REIKI
What is Reiki?
Reiki (pronounced "Ray-Ki") is a gentle, non-invasive healing practice originating from Japan.
The term combines two Japanese words:
Rei, meaning "spiritual" or "universal" or "sacred"
Ki, meaning "life energy" or "energy"
Together, Reiki can be translated as "spiritual energy"
Developed just over 100 years ago by Mikao Usui, a Japanese Buddhist, Reiki has now started to become very popular in the West, with both private and public health authorities (including the UK’s NHS) recognising the benefits of this method.
Reiki, or "spiritual energy" can be seen as our own inner brightness, our true nature, our essence, our inner light, or whatever words you feel more aligned with to express that idea. Very often, this inner brightness is covered up with layers of fear, anger, worry, stress and attachments (to material things, people, jobs,...), to the point that we completely loose touch with that brightness within us, forgetting it is even there. In other words, we loose complete connection with who we really are, our authenticity and our inner power.
Nevertheless, even with our inner brightness being hidden, our true nature continues to shine, within us, our light is still there, somewhere.
Reiki helps slowly and gently uncover these layers of fear, anger, worry, stress and attachments, so our inner light can shine again. When our innate brightness becomes more visible to ourselves and to others, we start to feel kinder, less worried or angry, and more compassionate. This in turn has a healing effect, not just on ourselves, but also on those we come into contact with in our daily lives, our family, our friends, our colleagues, random people on the street, you name it.
When we feel brighter, our world becomes brighter.
To resume, a simple answer to "What is Reiki?" is this: The system of Reiki helps us to re-discover that WE ARE REIKI in the first place.
How does Reiki work?
EVERYTHING in our universe is energy. I AM energy. YOU ARE energy. The chair you are seating on is energy, and so on.
Because of the stress, tension, fear, anger, worry and limiting beliefs we carry with us on a daily basis, this energy gets stuck in our systems. Reiki helps that energy to flow freely within our bodies again, unblocking whatever blockages is there. When that energy flows freely and with ease, it can go where it is most needed, and this is when our true nature, authenticity and inner strength can come to life again.
The beautiful thing about Reiki is that healing happens through the natural function of our body and mind to heal, while relaxed. That means that the practitioner cannot force anything unnatural or negative to happen in the client's body or mind. They are just there to provide a safe space, but the client does the healing, as they are allowing their own innate healing abilities to do their best work.
The practitioner does not direct the energy or manipulate it in anyway. It is about being open and letting go, allowing our body to draw on the energy that is offered and take what it needs.
When we take away the rational mind, judging what is right or wrong for us, we open ourselves to the power of nature and its natural healing flow. You may not know what is best for you, but your body does.
What can Reiki help with?
Because everything is energy, Reiki can help with anything. It know it might sound a bit over-the-top, but it is simply the truth. When we allow ourselves to be open and present with our experience, without judgment, leaving expectations aside, in other words, setting the ego aside, wonders can happen, and healing and transformation can unfold.
Reiki can help with our system as a whole, meaning the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual parts of our being. Here are a few examples of what Reiki can help with, all being experienced by myself and my clients:
Alleviates chronic & acute pain (migraine, back pain, arthritis...)
Speeds up recovery from injury/surgery, and provides support throughout the process
Strengthens & supports the immune system
Facilitates the elimination of the body's toxins to better fight diseases
Improves sleep quality
Regulates the nervous system
Regulates blood pressure
Energy boost & lowers fatigue
Helps manage the side effects of cancer treatments
Easing Parkinson symptoms
Relieves stress, anxiety & tension
Equips with emotional energy to deal with depression, divorce, separation & grief
Increases mental clarity, focus & performance
Helps manage & understand our emotions better
Increases self-esteem & confidence
Strengthens the ability to cope with life's challenges
Improves relationships, communication & empathy
Helps feel relaxed, grounded & whole
Supports a deeper connection to yourself and purpose
Simply gaining insight & perspective on moving forward with your life!
The Reiki principles
The following inscription can be found on the memorial stone for Mikao Usui at a graveyard of the Saihoji Temple in Tokyo:
"The secret method of inviting good fortune. The marvellous medicine for all sickness
JUST FOR TODAY:
Do not angry
Do not worry
Be grateful
Work with diligence
Be kind to yourself and others
Every morning and every night, sit and speak these words out loud in your heart.
For the evolution of body and soul, Usui Reiki Ryoho" -
Mikao Usui, The Founder
The Reiki principles are meant to be "internalised" so that they pop up whenever a situation arises where they are needed. They can open an opportunity to deal with life challenges in a different way.
They are universal and will mean something different for everyone using them, and also vary at different stages in someone's life. They are definitely a good reminder for me daily, when things get rough and challenging, to the point that I have tattooed them on my forearm :)
Here are a few ideas to reflect on:
Just For Today
... reminds us to be in the NOW. Every single moment in life is the now, and therefore gives another chance. Don't let yourself be held back by yesterday, and don't worry about tomorrow. The moment to change, the moment to learn, the moment to grow is right here, right now. It also has another reassuring side: whatever we try today, it it doesn't work out the way we hoped for, then we will have another chance tomorrow. Every day we can start again, Just for Today...
Do Not Anger
... I know, easier said than done. But it’s something we can train. When we observe anger closely, we often see that reacting from a place of uncontrolled anger rarely leads to a real solution. Instead, it tends to escalate conflict, cloud judgment, and disconnect us from the core issue. Choosing to respond with calm, clarity, and compassion, even in challenging situations, creates space for more constructive, creative, and wise action. To be clear, I’m speaking here about unhealthy anger, the kind that results in emotional outbursts, loss of control, or reactive behaviour that ultimately harms you or others.
Healthy anger, on the other hand, is not only natural, it’s essential. It is a valid emotional response to injustice, disrespect, or harm, and it plays a crucial role in setting and defending personal boundaries. When acknowledged and expressed consciously and respectfully, healthy anger becomes a force for truth and protection, not destruction. Saying “no” when something violates your integrity or needs is a great example of this kind of empowered, compassionate anger...
Do Not Worry
... is possibly the most difficult thing in life. There are millions of problems, millions of potential threats. In fact, there seems to be very little that doesn't cause any worries. Still, worrying does not help. It will not get us any closer to avoiding the difficulties we fear the most. We should make precautions as best as we can, and leave the rest to the universe. After all, that is really all we can do! When we worry, and the situation will occur the way we feared, then the worry didn't do anything to improve it. And when the situation doesn't happen, we have wasted a lot of time worrying instead of filling it with something meaningful, and building trust in being guided... Also, when we worry, we disconnect from the present moment, and in doing so, we interrupts the flow and often miss the opportunities unfolding around us...
Be Grateful
... encourages us to actively look around for things we can be grateful for. And there are A LOT! Being grateful makes us aware just how much we take for granted, rather than seeing it as a gift. Another way to translate this principle is: be humble. Try to accept and learn...
Work With Diligence
... whatever you do, do it the best of your ability. Wether it is work, gardening, caring for family, driving a car, reading a book or taking time for yourself to relax. Be in the now, pay attention. You will feel and sleep much better!...
Be Kind To Yourself And Others
... everyone is carrying something you can’t see. A small act of kindness, a smile, a kind word, a moment of patience, can brighten someone’s day and lift your own spirit too. Compassion benefits both the giver and the receiver...
FAQs
What happens during a Reiki session?
During a Reiki session, we begin with a brief check-in to discuss your needs. You'll then lie fully clothed on a massage table, typically on your back, though other positions can be accommodated for your comfort. My priority is to ensure you feel safe and at ease throughout the session.
As the session starts, I'll invite you to relax deeply and remain open to any sensations, emotions, or thoughts that may arise. You simply need to close your eyes and let go; it is perfectly normal to drift into sleep during the process. Afterward, you'll have time to reorient yourself and share any experiences or reflections you'd like with me.
What will I feel during a session?
Experiences during a Reiki session can vary widely from person to person and even from session to session. Common sensations include warmth, tingling, or a gentle pulsing/heat where the practitioner's hands are placed. Some individuals report feeling a sense of energy moving through their bodies, seeing colors or images, or experiencing emotional releases such as tears. Others might simply feel deeply relaxed or even fall asleep, which is perfectly normal and indicates that the body is responding to the healing process. It's also possible to feel nothing at all during the session, however, Reiki is believed to work regardless of the sensations experienced. The key is to remain open and without specific expectations, allowing the energy to flow where it's needed most
Is Reiki safe?
Yes, Reiki is widely regarded as a safe and noninvasive practice.
As I always say to my clients, Reiki either changes your life, or helps you go through whatever challenges you're going through, or nothing happens (you might simply not be ready for it).
There is one thing that is sure, Reiki cannot make things worse, or harm in any way. The practitioner cannot force anything unnatural or negative in the client's mind or body. The practitioner only holds a safe space for the client to do their own healing.
Do I have to believe in Reiki for it to work?
The answer is simply NO.
Reiki is not dependent on belief and can work regardless of your personal convictions. Practitioners serve as facilitators, creating a supportive environment for your body's natural healing processes. While some individuals may experience significant benefits, others might not feel immediate effects, and that's perfectly normal. Approaching each session without specific expectations allows the process to unfold naturally and organically.
How many sessions will I need?
In order to see a reel shift happening, I always recommend at least 3 weekly sessions.
Obviously, the more sessions you do, the greater the result. Consistency is key, and many clients find that regular sessions help deepen the healing process.
To support your journey, I offer discounted multi-session packages.
How do I prepare for a session?
Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours beforehand, as it can slow the healing process
Wear comfortable, layered clothing to accommodate potential changes in body temperature during the session
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before the session to support energy flow and toxin release
Eat light meals a few hours prior to your session, avoid heavy foods to ensure comfort
Arrive a few minutes early to settle in and begin the session in a relaxed state
Be open to whatever might arise during the session
I feel worse after the session, is that normal?
Yes, it is not uncommon to feel worse after a Reiki session. This temporary discomfort, often termed a "healing crisis" can manifest as fatigue, emotional release, or intensified symptoms, you also might have a very agitated night afterwards. It is your body's natural response to energy shifts and detoxification, indicating that healing is in progress. These effects are typically short-lived and subside as your body adjusts. Remember, healing can be a painful process, as dealing with unwanted issues often is...
What should I do after a session?
Drink plenty of water for at least 24h after the session as your body will get rid of its toxins and you need to stay hydrated throughout this process
Avoid alcohol for the next 24h
Avoid important calls afterwards, or any conflictual interactions
REST, REST, REST!
Allow any feelings, emotions, sensations to be with you, even uncomfortable ones, trusting that your body is doing its healing
What if I am not comfortable with touch?
That is not a problem at all. Any treatment can be given with the hands touching the body, or kept a few centimetres away. Both methods are equally beneficial.
I will make sure to ask you what your preference is at the beginning of each session
Is there any contraindications?
Even though you might find some contraindications online such as pregnancy, pacemakers, broken bones... when Reiki is practiced purely by the practitioner, it has NO contraindications.
As a reminder, it is not the practitioner who do something when giving a Reiki treatment, they are simply being used as conduits. Reiki is doing the work. The practitioner cannot force anything unnatural or negative to happen in the client's mind or body.
Energy will flow where it's needed
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