frequently asked questions
What is Reiki?
Reiki is a natural healing system designed to assist in healing and help achieve balance. Reiki is administered by a practitioner, who serves as a conduit through whom the Universal Life Energy can be transmitted to the recipient, by either hands-on or distance healing techniques. Practitioners may also practice Reiki self-treatments.
We know that there is a "life force" within all of us and it is this that keeps us alive. This is the "KI" part of Rei-ki. It is called by various names in different parts of the world: "prana" in India, "qi" or "chi" in China, "spirit" in Western traditions, etc. When the life force is "blocked" we experience disease, sickness, mental/emotional stress, etc. When our life force is depleted in our bodies, we are no longer alive, i.e. death.
Reiki draws upon the universal life energy so we can apply it to specific needs. In so doing, Reiki clears, straightens and heals the energy pathways, thus allowing the life force to flow in a healthy and natural way. This is not unlike the concepts and theories of acupuncture. By harnessing the universal energy, we replenish some of the lost energy.
How does Reiki energy flow?
Reiki flows through our palms at different rates of speed, depending on various factors such as the extent of the recipient’s illness, degree of blockage, his or her readiness to accept change, and so on.
What happens in a treatment?
A Reiki treatment follows a traditional pattern of hand positions, resting without pressure on or above the body. The hand positions correlate with the major organs of the body as well as energy centres. A Reiki treatment is one hour.
Is Reiki a form of faith healing?
No, Reiki is not a religion, nor is it based on the acceptance of any religious doctrine. Having a belief system is not a requirement for Reiki to work. Reiki does not infringe on anyone’s right to believe what he or she wishes. However, Reiki’s principles are spiritual in nature and do encourage spiritual empowerment and growth. In fact, Reiki knows no boundaries. It works on all people regardless of faith, culture, or creed.
Who can benefit from a Reiki treatment?
Reiki’s gift of increased energy and vitality can be extended to anyone. Reiki can be either powerful or gentle, depending on the need.
Reiki goes past the physical body and can help in treating emotional and mental concerns such as anxiety and depression, lack of confidence, hyperactivity, confusion, negative programming, and can help create optimism, etc.
It is nearly always beneficial and works to improve the effectiveness of all other types of medical treatments. It will reduce negative side effects, shorten healing time, and reduce or eliminate pain.
Also, Reiki is a terrific health maintenance system. Use as much Reiki as you can in the hope that you do not become sick. So even if you do not have a specific problem to treat, Reiki can be of tremendous value.
Note that Reiki is not a substitute for appropriate medical or emotional treatment. Reiki is a complementary treatment, and should be used only as a supplement when other forms of treatment are necessary. Reiki can only enhance whatever natural healing is taking place and it cannot be used to guarantee outcomes.
What does Reiki feel like?
Most often, during a treatment, the energy experienced is a warmth. That is, the practitioner will feel some warmth or heat on their palms and the patient will feel some warmth or heat on the area that the practitioner is treating. However, Reiki can be felt in other ways as well, such as a mild tingle (as when an arm or leg has "fallen asleep"), a throbbing, or a pulsing.
Some people, especially healthy and stable, may not feel any physical sensation but may feel mental or emotional changes, such as a sense of calm or peace, and very relaxing. Most of us, however, feel discomfort somewhere in our lives, and can benefit from receiving Reiki.
Will Reiki ever run out?
When you are giving a Reiki treatment to someone, you are giving of your time and your intent to assist, but you are not giving away any of your own energy. Reiki is in infinite supply. It never runs out.
Can Anyone Do/Learn Reiki?
In a word, yes. Reiki knows no boundaries. This is true for all people, regardless of ones intellectual capacity or spiritual development. There are no prerequisites such as previous healing or medical experience. Since it is not dependent on anything, it is available to everyone. It has been successful for millions of people of all ages and backgrounds.
