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Reiki (pronounced "ray-key") is the Japanese term for universal life energy—the vital force present in all living things. The Usui System of Reiki Healing utilises this energy through gentle touch to facilitate healing. This method, developed in Japan about a century ago, is rooted in an ancient understanding of the subtle energies that comprise the material world.
Reiki is increasingly employed in hospitals, hospices, and clinics to reduce pain, accelerate healing, and alleviate emotional distress. When you're unwell or upset, your body and mind must work even harder to maintain balance, compounding stress on your already strained system. Reiki treatments relieve stress and restore the body's vital energy, leading to accelerated healing, improved well-being, and pain relief.
It's important to note that belief in Reiki is not necessary for it to be effective, as it is not a religion. Numerous studies support its efficacy, and it is widely used in medical settings. Reiki addresses both the symptoms and their underlying causes, providing holistic support for overall health.
How will Reiki make me feel?
Reiki can have a variety of effects, as everyone's experience is unique. Generally, though, here are some common feelings and sensations you might experience during and after a Reiki session:
01
Relaxation
Many people feel a deep sense of relaxation, sometimes even falling asleep during the session. It's like your body and mind are in a state of peaceful tranquility.
03
Warmth or Coolness
You might feel warmth or coolness in the areas where the practitioner places their hands. This is the Reiki energy flowing through you.
05
Tingling Sensation
Some people report a gentle tingling sensation, which can be felt throughout the body or in specific areas.
07
Emotional Release
You may find that suppressed emotions surface, leading to a release of pent-up feelings. This can be both a cathartic and healing experience.
02
Pain Relief
If you're experiencing pain or discomfort, Reiki might help alleviate it. This can lead to a sense of physical relief and comfort.
04
Increased Energy
After a session, you might feel more energized and rejuvenated, ready to tackle your day with renewed vigor.
06
Mental Clarity
Reiki can help clear your mind, leading to improved focus, concentration, and a greater sense of mental clarity.
08
Spiritual Connection
Some people feel a deeper connection to their spiritual self or a greater sense of purpose and direction in their lives.
Remember, Reiki is a holistic healing practice, so it works on physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual levels. Your experience will be unique to you, but the overall effect is generally one of enhanced well-being and balance.
What to Expect During a Reiki Treatment
Your comfort is our top priority when you come for a Reiki treatment. You'll rest on a chaise longue, fully clothed, with only your shoes, glasses, and jangly jewelry removed. First, we'll discuss your reasons for seeking treatment and explain what we'll do and how. If lying down isn't comfortable for you, don't worry—we'll find a comfortable position, even if it means treating you while you're seated in a chair.
Reiki is a touch therapy where the practitioner's hands lightly contact your body. The touch is very gentle, without any massage or tissue manipulation. If you prefer not to be touched at all, just let us know, as Reiki can still work effectively without physical contact.
After the treatment, you'll have time to awaken, enjoy some herbal tea or water, and discuss what transpired during the session. We'll also provide recommendations for further treatment if needed.
Reiki is completely safe, regardless of your condition. The touch is light and non-invasive, making Reiki suitable when other touch therapies aren't. Reiki will not interact with any medications you're taking or interfere with your standard medical treatment—in fact, it can complement the work your doctor is doing to help you feel better.
Are there any side-effects?
Reiki is generally considered a safe and non-invasive healing practice with minimal side effects. After your treatment, it is important to rest and to drink plenty of water over the next 48 hours. This will help to flush through the toxins eliminated by your Reiki treatment and assist in the healing process. Think of it as a detox on FOUR levels, emotional, mental, physical and spiritual.
However, like any form of therapy, individual experiences can vary. Here are some potential side effects you people might experience:
Emotional Release: Some individuals may experience an emotional release during or after a session. This can include crying, feeling more emotional, or having old memories resurface. This is usually a sign that the body is releasing stored emotions.
Tiredness: Some people feel very relaxed or even sleepy after a Reiki session. It's a good idea to rest and drink plenty of water to help the body process the healing.
Mild Discomfort: In rare cases, people may feel mild discomfort, such as a slight headache, light-headedness, or dizziness. These sensations usually pass quickly and can be seen as part of the body's natural healing response.
Detox Symptoms: Some individuals may experience detox symptoms like mild flu-like symptoms, changes in digestion, or increased urination. This is because the body is releasing toxins and adjusting to the new energy balance.
Increased Awareness: Reiki can heighten your awareness of physical and emotional sensations. This increased sensitivity can sometimes be overwhelming but often leads to greater self-awareness and healing.
Short-Term Exacerbation of Symptoms: Occasionally, the symptoms one is seeking to treat with Reiki may temporarily worsen before improving. This is sometimes referred to as a "healing crisis" and is considered a part of the healing process.
It's important to tell me about any sensations or side affects you experience. They can provide guidance and support to help you understand and process these effects. Overall, Reiki is a gentle and supportive practice, and any side effects are typically mild and temporary.
Why does this happen?
The side effects you might experience from Reiki, such as emotional release, tiredness, or detox symptoms, occur because Reiki works on multiple levels—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual.
Here’s a bit more detail on why this happens:
Energy Shifts: Reiki involves the transfer and balancing of energy within the body. When this energy starts to flow more freely, it can dislodge stagnant or blocked energy, leading to various physical and emotional sensations as your body adjusts to the new energy patterns.
Emotional Release: Many of us hold onto emotional pain and trauma within our bodies. Reiki can help bring these suppressed emotions to the surface, allowing them to be processed and released, which might result in crying, feeling more emotional, or having old memories resurface.
Detoxification: As the body's energy is balanced, it can trigger a detoxification process where toxins are released from the body's cells. This can lead to mild flu-like symptoms, changes in digestion, or increased urination as the body clears out these toxins.
Healing Crisis: Sometimes, a temporary worsening of symptoms—known as a healing crisis—can occur. This happens because the body is moving through the healing process, bringing underlying issues to the surface before they can be fully resolved.
Increased Sensitivity: Reiki can heighten your awareness and sensitivity to your own physical and emotional states. This increased awareness can feel overwhelming initially but often leads to greater self-awareness and long-term healing.
Enhanced Relaxation: The deep relaxation induced by Reiki can sometimes make you feel very tired or sleepy. This is a sign that your body is entering a healing state and using the opportunity to rest and rejuvenate
Overall, these side effects are typically mild and temporary, indicating that your body is responding to the healing process. If you ever feel concerned about any sensations or side effects, it’s always a good idea to communicate with your Reiki practitioner for guidance and support.
How many treatments will I need?
Even one single Reiki session can make a difference; however a course of regular treatments may be more effective. These may be weekly, fortnightly or less often depending on the needs of the individual.
Here are a few factors that might influence the number of sessions:
Nature of the Issue: For acute conditions, you might see improvement after just one or a few sessions. Chronic issues or deep-seated emotional problems may require more frequent and ongoing sessions.
Personal Response: Everyone's body and energy system respond differently to Reiki. Some people might experience significant changes quickly, while others might need more time to feel the effects.
Goals and Intentions: Your personal goals for Reiki will also play a role. If you're seeking general relaxation and stress relief, occasional sessions might suffice. If you're working on specific healing goals, a more structured and regular schedule might be beneficial.
Frequency: Regular sessions, especially in the beginning, can help build momentum and facilitate deeper healing. Some people choose to have weekly sessions initially and then adjust the frequency based on their progress and needs.
Ongoing Support: Many people continue with regular Reiki sessions as a form of ongoing self-care and maintenance, even after their initial goals have been met.
Reiki sessions can be tailored to meet your needs, whether you require regular weekly treatments, occasional sessions, or a one-time experience. I can help you determine the best frequency based on your goals and progress.