What is…Reiki?

What is…Reiki?

Reiki is a very gentle, deeply relaxing, non-intrusive therapy to help the body naturally rebalance and heal itself. Reiki is a natural healing energy that works on every level, it works by bringing us into balance and is believed therefore to reinforce the body’s natural ability to heal itself at all levels, whether physical, mental, emotional or spiritual. It is understood to promote the body’s regenerative self- healing ability.

“Reiki” (ray-key) is Japanese for ‘universal life energy’. The practice of Reiki is an original method of healing, developed by Mikao Usui in Japan early in the 20th century. We live in a world of energy that nourishes and maintains all living things. When this energy flows uninterrupted there is balance and harmony within and around us and we experience a sense of wellbeing.

It is a tradition that is open to any belief system and therefore a process that anyone can benefit from. As a natural form of healing, it can support and enhance other forms of treatment. Clients may or may not feel sensations during a Reiki treatment, some people experience warmth or a floating sensation, others may see colours, some experience nothing but relaxation. Benefits reported by patients include deep relaxation, physical pain may diminish, sleep is improved, mental clarity, calm, a peaceful sense of wellbeing on all levels.

Your practitioner places their hands at various positions around the body, you are fully clothed throughout your treatment. As there are no known contraindication to Reiki anyone can have this treatment. It is amazing for stress and anxiety. It works on the physical as well as the mental and emotional levels of being human! If nothing else, it is a chance to take time out of your busy life and have some valuable ‘me’ time.

Reiki should not be regarded as a cure for conditions. If people are concerned about their symptoms they should see a doctor.

Reiki practitioners are not trained in diagnosis and will not offer any diagnosis or prognosis.

If you are interested in learning Reiki for yourself, please see our course page.

Written by Emma Harkin-Jones with information taken from Reiki Council.org website