Why Consider Reiki Healing?
Reiki healing is a complementary therapy that promotes relaxation, reduces stress and anxiety and uses universal energy to bring your body into balance: physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Energy is everywhere, and when it is flowing freely through the body everything is working well. Reiki encourages the energy to move more easily, clearing away old, stagnant energy and giving the body space to relax and heal.
Reiki healing works alongside other complementary therapies, and more traditional western medicine and is now being recommended by medical practitioners. Whatever you feel is affecting you, on whatever level, a Reiki healing treatment will help. So, what questions might you have?
What might I expect after experiencing Reiki healing?
Reiki is a unique experience for each person. As levels, and states, of energy are constantly changing, what is experienced during, and after a treatment can change. Usually, you will feel more relaxed, calm and grounded, although some people feel more energised.
You will have the opportunity to talk to the practitioner, who will offer some aftercare advice e.g. to drink more water, to take it easy for the rest of the day, avoid alcohol and tobacco and strenuous exercise, and find some time to do the things you enjoy. The healing may continue for a couple of days and some people may experience different symptoms as the toxins leave the body.
What happens during a treatment?
The practitioner will welcome you to the healing space - this may be in their home or at yours, or in a professional area - at a spa, salon, clinic or treatment rooms - and they will explain what will happen. You will be able to ask any questions you might have, and you will discuss your expectations. You will complete a medical form, outlining any conditions you might have, and medications you take, and the reasons for your visit.
The practitioner will then describe how they give a treatment, and ask for your consent to continue. They give Reiki by placing their hands on or near your body, in specific positions based on the chakra points and the location of the major organs in the body. They will always be respectful, and ensure that you feel comfortable with the treatment offered. The treatment is usually given on a massage couch, or a chair, and you will be made comfortable with blankets and pillows.
There may be music playing quietly in the background, soft lighting and candles, as all you have to do is close your eyes and relax and welcome whatever happens. You can stop the practitioner at any time, and although they don’t usually talk through the treatment, there will be an opportunity for you to share your experience with the practitioner at the end. You remain fully clothed throughout, just removing your shoes and possibly your spectacles.
You may feel different sensations during your healing session - tingling, heat, a coolness or pressure, you may feel emotional and cry or laugh, you may fall asleep, or you may feel nothing at all; there is no ‘normal’ or ‘usual’ reaction and you just welcome all that arises. A treatment usually lasts between 30 and 60 minutes; this will be agreed during your initial discussion.
Who is it suitable for?
Reiki is suitable for everyone from young babies to the elderly. It can help those who are suffering from stress or anxiety, and those who have been diagnosed with illnesses. Reiki can be very comforting at end-of-life and is practised in hospices and hospitals, and also supports loved ones dealing with loss. Reiki can be used as part of a relaxation programme and to target particular aches, pains or conditions.
Although Reiki does not cure, its healing energy creates a state which supports other interventions and medications, and gives the body space to heal. There are no contra-indications to a Reiki treatment, although the practitioner may ask you to check with your consultant or GP if you are receiving medical treatment from them.
Reiki works equally well on men as it does on women, although women tend to be the more usual recipients. The practitioner will adapt their treatment to their client - they are likely to give a shorter treatment to babies and young people (and have the parent in the room with them) and may also give shorter treatments to the elderly or those who are very poorly.
Who can practise Reiki healing?
Anyone can train as a Reiki healer, and then practise. There are different levels of training - level 1 is all about self-healing and extending that healing to family and friends. Having completed level 1 and worked on themselves for at least 3 months, the practitioner can continue to level 2 which is more focused on working with others.
The practitioner can then apply for insurance and practice. Reiki is currently self-regulated and, although there is a Core Curriculum and also National Occupational Standards for Reiki, there is no obligation to follow these. However, the Home of Reiki teachers do follow these standards and train students to a high level; students are also encouraged to complete a minimum number of case studies and self-healing hours, reflect on their practice and follow the Reiki Council Code of Conduct and Ethics.
How do I find a practitioner?
If you are looking for a healer, or want to learn Reiki for yourself, you can do your own research and speak to others who either have regular healing from a known practitioner or have learnt themselves. You need to feel comfortable with your Reiki healer and/or teacher. To find a therapist for a treatment you can find your perfect match in our Find A Practitioner directory.
Hopefully, this blog has answered some of your questions. Reiki healing is a very positive experience and can even be life-changing. You just need to bring an open mind and a willingness to try something new. Reiki will always ‘work’, especially if the recipient takes responsibility for their own well-being and makes some life changes to support their healing.
Quite simply, Reiki is an amazing practice - why not give it a go!