tell people more about Reiki and how energy healing works. The answer to 'What is Reiki?' is very simple, yet broad at the same time. One could simply reply, "energy healing," but the answer needs more substance because there is still so much more to it than that.
I often begin my answer by telling people that Reiki is a form of deep relaxation therapy that encourages more efficient healing throughout your body. I'm pretty sure you may even find those exact words (or very similar!) on my What is Reiki? page.
Reiki is based on 5 main principles. I say these to myself every day when I am getting ready in the morning. I find that it really helps to set the day off to a good start.
Just for today, I will not worry.
Just for today, I will not be angry.
Just for today, I will do my work honestly.
Just for today, I will give thanks for my many blessings.
Just for today, I will love myself and all living things.
You don't have to be a Reiki professional to use these as daily affirmations. If you'd like to use one (or all of them!) to help boost your mindset, you certainly can!
I thought I would start off with some frequently asked questions to help provide some insight into the Reiki practice.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Where does the healing energy come from?
Energy flows all around us at all times. This is known as the Universal Life Force Energy. This energy has been used in holistic healing for centuries. Reiki practitioners are not the generator or provider of the energy, but rather the vessel that allows the energy to flow into the recipient. Their training allows them to focus on which chakras in your body might be out of balance. The energy flows throughout your body even after your session has been completed. The energy knows which areas of your body need healing the most, so it will focus on those areas.
Where did you receive your Reiki training?
I received my Reiki Level 1, Reiki Level 2, and Reiki Master Certification from Sunny Ritsch at Blissful Careers. She is a wonderful, down-to-earth Reiki Master who guides you through the entire self-paced course. Her course encompasses the history of Reiki, principles of Reiki, how Reiki works, Reiki hand positions, and so much more.
I truly enjoyed her course, her meditation sessions, and her attunements. She makes herself readily available to her students if they have any questions, allowing them to email her for additional information.
You can also follow her on Instagram for life inspirations and motivational messages.
Does Reiki healing hurt?
No, Reiki does not hurt. If at any point you feel pain or discomfort, tell your Reiki practitioner right away. They will make adjustments to provide you with the optimum level of comfort. If you choose to end the session early, that is okay too. Please remember, that Reiki should be used as a complement to your regular medical regimen. Consult with your doctor to ensure that Reiki treatment will be beneficial for you.
You may feel some sensations during your Reiki session, or you may feel nothing at all. Some people claim to feel a warmth or cooling feeling where their practitioner's hands are placed.
How do I receive the Reiki energy?
Three factors will help the Reiki energy to flow freely through you:
- Give permission - Allow your mind, body, and soul to be open to receiving the Reiki energy. Your practitioner will guide you verbally or simply request permission mindfully. As long as you are open to receiving the Reiki energy, it will flow with ease.
- Set your intention - Your Reiki practitioner will ask you to set your intention for the day's session. Maybe you would like to sleep better, or maybe you would like to relax and ease your anxiety. Whatever the case may be, setting that intention for yourself will open you up to receiving the energy where it is needed.
- Be present - Simply be present in the moment. Know that you have nowhere to be for the length of the Reiki session. This time is meant for you - to heal and to just BE. The Reiki energy is limitless and ready to help you heal.
There are MANY benefits to regular Reiki treatments:
1. Quieting Your Mind
A Reiki healing session is similar to a massage session in that you can lay down and rest. There may be serene music playing in the background, and maybe you'll even smell the subtle fragrance of essential oils.
Some reiki practitioners conduct reiki sessions in a casual setting. For example, a practitioner may conduct the session while talking with the recipient. It all comes down to what the recipient is most comfortable with. Your reiki practitioner will discuss details with you prior to your healing session to get to know you and your preferences. Doing what makes you most comfortable will allow you to quiet your mind more efficiently. And as you continue your regular Reiki sessions, you will begin to see just how easy it is to get into that quiet, calm state of mind.
2. Better Stress Response and Sense of Mindfulness
As you continue your Reiki treatments, you will gain a stronger sense of mindfulness. You may start to notice when you are getting stressed or anxious in a situation, and you will be able to remind yourself that everything is okay and the moment will pass. Reiki can also help you to realize that in order to take care of others, you need to take care of yourself first. Energy healing is a great way to focus on yourself and your overall health and wellbeing.
3. More Efficient Healing
Reiki therapy works by allowing the body to heal from the inside out. By focusing on 7 main chakra points in your body, the universal life force will boost these energy centers in your body to optimize the healing process. I created an infographic to represent the 7 main chakras and what physical ailments a blocked chakra can present itself as. When you take part in regular Reiki sessions, you may quickly see a difference in your physical ailments related to these chakras. Relaxation promotes healing. When your body is able to relax during a Reiki session, it boosts your healing abilities.
4. Quality Rest
You may notice a significant improvement in your sleep patterns after your Reiki sessions. Regular practice of quieting your mind will help become routine when it comes time to fall asleep at night. You will worry less, and be able to reach a more restful mindset at night.
Cleveland Clinic has a great article about additional benefits Reiki therapy can provide recipients.
Do you have additional questions that you did not see in this blog post? Feel free to send me a message or comment below!
If you'd like to book a Reiki session, check out our options here or view our monthly membership options to save up to $10 per Reiki therapy session.
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