Reiki, session FAQs
HOW DOES REIKI WORK?
For an overview of Reiki, see:
WHO BENEFITS FROM REIKI TREATMENT?
Because people's life force energy is depleted on a regular basis through interactions with the surrounding world, virtually anyone can benefit from a Reiki healing — regardless of whether or not they are experiencing symptoms of ki depletion. Much like massage or acupuncture, Reiki serves as a worthwhile experience for individuals who would simply enjoy relaxing and being on the receiving end of some healing treatment.
Given that Reiki is divinely guided universal life force energy, Reiki healings are perhaps most widely regarded and sought after as a method of alleviating stress that has manifested from ki blockages. This includes tensions in the emotional, mental, and physical bodies of individuals. Some of the most common symptoms of such tensions caused by ki blockage include depression, somatic aches and pains, and anxiety.
Being a relaxation technique, Reiki actually helps lighten and provide relief from an infinite list of health issues. (Many conventional healthcare professionals now accept Reiki as a component of an effective integrative healing plan for patients with cancer, for example.)
It is important to note, however, that Reiki is not a cure for any particular ailment. If the root causes of a client's life force energy blockage remain unaddressed, the symptoms that originally brought the client in for Reiki are likely to reappear. If unhealthy life patterns or symptoms of ki depletion are an ongoing issue, it is highly recommended that a person look more deeply into what may not be working in their life, and consider whether shamanic medicine might benefit them.
WHAT DOES A REIKI CLIENT EXPERIENCE?
Different bodies experience energy in different ways. During a Reiki session, some clients feel a flowing stream of energy throughout the physical body. Some clients sense a warmth, or an electrical tingling sensation emanating from my hands. Other clients fall asleep during the session, only to awaken revitalized afterward.
After sessions, clients have reported relief of physical aches and pains, newfound mental clarity, and an overall sense of being happy, “in-tune", and filled with energy of the highest frequency. These feelings can last for days.
It should be noted that Reiki will not override the free will of a client. Just as massage will not be effective for a client who keeps their muscles tightened throughout, Reiki will not flow into a client if they do not open to, and invite in, the energy being offered.
Whatever a client's unique experience during a Reiki session may be, one common theme is that afterward, clients almost always feel lightened — that is, positively energized, and yet calmly so.
WHAT HAPPENS AT AN IN-PERSON REIKI SESSION?
For in-person sessions, new clients arrive a few minutes early to fill out an intake form.
Each session begins with a brief consultation (some clients come for healing to address a particular issue, while others come for some overall stress relief or a routine uplift of energy). I answer any questions a client may have, and we set an intention for our healing session.
During in-person sessions, the client lies down fully clothed while I channel Reiki energy for 60, 90, or 120 minutes. I hover my hands above them as I feel into their energy and work with their auric field (most dis - ease actually originates in the energetic aura — the subtle electromagnetic field that emanates from each person).
If the client is comfortable with touch, I also place my hands on their body in various ethical positions. During this process, the client falls into a deeply relaxed state. Some may even fall asleep. This is perfectly fine.
After the session, I gently guide the client back into awareness. We share our experiences. I offer advice, such as meditations and/or essential oils, that can be used to maintain their newly rediscovered sense of lightness.
If the client is comfortable with touch, I also place my hands on their body in various ethical positions. During this process, the client falls into a deeply relaxed state. Some may even fall asleep. This is perfectly fine.
After the session, I gently guide the client back into awareness. We share our experiences. I offer advice, such as meditations and/or essential oils, that can be used to maintain their newly rediscovered sense of lightness.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A DISTANCE REIKI SESSION?
For distance healing sessions, the client gives me a phone call me at our scheduled appointment time. They will have already emailed me their intake form prior to the session.
Just as in person, each session begins with a brief consultation (some clients come for healing to address a particular issue, while others come for some overall stress relief or a routine uplift of energy). I answer any questions a client may have, and we set an intention for our healing session. I then let them off the phone prior to the healing itself.
The client will rest in a position that is comfortable for them, in a place in their surrounding environment that is comfortable for them. (This can mean they are lying down, or sitting; whatever, wherever they prefer.) What is most important is that the client is able to rest assured that they will not be disturbed throughout their healing, so that they can completely relax and open themselves to receiving the energy of Reiki. (This is essential not only for the effectiveness of their healing session, but also simply for their enjoyment of the experience.)
During distance sessions, the client can, of course, rest in however many layers of clothing they like, while I channel Reiki energy to them for 60, 90, or 120 minutes. I will direct the flow of healing energy to any specific areas the client may have requested I focus on. Intuition may also guide me to direct Reiki to any additional areas of concern that would benefit from receiving attention. During this process, the client falls into a deeply relaxed state. Some may even fall asleep. This is perfectly fine.
I ask that the client gives me a call back once our session is complete. If, during our consultation, the client believes there is a chance of their falling asleep during Reiki, I will suggest that they set an alarm at the beginning of our session to accomodate their own personal schedule. If they have no obligations to set an alarm, they can simply continue sleeping for however long they like, and call me back whenever they do wake up.
Once we get back in touch after Reiki, we share our experiences. I offer advice, such as meditations and/or essential oils, that can be used to maintain their newly rediscovered sense of lightness.
DOES REIKI POSE ANY RISKS?
IS REIKI SAFE TO USE WITH OTHER TREATMENTS?
Reiki carries no ill side effects, and there are no known cases of Reiki interacting with any other medications.
Reiki has actually been known to relieve side effects from conventional medical treatments, including anesthesia, radiation treatment, and chemotherapy. (Many cancer patients have claimed that Reiki helps with pain management, relaxation, and side effects of treatment including nausea and stomach upset.)
Reiki complements any other, simultaneous medical treatment by stimulating the body's own natural healing process. For this reason, I frequently incorporate it into my shamanic healing sessions.
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