Align Your Energy
What is Reiki?
Reiki is a Japanese word, which means Universal Life Force Energy. It penetrates our energy systems, also known as Chakras, so that our mental, physical, emotional and spiritual ‘network’ works in harmony.
It is a non-invasive, holistic therapy.
What does Reiki do?
Reiki promotes deep relaxation and releases blockages within the physical, mental and the emotional systems. Once the blockages are removed, the person can then receive and store more energy in the body, accelerating the healing ability within.
Reiki is not a belief system or a religion; it is not a form of hypnosis or mind control. Reiki does not address any disease or symptoms directly and it does not interfere with medical treatment.
The Origins of Reiki
The Reiki healing method was developed in Japan by Mikao Usui. It is said that this form of natural healing was being practised in Tibet and was re
discovered by Usui in the late 1800’s. It was brought to the West before the World War II (between 1937 and 1938) by an American citizen of Japanese ancestry (Mrs. Hawayo Takata) who had been herself healed by one of Usui’s students – Dr Hayashi.
Usui taught that Reiki is both a spiritual and energy healing technique. In her lifetime, Mrs. Takata attuned 22 Reiki masters/teachers and it is through them that Reiki has spread to the western world as we know it today.
How does Reiki work?
The Reiki-attuned practitioner places his/her hands above the recipient’s energy centres, allowing Reiki to flow through their hands. The energy has its own intelligence and knows where the healing needs to go. It never does any harm. The Reiki practitioner (who has been ‘attuned’ to Reiki through a process of initiation by another Master) is acting as the conduit for the Reiki energy – but not as the Source. Reiki healing usually brings about a slow, gradual improvement over a period of days and weeks. The healing process does not come to an end once the therapy session is over.
How to prepare for Reiki?
For Reiki you do not need to take off your clothes. It is best to come wearing loose and comfortable clothing, free of tight belts or jeans. During the treatment you will be covered with a light blanket, or more, if necessary.
The practitioner will have a chat about your reasons for wanting a Reiki treatment and what you aim to get out of it. Please be aware Reiki is not a substitute for conventional medicine.
It is best to have had a light meal before coming for a Reiki treatment and not to be under the influence of alcohol or any recreational drugs. The latter will hamper the efficacy of Reiki’s energy flow. You should continue taking any prescribed medication by your doctor.
What to expect during a Reiki treatment?
Unlike massage, Reiki does not involve rubbing or kneading the muscle tissues. A practitioner should always ask if the client has any objections to being touched. The Reiki touch is very subtle and it covers the various energy centres – the Chakras. Practitioners would usually explain beforehand their own style of conducting a healing session.
During the treatment you may feel heat (and sometimes nothing) coming from the practitioner’s hands; tingly feelings around the area being treated, and sometimes people are known to have certain subtle twitches as the energy passes through their system. The absence of any of these symptoms does not mean that Reiki is not being passed on. Each person’s experience with Reiki is different. You may fall asleep during the whole treatment and have your own dreams or some form of spiritual journey. You may see bright or colourful lights.
Reiki is conducted in silence and there is no conversation or chit-chat involved during the treatment. Most recipients close their eyes during the treatment and some fall asleep. This is quite normal.
What to expect after a Reiki treatment?
Once the treatment is over, the practitioner will give you a gentle nudge, if you have fallen asleep. You do not need to get up straight away. You will be offered a glass of water and then discuss the treatment session.
It is advisable to continue drinking water throughout the day, as the Reiki energy is still working in your system – this is just to facilitate the discharge of toxins. You may feel calm and relaxed and hopefully have a good night’s sleep. Please try and avoid heavy meals or alcohol on the day of your treatment.
For Reiki Attunements and Training, please click here or on sub link under Reiki.
Reiki in Reading and Berkshire