Please keep in mind that Reiki and other forms of energy
medicine are wonderful tools to speed healing, help balance your
body's system, and maintain a healthy life. They are not,
however, a cure-all or a substitute for regular preventative
health care. One of the wonderful things about Reiki is that it
does not interfere with other healing modalities. It assists the
body in healing itself, no matter if you are interested in
simply maintaining a healthy body or in healing a more serious
problem. No practitioner of Reiki should tell you that (s)he can
"cure" you of your physical ailments, merely that (s)he can help
you to heal yourself. You should continue to see your regular
physicians, including receiving physicals and preventative
testing.
- What is Reiki?
Reiki (pronounced ray-kee) is a holistic method of
healing, much like the laying on of hands. The
practitioner or Master simply lays her hands along your
body and allows the universal energy (Ki) to flow
through her to promote your natural healing process. A
good analogy is that Reiki works like acupuncture, but
without the needles. Reiki works on all of the bodies -
spiritual, mental/emotional and physical - providing an
all-encompassing healing experience.
"Rei" in Japanese may be translated to mean
"Universal". Although this is fairly accurate, our
Western perspective on the word "universe" often gives
this a scientific, rather than mystical feel.
"Ki" is often translated as "Life Force". It is a
central part of Japanese and all oriental culture,
including not only medicine, but philosophy, art and
physical training as well. (Martial artists know this
well.) However, many other cultures have similar
concepts, such as "Chi" in Chinese and "Prana" in Hindu.
These words describe a force or substance that is at the
"All That Is" and "the Life's Breath of each creature on
Earth" (as well as the Earth itself).
Ki is all around us, through us, and is us. It is a
subtle energy that is always present, always moving, and
all-encompassing.
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What school or system of Reiki do you
practice?
I generally use
Usui Shiki Ryoho, or the Traditional Usui System of
Reiki (taught primarily in the US) and Komyo Reiki Kai
(taught in Japan). On occasion I mix modalities to meet
unique client needs. For more information on the different
systems of reiki see
a brief
history of Reiki.
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How does Reiki differ from other "energy work"?
Although there are other differences, there are two
major differences between Reiki and other "energy work":
- The practitioner is not giving her energy to heal;
Instead, she simply acts as a conduit for the Universal
Energy (Ki). One of the greatest benefits of this
difference is that the practitioner's personal energy
and issues do not interfere with the healing process.
- Reiki can be performed on the self. I do not know of
another healing modality that allows for fully effective
self-application.
No, Reiki is not a
religion, nor is it affiliated with any particular
belief system. For more discussion on this topic, see
Reiki and Religion.
Reiki is all about
balance. It works on the mental, emotional and spiritual
bodies as well as the physical. In Western medicine we
often treat the symptom rather than the cause of the dis-ease
in our bodies. Reiki is very Eastern in its approach to
healing; Most of our physical ills - especially those
that reoccur over time - have a root cause in an
emotional, mental or spiritual block in our body. By
helping the body's energy to realign itself properly,
Reiki releases these "knots", freeing us of the physical
effects caused by them. This can be very subtle, and is
often not as "immediate" as taking a pill. However, the
effects are often more long-lasting.
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Does Reiki work for everyone?
Reiki can and does
work for everyone. However, it should be noted that
Reiki is not an "instant fix" and does not force healing
upon the person receiving it. If someone has a long-term
illness due to an emotional issue (s)he is not willing
to release, other modalities can be used to overcome
blockages. Utilizing
hypnosis and Nuero-Linguistic Programming (NLP) to
heal emotional problems and trauma can be combined with
your Reiki sessions. Some issues may take longer to be
healed, depending upon the extent of the issue and how
willing you are to release what is causing it. Reiki
does not require your belief, but if you do not truly
wish to be healed, it will abide by your intent for
yourself.
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What should I expect when receiving Reiki?
The Reiki practitioner or Master will ask you to remove
your shoes and get comfortable. She will then place her
hands along your body in a specific pattern to maximize
the benefit of the Reiki energy.People have varied experiences when receiving Reiki. Right away you may
notice that the practitioner's hands grow hot: This is
the flow of Reiki energy. You may experience an overall
feeling of well being and relaxation, or you may feel
nothing at all. Reiki is a subtle art, and the effects
may not manifest themselves immediately or with simply
one session. Because the flow of energy is directly
related to the overall balance of the person receiving
Reiki, some people may find themselves having a strong
emotional reaction. It is not uncommon to burst out
laughing or crying, or to experience physical sensations
or vivid memories during a session.
- What is remote or absentee
healing?
Remote healing - sometimes also called distant or
absentee healing - is the ability to heal someone
without touching them, whether across the room or across
the world. The ability to heal remotely is a Reiki level
II skill. Reiki sessions can be scheduled remotely if
you cannot be in attendance or a session can be held
over the phone.
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What is an attunement vs. a session?
Reiki is an art that
is passed down from a Reiki master teacher. An
"attunement" is the process by which a Reiki student
receives the ability to use Reiki for healing.
Once you have been "attuned", you are a Reiki
practitioner. When receiving Reiki for healing purposes,
it is generally referred to as a "session".
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What are the "levels" or "degrees" of Reiki?
There are four
"levels" or "degrees" of Reiki;
Reiki I
Reiki II
Master
Master-Teacher
Each Reiki class is cumulative, involving more detailed
information on Reiki, the symbols of Reiki, and
application. Each attunement to the Reiki energy is
likewise cumulative, building the practitioner's ability
to heal. Only a Master-Teacher can attune a Reiki
student into the art of Reiki.
I am a Master Level Reiki Practitioner and Teacher.
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What are the chakras and what do they have to do with Reiki?
The chakras are energy
centers of the body used in many eastern healing
modalities. There are seven main chakras along the spine
that correspond with all organs and systems as well as
the emotional and spiritual bodies. The hand placements
used in a Reiki session cover all of the chakras to
provide balance throughout the body.
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The energy being moved
around during your Reiki session may make you feel as if
you are gently rocking, spinning or you may feel other
sensations. Many of the Reiki symbols can be felt
by the client as the symbols are being used by the
practitioner to balance the chakras. This powerful
energy being felt is a good sign that your body is
accepting the healing where it needs it.
- What are the Reiki symbols?
There are many symbols
used in Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki, and in Komyo Reiki Kai. Practitioners learn three of the symbols
(for both systems) when attuned to Reiki II, and the
last of the symbols at the Master Level. The symbols are
used to magnify and focus the healing energy during a
session. They are also used to activate the Reiki energy
in the body of the student during an attunement. The symbols vary slightly per
system of Reiki, but serve the same general purpose.
These symbols are
not shared since they are highly sacred to Reiki practitioners.
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How do I find a Reiki Master?
Reiki is taught
Master to student, and it is a very individualized art.
Reiki masters are often found working under holistic
medicine clinics. When starting out with a Reiki Master - If possible,
allow yourself to experience a healing from the Master to evaluate how well they can
transfer the skill. Listen to your intuition, and use
only a Reiki Master you feel in harmony with.
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What are the ethics of Reiki?
Because Reiki is an
individualized art, there is no governing body to
declare what is appropriate and what is not. It is up to
the Reiki student to select a teacher that is dedicated
to the authenticity of Reiki and honors the lineage of
the art. Reiki masters are often ordained as Reverends
or Ministers of non-denominational faith and follow high
ethical procedures.
I am a non-denominational reverend and a member of The National Board of
Professional and Ethical Standards and a member of the
Reiki Council.
I am blessed to have received my attunement and Reiki
training under nationally known third generation master,
Rev. Michael Bennett and Rev. Kaileen Sherk. To view my
lineage,
click here. With the ability to
heal comes both power and responsibility, and when
seeking Reiki as a method of healing, you should include
this in your evaluation of the Practitioner you select.
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What are the Five Principles of Reiki?
There are five principles that are the center tenants of
Reiki. They exemplify the mindset of Reiki:
- Just for today, I will not worry.
- Just for today, I will not anger.
- Just for today, I will honor my parents,
teachers and elders.
- Just for today, I will earn my living
honestly.
- Just for today, I will show gratitude to
every living thing.
This is the most common translation of the original
Japanese principle.
- Do you offer gift
certificates?
Yes. Gift certificates are available for sessions for
monetary amounts. They are redeemable for services at
Gardens Acupuncture and Wellness Center. If you are
interested in purchasing a gift certificate, please
contact our clinic.
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