Reiki is a complementary healing modality that promotes stress reduction and relaxation. The term comes from the Japanese words “rei,” meaning universal, and “ki,” which means vital life force energy that flows through all living things. Reiki, which is used all over the world in places including hospitals and hospices, was developed by a Japanese man named Mikao Usui in the early 1900s. It aids in healing by helping people become energetically balanced physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

The Reiki practitioner is the conduit between the client and the source of the universal life force energy; the energy flows through the practitioner’s energy field and through her hands to the client. (The energy does not come from the practitioner; rather it comes through the practitioner from the universal source. There is no energy drain on the practitioner.) Reiki treatments typically last about 30 to 50 minutes and can be done via distance Reiki or in person. During the treatment the patient lies on a massage table, fully clothed. The Reiki practitioner gently places her hands palms down on or just above the patient’s body in specific energy locations and uses a series of 12 to 15 different hand positions. The length of time that the practitioner leaves her hands in each position is determined by the flow of energy through her hands at each location. There is no pressure, massage or manipulation. The client experiences the energy as sensations such as heat, tingling or pulsing where the practitioner has placed her hands. Sometimes, the sensations are felt moving through the body; some people do not perceive any change at all. Most people feel very relaxed and peaceful, and many fall asleep during the treatment.

A complete Reiki session is offered to a fully clothed recipient who is lying on a treatment table or sitting comfortably supported in a chair. Reiki is offered through light, non-invasive touch with the practitioner's hands placed and held on a series of locations on the head and front and back of the torso and feet. The placement of the hands should never be intrusive or inappropriate, nor should there be any pressure. Please feel free to let the practitioner if you prefer not to be touched. The practitioner can hover his/her hands above you instead of touch. Additional placements can be done as needed when a specific area requires additional attention.

Distance can be done by Reiki practitioner who has received the proper Ignitions/attunements and training to perform distance Reiki. The Reiki practitioner establish a connection with the client by using special techniques to make an energetic connection between the practitioner and the client. This means you can have a reiki treatment wherever the client is. Reiki can be administered without the need for physical proximity because it works under the principle that where your attention goes, energy flows and that time and space are illusionary.

These sessions can be done via zoom. Distance sessions are very easy, and many people love that you don't have to travel to receive healing. You can just pick up the phone and you done have to stay in the phone call the entire time or can be done via zoom. First, set up an appointment. You may be asked to fill out a questionnaire before the session to establish what areas you would like to work on. Then the practitioner will call you or send you a Zoom link to talk briefly. Then the call or Zoom meeting will end and the practitioner will send Reiki, meanwhile you can make yourself comfortable in a space where is safe to fall asleep preferably. At the end of the session the Reiki practitioner will send a signal usually a text message or a call back to for a brief session to exchange notes or in case you have any questions or you may opt not to get a call back if you prefer to continue resting. Just let the practitioner know ahead of time.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, people use Reiki for relaxation, stress reduction and symptom relief, in efforts to improve overall health and well-being. A Reiki treatment may do the following: • Bring about a peaceful, deep state of relaxation. • Dissolve energy blockages and tension. • Detoxify the body. • Support the well-being of a person receiving traditional medical treatments that are debilitating (e.g., chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, kidney dialysis). • Supply universal life force energy to the body. • Stimulate the body’s immune system. • Help to relieve pain. • Stimulate tissue and bone healing after injury or surgery. • Increase the vibrational frequency on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels.

No, Reiki complements all other types of medical and therapeutic treatments. Reiki treatment should not be used as a substitute for consultation of a physician, a practitioner of natural therapeutics or a psychotherapist. Reiki can increase the efficacy of other types of healing.

This varies from person to person. Some people, experience sensations such as heat, cold, pressure, tingling or pulsing where the practitioner has placed her hands. Sometimes, the sensations are felt moving through the body; some even describe seeing colors during the session while some people do not perceive any change at all. Most people feel very relaxed and peaceful, and many fall asleep during the treatment in particular may be uneventful, although they feel somehow better afterward. The most common experience is an almost immediate release of stress and a feeling of deep relaxation. Reiki is cumulative and even people who don't notice much the first time usually have progressively deeper experiences if they continue. Besides the immediate experience of the Reiki, you may notice other changes that continue to unfold as the day goes on: perhaps stronger digestion, a sense of being more centered and poised and less reactive and sleeping deeply that night.

Once you have taken the time to find a credible practitioner with whom you feel a rapport, what can you do to be comfortable during your Reiki experience? Not much, but here are a few suggestions: Let the practitioner know your needs before you start the session especially if is a particular area that you may feel it needs attention for example you may be having problems with stress or insomnia, the practitioner can focus on that area. If the session is a distance session preferably allocate some time to relax as energy is being send to you or you may continue with your daily activities if you wish. Reiki will get to you either way. Receiving Reiki either distance or in person is a wonderfully passive experience. Don't try to relax, just let the Reiki relax you. Your state will shift quite naturally as the session proceeds. Meanwhile feel free to daydream, enjoy the music, or simply observe your breath or the sensations of the therapy. If your mind wonders, that’s ok too, you will still received the benefits of Reiki.

Do not expect a diagnosis, as that is not part of Reiki. Some practitioners may make common sense suggestions for after-care, such as drinking water and following your body's needs. Although people typically leave a Reiki session feeling refreshed, sometimes they notice feeling more tired in the evening than usual. This is not viewed as an adverse reaction, but rather as the body's natural healing response, something to be heeded. People commonly report a sense of calm and mental clarity and sleeping well after Reiki.

This is a personal choice. You may only need to take one session or you can schedule as many as you think is needed. Your practitioner may suggest a series of sessions. Four sessions is a traditional recommendation and gives you time to evaluate what benefits you are receiving. Discuss with your practitioner how best to space the sessions to suit your needs and your schedule. In the presence of a serious health challenge, Reiki practitioners often recommend four sessions over four days. These do not need not be given by the same practitioner.