What is Reiki and what is a Reiki Healing Session like?

Reiki (Ray-Key) is a form of energetic laying-on-of-hands, in order to convey universal life force energy via the practitioner to the recipient, in order to balance and enhance the energy – which in turn activates and stimulates the recipients’ natural ability to holistically heal body, mind and spirit. A great deal of scientific research has confirmed that the Universe is made up of energy – a full spectrum of low and high energy molecules that we observe as life.  Reiki is a combination of two words – ‘Rei’ translated as Universal and ‘Ki’ as Life Force.

Energy, In Japan, the term Reiki is a generic term used to describe a wide variety of energetic and spiritual healing practices. The Reiki, with which the western world has become accustomed, evolved from Mikao Usui’s healing techniques call USUI REIKI RYOHO – in English, The Usui System of Natural Healing.

Mikao Usui was born on August 15th 1865. Over and above a rich and varied professional life (he performed a vast variety of work – office worker, industrialist, reporter, missionary, and so forth), Usui took up Tendai Buddhism – his memorial states that at some point whilst on a meditational retreat he was inspired to develop The Usui System of Natural Healing.

Having undertaken many years of study in spiritual and physical healing systems, the development of Reiki was enriched by a variety of eastern healing systems – Chi Gong/KiKo, Chinese Medicine, acupuncture, meditation to name but a few.

In 1922, Mikao Usui having practised his techniques of holistic healing – opened the first Reiki Clinic in Tokyo – many people came to receive healing and later instruction in the art of Reiki. 
Dr Mikao Usui passed away on March 9th 1926 at the age of 62, leaving with us Usui Reiki Ryoho and the five precepts of Reiki.

The Five Precepts of Reiki

今 日だけは (KYO DAKEWA)                                    Today only

怒るな (IKARUNA)                                                     Do not anger

心 配すな (SHINPAI SUNA)                                       Do not worry

感 謝して (KANSHA SHITE)                                      With thankfulness

業 をはげめ (GYO WO HAGEME)                            Work diligently

人 に親切に (HITO NI SHINSETSU NI)                      Be kind to others

Despite the fact that Reiki is a spiritual art by design, it is not a religion and does not require any form of belief system to be effective – Reiki works rather on the precept that all is energy – the circulating /ever-moving life energy that is inherent in all things. It is this Universal Life Force Energy that animates the body and the universe linking us to our surroundings – connecting each piece of existence to form a cohesive and functioning unit. By understanding Universal Life Force Energy, its ebbs and flows, one can enrich and support the natural healing-ability of the body, mind, emotions and spirit.

Reiki is used as an alternative and complimentary healing technique to holistically treat the root of a wide variety of illness /disease and assists in the restoration of health and wellbeing.  A safe non-invasive module that can be used by young and old – a powerful self-development and healing tool.

What to expect? – Experiencing a Reiki Treatment …

Your first Reiki session will start with an intake interview – this discussion will cover a brief medical history, your needs, concerns and expectations of the treatment.

The Reiki treatment proceeds with the practitioner placing their hands in various positions – these may be in direct contact with your body or within your body’s energy field (aura). In a standard session the hand positions cover the main energy centres (chakras), the endocrine system & major organs, whereas hand placements will vary in the treatment of specific ailments/concerns.

During a Reiki treatment you remain fully clothed (you will be asked to remove your shoes, belt and any large jewellery items) while lying, comfortably, on the massage bed or for some conditions, seated in a chair.

A Reiki treatment will last approximately 75 minutes (1 hr 15min). On completion of the treatment five minutes will be spent on reviewing the session, the therapist’s findings and as to whether you feel your expectations of the session have been met.

The most immediate and noticeable effect felt post-treatment is a general sense of well-being and revitalisation; ongoing effects may be felt over a period of days.