Reiki
Reiki is a Japanese word meaning "Universal Life-Force-Energy". The "Ki" part is the same word as Chi or Qi, the Chinese word for the energy which underlies everything. Reiki is a system for channeling that energy to someone for the purpose of healing. Reiki has a very unique history. Although the Reiki energy itself goes back over 2500 years, as evidenced in Sanskrit Sutras, and the writings of Tibetan Monks and Enlightened Masters, the history of Reiki at taught today is much more modern. It begins in the early 1900s. Evidence of Reiki from before World War II remained in Japan and has been rediscovered to the rest of the world very recently.
- Just for today do not worry.......Just for today do not anger.......Honour your parents, teachers and elders.......Earn your living honestly.......Show gratitude to every living thing.
A Reiki Treatment
The method of receiving a Reiki treatment from a practitioner is a very simple process. The recipient simply lies on a couch and relaxes. If they are unable to lie down the treatment can be given in a sitting position, the main thing is for the recipient to be as comfortable as possible. There is no need to remove any clothing as Reiki will pass through anything, even plaster casts. The practitioner gently places their hands non-intrusively in a sequence of positions which cover the whole body. The whole person is treated rather than specific symptoms. A full treatment usually takes 1 to 1.5 hours with each position held for several minutes.
What happens during a treatment?
The practitioner will usually give a short explanation of what the treatment involves and ask for some details about you, which may include a short medical history. You will be asked to lie (or sit if this is easier for you) as comfortably as possible. You will not be asked to remove any clothing except for anything which may restrict your breathing or comfort, such as out-door clothing, shoes, glasses. This is so that you can feel comfortable and relaxed during the treatment. Reiki will go through clothing, blankets or even a plaster cast if necessary! Treatment is given by the practitioner placing her/his hands gently on your body in a pre-determined sequence of hand positions, which are non-intrusive and cover both the front and back of the body. The hand positions are sometimes varied to give Reiki to areas where it is needed that are not covered by the usual hand positions. If you find any of the hand positions uncomfortable don't be afraid to tell the practitioner so. The practitioner's touch should be gentle, light and comfortable, although sometimes people experience intense heat from the practitioner's hands. There is no massage or manipulation. You may feel sensations under the practitioners' hands or in other parts of your body. You may feel heat, tingling, coolness, throbbing or other sensations. You may feel very little, although many people experience a sense of well being and relaxation - some even fall asleep! Sometimes a treatment can be energising: there is no right or wrong way to experience Reiki. The practitioner will spend several minutes holding each position, the whole treatment lasting at least 1 hour.
Will the practitioner diagnose what is wrong with me?
Reiki practitioners are not trained in diagnosis and will not offer any diagnosis, prognosis or advice. If you are concerned about symptoms you should see your doctor.
How will I feel after the treatment
Most people feel very relaxed and at peace after Reiki treatments, although Reiki can also stir up emotions as part of the healing process. You may feel tired, but sometimes full of energy. Some people also experience a healing reaction, such as headaches, cold or flu-like symptoms. These symptoms are normally of short duration. If you are concerned about a reaction to a treatment talk to your practitioner, who should be able to reassure you.
How many treatments will I need
This varies from person to person. In general most problems will take time to heal - healing with Reiki is a process rather than an event. In general acute problems heal faster than chronic ones. If your problem is of long standing it may require treatments over a longer period of time. Your Reiki practitioner may suggest that you have a number of treatments close together or 4 treatments on 4 consecutive days. However, while a Reiki practitioner may suggest how treatments should be spaced and encourage you to continue, you should feel free to make the decision about what treatment you wish to receive. You are ultimately responsible for your health and well being.