All about Reiki

I get asked about Reiki a lot, I think most people understand the idea of natural healing techniques such as Aromatherapy and Reflexology, but for some Reiki feels like a step a little too far and it’s probably the least understood of the therapy treatments I practice.  That doesn’t make it any less popular, as almost everyone who tries it returns for a regular treatment! I have had some amazing results with Reiki over the years and it never fails to amaze me with its power.

So, lets find out more about this lovely treatment

There are different types of Reiki, you may have heard of Usui Reiki which is credited as the “original” form, there is also Angelic Reiki, Karuna Reiki and Holy Fire Reiki, to name a few. I practice Usui Reiki, and I began my journey with Level 1 in 2004. I completed Level 2 with the same Reiki Master/Teacher later that year and then although I practiced a lot over the years I didn’t do my Master/Teacher level until 2022. There are courses available where you can do all three levels over a weekend or two, but I personally feel knowledge should be built up over time and with the experience of treating lots of people between levels if you want to be a Reiki Master/Teacher.

Usui Reiki gets its name from Dr Mikao Usui, who was a teacher at a Christian school for boys in Kyoto, Japan in the second half of the 19th century. He became very interested in natural healing after almost losing his life to Cholera, and while he recovered he studied teachings about an ancient form of natural healing.  He decided to seek further knowledge and undertook a 21 day retreat of fasting and meditation in the mountains. It was during this time that he experienced visions and miracles which led him to Reiki as we know it today.

Reiki – The Universal Life Force Energy

Within us all we have a non physical energy which gives life to every living organism – known as the Universal Life Force Energy. The Japanese call this energy Ki, the Chinese call it Chi (as in Tai Chi) and in India it’s known as Prana. Science has confirmed the existence of this energy, and with Kirlian photography we are able to see it around all living things. Healing methods and practices such as Reiki, Yoga, Tai Chi, Acupuncture, Meditation and Feng Shui have been developed to enhance this energy and improve the flow around the body. The word “Reiki” is a Japanese word in two parts, Rei means spiritual consciousness, present everywhere at the same time. Ki simply means life force energy.

As you may know I also use crystals during my Reiki treatments. Crystals have their own healing energy and the combination with Reiki can be very powerful.  I always use clear quartz points and hematite or black tourmaline for grounding, but the other crystals are chosen (or I ask the client to choose) at the time of the treatment according to their individual needs at that time. More on this in another post!

What can I expect from a Reiki treatment?

The treatment takes place with the client lying down on the massage table, fully clothed and warm and comfortable. I cleanse the crystals with running water and place them around the body (usually under the towels/pillow so they’re out of the way). I’ll then ask you to take some deep breaths to help you start to relax and place my hands gently on your head to start the treatment. I then move around the table, placing my hands on or over the body in different positions corresponding to the body’s energy centres, and finish the treatment back at your head. You might feel warm or cool sensations, tingling and many people see colours. The treatment takes about an hour and most people are deeply relaxed or asleep by the end!

Who will benefit from a Reiki treatment?

Reiki is very safe and suitable for everyone, including children and babies, the elderly, during pregnancy and those recovering from surgery.  Conditions which may benefit include:

Stress/Anxiety/Depression/Grief

Sinusitis/Neuralgia

Menstrual/Menopausal problems/Pregnancy

Headaches/Migraine/Cluster headaches

Asthma

Eczema/Psoriasis

ME (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)

Insomnia

Sciatica/Back Pain

Can I learn Reiki?

Yes you can! There are three levels of Reiki training and I’m about to offer some course dates for Level 1. This will be a one to one or small group one day course, and you will learn all about how to use Reiki energy on yourself, friends/family, animals, your home and even your plants! 

Level 2 is the next level of training if you want to go further after Level 1, and it is this level you need if you want to treat others professionally, for payment.  This level gives you further knowledge and access to the Reiki symbols to add power to your treatments. Level 3 is the Master/Teacher Level if you want to take your Reiki study even further and eventually teach others this wonderful therapy. 

Check out the training page of the website for details of upcoming courses HERE and if you have any questions, just ask!

I’ll leave you with the Reiki Principles:

 ~ Just for today, do not anger

~ Just for today, do not worry

~ Honour your parents, teachers and elders

~ Earn your living honestly

~ Show gratitude to every living thing

Dr Mikao Usui