"WHAT IS REIKI?" & OTHER COMMON QUESTIONS REGARDING REIKI, ANSWERED BY DEN:

What is Reiki? (pronounced ray-key)

Reiki means "spiritually guided life force". It is a Japanese method of relaxation and stress reduction. Science has shown that everything is created out of energy--rocks, trees, plants, our bodies. Reiki is based on the belief that there is a life force in us and around us that is called by many names such as Chi, Ki, Universal Energy, God, The Divine, Source.  Just as plants need the energy from the sun to grow and be healthy, we need the universal energy to flow through us and balance our energy centers  (called chakras).  If our life force energy is low, blocked, or not flowing, then we are more likely to be stressed or be ill, and if this energy is high and balanced, we are more capable of feeling happy and healthy. From a gentle touch by the Reiki practitioner's palms on the client, this life force energy flows through the client, helping to balance the client's energy centers thereby promoting healing.

Reiki heals at the spiritual, emotional, and physical levels.

Is Reiki a religion?

Reiki is NOT a religion and does not conflict with religious beliefs. There is no dogma with Reiki. I love that in both giving and receiving Reiki I feel a deep sense of peacefulness and that compassion and love are surrounding the client. It feels very spiritual. 

Where will my Reiki session take place? 

Your Reiki will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music will be played to help you relax. You will lie on a massage type table. Pillows will be available if you wish to use them for your head or under your knees. You may cover with a blanket if you are chilly.

  *Please note that it is preferred to use the table but I have given Reiki to clients who for various health conditions could not use the table and sitting on a chair worked best for them. If this is you please let me know.

Your comfort is most important to me!

Am I clothed? What should I wear? 

 You are fully clothed during your Reiki however, it is best to take off your shoes and any jewelry that may get in the way. Wear clothing that is comfortable for you.

What happens during a Reiki session?

After spending a few minutes initially getting acquainted, answering any questions you may have and talking about any specific concerns, you will lie comfortably on the table and be asked to think about pleasant thoughts and to focus on sensations you may feel. You will relax while I touch you lightly with my hands and hold at various points on your body.  I generally begin with your head and work downward, avoiding personal areas. You may be asked to move from your back to your stomach during the session so that I can work on your back, if that is comfortable for you. During your session there may also be some energy healing work done that does not involve touch. I may also use my pendulum to check your Chakras to see if they are balanced before and after the treatment and this does not involve touch. I find it best to be quiet during  the sessions unless I have a question or you are feeling discomfort in any way or have a question.

Is Reiki harmful? 

No. Reiki is a subtle energy that never does harm. Reiki always heals on some level- even if you are not aware of it. 

Please be cautioned that Reiki does not take the place of your physician! It is true though that a growing number of hospitals and doctors are using Reiki as a complement to traditional western medicine.  Several sources have shared that The University of Michigan Hospital uses Reiki.  "Reiki has been effective in helping virtually every known illness and malady and always creates a beneficial effect"* *  Reiki may help relieve pain. It has been known to ease the effects of chemotherapy, recovery from surgery, and help ease childbirth and recovery after.  I have not yet seen it, but there are stories of it healing broken bones (more than one session!).

Animals are very sensitive to the energies around them and respond well to Reiki also. I have worked on pets and am willing to work on yours.

What will Reiki feel like?

Reiki is a unique experience for everyone and clients may even experience it differently each session.  Most commonly it has been described as a warm and soothing energy that flows through one's body or around you. It has been described also as a "radiance".You may feel heat or cold where my hands touch due to energy blocks dissolving. You may see colors or have new thoughts, creativity, or solutions to an issue may rise up before you. You may find you are emotional. Pain may subside. Some clients  say that they do not feel anything--just deep relaxation. Know that even if you do not feel anything, healing has happened on some emotional, physical, or spiritual level (s). You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort in any way so that I can assist you. 

What should I expect after my session? What should I do?

Just as the experience of a session is unique to everyone so is the response after. Clients report to me that they feel peaceful and relaxed. You may feel tired after your session as the body reacts by switching into the parasympathetic mode to rest and repair itself. If you do, please honor yourself by resting and relaxing. You may sleep very well that evening. It is unusual but can happen that you have a "healing response" and do not feel well. You may have symptoms such as emotional release, laughing or crying, feel hot, nausea, sore muscles, chills, etc. as your body is balancing itself and releasing toxins. Listen to your body and pamper yourself.  These symptoms will pass as the body balances and cleanses itself and should not last long. In any case of how you feel after, it is important for you to drink lots of water after your session and if you can, to avoid alcohol for up to 24 hours.  This will aid the toxins from leaving your body.

If Reiki healing is like "peeling an onion" what else can I do to facilitate my healing?

To assist in your healing it is suggested that you might: meditate, pray, read spiritual books, journal, express gratitude and hold positive thoughts,  do "squared breathing" (belly breathing to the count of 1-2-3 on each inhale, hold, exhale, hold, etc.), express joy and practice compassion for yourself and others, and look up--there is a beautiful world there for you to experience!

What if I have other questions?

Please don't hesitate to ask me! You may use the contact page form or ask me in person during your session.If I don't know the answer I will do some research to see what I can find out.

 **Reiki News Magazine", spring 2013, page 71.