What is Reiki? Can I Learn Reiki? What Does it Feel Like?

Reiki

A Relaxing and Healing Modality

What is Reiki?

What is Reiki? I get asked this question often. The usual response is something like, “Reiki was started in Japan and is a very relaxing, healing modality, it is about connecting to universal energy”. I have found that while this is a great definition, many do not understand. My intention now is to explain what reiki is by how a Reiki or energy session may feel and what may be happening for the client. Remember, every session and every practitioner is different.

With Reiki and any healing modality I feel that some things we are not meant to know and are beyond our capacity to understand while in physical form. The universal energy works in mysterious ways and all we need to do is accept.

Reiki is a Japanese therapy used for stress reduction and relaxation. It is a gentle touch or no touch. Sometimes referred to as “laying on hands”. The word Reiki means universal life energy. Rei means universal and Ki is life energy. During a Reiki session, the universal energy is channeled and the practitioner is the conduit. The energy flows into the client often via the palm chakras during an in-person session. The therapist is not doing Reiki, they are allowing the energy to flow to the client. Universal energy has infinite wisdom and does the work.

Before beginning a session there is a short interview process. Reiki energy does go where it is needed but in my experience a session can be more powerful if an intention is set. What do I mean set an intention? When receiving a massage you set an intention when you tell the therapist to work your tight/stress holding areas or you may say I just want to chill out and relax. These are all examples of intentions. With Reiki you may say, I just want to relax, or feel the energy, or more specifically; my heart aches for the recent loss of a loved one, or fear around an illness, stress at home or work. I work with clients on an intention setting. Reiki knows what you need but the dialogue and intention setting sets the stage.

During a Reiki session a person is fully dressed, lying on a massage table in a comfortable position (or they can be seated). After the space has been set for a session (clearing) and the client and practitioner are connected, energy is flowing the session begins. In my experience the flow of energy begins prior to the start of the actual session and just becomes stronger with the laying on of the hands.

Each Reiki session will be different depending on intention. The process, however, is the same. The hands hover or lay on the client hence the term “laying on hands”. It is a gentle touch. My style is intuitive and my hands go where guided. Other practitioners use a more traditional set of hand placements. Both approaches are correct.

What does Reiki feel like? Clients often feel a deep relaxation, almost asleep, a melting into the table or a floating sensation. Some feel tingling or buzzing, heat or cool. Others see colors or have visions. They may feel strong emotions. Each experience is unique.

At the end of the session clients often feel relaxed and lighter. You are encouraged to drink extra water which allows the energy to flow more freely. Reiki continues to work even after your session. Take time to relish in the Reiki energy and allow this to engulf you the remainder of your day. Maybe turn off your phone, take a walk in nature, or the beach. Sit in stillness and just be. Reiki may provide insights in the quiet, you never know.

If you are interested in a Reiki session or in learning Reiki contact me.