Reiki
What is Reiki?Reiki (pronounced “Ray-Kee”) is a combination of two Japanese words: “Rei,” meaning “Universal” and “Ki,” meaning “life force energy.” Universal life force energy is within all living things and all around us. Although the use of life force energy to heal others is described in Sanskrit Sutras, the holy books of Buddhism, the Bible, and other ancient texts, Reiki as the healing practice we know today was developed in the late 1800s in Japan. Dr. Mikao Usui was a physician and scholar who was studying Buddhism when he saw a beam of light coming down to him from the sky. The light entered Usui’s body, knocking him unconscious. When he awoke, he had become a vessel for this high-vibrational life force energy. He went on to develop Reiki Ryoho (Reiki Healing Method) and to found the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakki (Usui Reiki Healing Method Society)which is still in existence today.
With this energy, Usui began to practice healing on the streets of Kyoto. During his lifetime he taught and initiated roughly 2,000 people into Reiki – one of these being Hawayo Takata, a Japanese-American woman who brought Reiki to the US by way of Hawaii. When a person wishes to become a Reiki practitioner the energy must be passed from a Reiki Master/Teacher into the body of the student; this process is called the “attunements.” Therefore all current practitioners of Usui Reiki are connected to Dr. Usui, as Reiki has been passed through a lineage of practitioners since his original 12 students. |
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How Does it Work and What Can it Do?
When a student receives their Reiki attunements, the cellular structure of their body changes to accommodate the Reiki energy.
The Reiki energy can then be called in from the Universe, and the practitioner can hold the energy in their body while they direct it to the recipient. The practitioner can direct the energy to certain places in the recipient’s body where there may be specific physical ailments, or they can direct it with an intention of healing mental/emotional challenges. The practitioner is not transferring their own energy – only acting as a channel from the universe to the client, always for the highest and best good of the client. It is a non-religious energy and does not conflict with any religious faiths or practices.
Just like different musical notes produce different sound waves vibrating through the air and different frequencies, our bodies have their own vibrations. Each of our bodies is made up of microscopic cells vibrating at different rates all together to form one body. However, different emotions, sensations, or ailments all cause our cells to vibrate at different rates –just like the variety of vibrations seen in musical notes. Reiki energy holds its own unique, high vibration that acts on our cells to change the way they are interacting with one another.
In this way, Reiki can kick-start our body’s own natural healing processes after injury or illness. It can bring us into a place of deep relaxation. Reiki is meant to change the energy flow in a similar way to acupuncture or acupressure to relieve both physical and emotional pain. It can shift stuck emotions and repetitive thought patterns. Reiki can be used on pregnant women to ease any physical symptoms, and to transfer positivity and well-being to the developing baby. Reiki can also be directed to our plants to help them grow more successfully, our pets to heal their bodies and soothe their anxieties, even to our homes to cleanse and uplift the energy contained within our living space.
In speaking to Reiki’s countless different uses, my Reiki teacher, Hazel Llewellin, likes to say “with Reiki, the imagination is the only limitation!"
The Reiki energy can then be called in from the Universe, and the practitioner can hold the energy in their body while they direct it to the recipient. The practitioner can direct the energy to certain places in the recipient’s body where there may be specific physical ailments, or they can direct it with an intention of healing mental/emotional challenges. The practitioner is not transferring their own energy – only acting as a channel from the universe to the client, always for the highest and best good of the client. It is a non-religious energy and does not conflict with any religious faiths or practices.
Just like different musical notes produce different sound waves vibrating through the air and different frequencies, our bodies have their own vibrations. Each of our bodies is made up of microscopic cells vibrating at different rates all together to form one body. However, different emotions, sensations, or ailments all cause our cells to vibrate at different rates –just like the variety of vibrations seen in musical notes. Reiki energy holds its own unique, high vibration that acts on our cells to change the way they are interacting with one another.
In this way, Reiki can kick-start our body’s own natural healing processes after injury or illness. It can bring us into a place of deep relaxation. Reiki is meant to change the energy flow in a similar way to acupuncture or acupressure to relieve both physical and emotional pain. It can shift stuck emotions and repetitive thought patterns. Reiki can be used on pregnant women to ease any physical symptoms, and to transfer positivity and well-being to the developing baby. Reiki can also be directed to our plants to help them grow more successfully, our pets to heal their bodies and soothe their anxieties, even to our homes to cleanse and uplift the energy contained within our living space.
In speaking to Reiki’s countless different uses, my Reiki teacher, Hazel Llewellin, likes to say “with Reiki, the imagination is the only limitation!"
Types of Sessions
In-Person
In-Person sessions take place at my healing space, where you lie on a massage table (fully clothed) to receive the healing. I typically play music with no lyrics (such as Solfeggio Frequencies, Binaural Beats, or other meditation music) but you may request that the music be changed or turned off. I generally have incense lit or another aromatherapy fragrance coming from my essential oil diffuser, but if you are sensitive to fragrances, please let me know ahead of time.
I can practice Reiki with my hands laid directly on your body, similar to Accupressure, or at a slight distance, with my hands about 6 inches above your body. I typically feel into your energy and try to sense what will be best for you at the time. But I will always ask for permission to touch you and will talk you through things so you are comfortable.
Before our session we will discuss any stressors, physical ailments, or other issues concerning you. This gives mean idea of how to direct the energy. If nothing specific comes up, that’s okay– Reiki is an intelligent energy that flows where it needs to, and it will be highly relaxing, even without a specific intention. Following your session, I will have water or tea available, but you are also welcome to bring your own non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverage to rehydrate.
I can practice Reiki with my hands laid directly on your body, similar to Accupressure, or at a slight distance, with my hands about 6 inches above your body. I typically feel into your energy and try to sense what will be best for you at the time. But I will always ask for permission to touch you and will talk you through things so you are comfortable.
Before our session we will discuss any stressors, physical ailments, or other issues concerning you. This gives mean idea of how to direct the energy. If nothing specific comes up, that’s okay– Reiki is an intelligent energy that flows where it needs to, and it will be highly relaxing, even without a specific intention. Following your session, I will have water or tea available, but you are also welcome to bring your own non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverage to rehydrate.
Distance
A distance session takes place over FaceTime or Zoom. Because all energy in the universe is connected, I can instantly direct the energy to you, wherever you are on the planet, simply with my intention and attention. Remember that the energy is coming from the universe itself, not from me, so it is already close by! Universal energy is always all around us.
For a distance session, you will need a comfortable, quiet place to sit or lie down (I prefer to lie down). You may wish to light candles, spray an aromatherapy spray, or anything else that will help the space feel cozy to you – but it is not necessary.
Music without any lyrics such as Solfeggio Frequencies, or Binaural Beats can be wonderfully relaxing and are easily available on YouTube and Spotify. Of course, music is also optional.
We will have a short chat at the beginning of the session for you to tell me anything – physical or mental – that is bothering you that Reiki can address. This way, I can direct the energy to you with an intention. If nothing specific comes to mind, or if you don’t feel like sharing that is okay – Reiki is an intelligent energy and it will flow where it is most-needed.
Following this, we will decide if we want to turn off the cameras or leave them on, and I will guide you to get comfortable. Then I will begin sending you the Reiki energy.
When the session is finished, you are welcome to come back to the screen and share how you are feeling, but you do not need to. If you have fallen asleep (which is common because Reiki is so relaxing) – I will follow up with you via email the next day.
For a distance session, you will need a comfortable, quiet place to sit or lie down (I prefer to lie down). You may wish to light candles, spray an aromatherapy spray, or anything else that will help the space feel cozy to you – but it is not necessary.
Music without any lyrics such as Solfeggio Frequencies, or Binaural Beats can be wonderfully relaxing and are easily available on YouTube and Spotify. Of course, music is also optional.
We will have a short chat at the beginning of the session for you to tell me anything – physical or mental – that is bothering you that Reiki can address. This way, I can direct the energy to you with an intention. If nothing specific comes to mind, or if you don’t feel like sharing that is okay – Reiki is an intelligent energy and it will flow where it is most-needed.
Following this, we will decide if we want to turn off the cameras or leave them on, and I will guide you to get comfortable. Then I will begin sending you the Reiki energy.
When the session is finished, you are welcome to come back to the screen and share how you are feeling, but you do not need to. If you have fallen asleep (which is common because Reiki is so relaxing) – I will follow up with you via email the next day.
Distance-Remote
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The Distance-Remote session is much like the Distance session in you setting up your own space and music. The only difference is that we will not be on FaceTime or Zoom together – some people prefer this. We can choose a time that works for both of us via WhatsApp or email. You can also email/message me about any specific concerns you would like to address.
At our agreed-upon time you will lie down in your quiet, comfortable space, put on music if you wish, and simply relax. I will be sending you the energy and you will feel its effects just like you would if we were in-person or on a video call. The next day I will follow up with you via email. I like to allow the energy to integrate so you can come into awareness of how you feel, rather than reaching out right away. |
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Reiki During PregnancyAfter the first trimester, Reiki can be incredibly supportive for an expectant mother and for the baby. For the mother, Reiki can help ease pain, nausea, inflammation, and other physical symptoms, as well as emotional upset or anxiety. The baby growing inside receives this universal energy and is nourished and supported.
Sessions can be done in-person, in the position of the mother’s choosing, or via distance or distance-remote. When a woman receives the energy via distance while relaxing in the baby’s future nursery, the light energy also fills this room. Reiki can even be received during labor and delivery! Click the buttons below to learn more about Reiki during pregnancy, or about individualized pregnancy support.
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Reiki For ChildrenReiki can be extremely beneficial for children, especially with conditions such as anxiety, ADHD, or behavioral concerns and can support children during transitions such as potty training, moving house, starting a new school, or the loss of a pet or family member. That said, any child can benefit from the positive, loving energy of Reiki. Physical conditions can also be eased using Reiki healing.
Sessions for children are typically shorter, because children tend to receive the energy very quickly and easily. Sessions can be conducted in-person or via distance or distance-remote. Some children may wish to lie down and relax, however this is not necessary. As long as the child is somewhat still (just not running or playing contact sports), they can easily receive the energy. Great activities for this include drawing or painting, practicing a musical instrument, doing a puzzle, practicing yoga, even playing a video game or watching a non-violent film are just fine! 
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What to Expect During Your Session
During your Reiki session, you may feel relaxed – finding it easier to breathe deeply. You might even fall asleep. Depending on which energy-center I am working on, you may feel pressure there. For instance, if I am working on your Third Eye Chakra, the energy center between your eyebrows where your intuition resides, you may feel heat in that spot. If I am working on your Solar Plexus Chakra, the energy center above your navel, known as your “Power Center,” you might feel slightly nauseous for a moment while the energy shifts.
Energy moves even when we are not moving. People have been known to experience sensations of movement – such as rocking on a boat, swaying in a hammock, swinging back and forth on a swing-set, or bobbing up and down on a see-saw – while their bodies are lying completely still. You may have the sense that I am touching you, even if I am not. None of these sensations are to be feared, in fact they are great signs that the energy is indeed influencing you.
If you feel nothing during your session, this is also completely fine – Reiki is an energy that works with your own energy, so it will work in whatever way you need it to.
For example, when I received my Reiki I attunements, I felt nothing. I didn’t see colors like some students do. I thought I had failed somehow or that I hadn’t received the energy. However, at the very end of the session, I was transported to a moment I had forgotten about, shopping in a vintage store with my late grandfather back in 2007. The memory felt so real, almost as if he was right there with me. It filled my heart with love, and when my teacher called me out of the attunement session, my body was relaxed and I was filled with immense joy, peace, and a sense that I was supported and loved. Although I cannot explain why it happened for me that way, that was how the Reiki chose to work, because it must have thought that would be the best way for me to receive it.
You may have different sensations each time you have a Reiki session. Trust the process. If I notice anything – for example, you ask me to work on a knee injury and when I am directing energy to your knee I feel warmth in my hands, which typically indicates inflammation – I will let you know via email the day after our session.
Energy moves even when we are not moving. People have been known to experience sensations of movement – such as rocking on a boat, swaying in a hammock, swinging back and forth on a swing-set, or bobbing up and down on a see-saw – while their bodies are lying completely still. You may have the sense that I am touching you, even if I am not. None of these sensations are to be feared, in fact they are great signs that the energy is indeed influencing you.
If you feel nothing during your session, this is also completely fine – Reiki is an energy that works with your own energy, so it will work in whatever way you need it to.
For example, when I received my Reiki I attunements, I felt nothing. I didn’t see colors like some students do. I thought I had failed somehow or that I hadn’t received the energy. However, at the very end of the session, I was transported to a moment I had forgotten about, shopping in a vintage store with my late grandfather back in 2007. The memory felt so real, almost as if he was right there with me. It filled my heart with love, and when my teacher called me out of the attunement session, my body was relaxed and I was filled with immense joy, peace, and a sense that I was supported and loved. Although I cannot explain why it happened for me that way, that was how the Reiki chose to work, because it must have thought that would be the best way for me to receive it.
You may have different sensations each time you have a Reiki session. Trust the process. If I notice anything – for example, you ask me to work on a knee injury and when I am directing energy to your knee I feel warmth in my hands, which typically indicates inflammation – I will let you know via email the day after our session.
What to Expect After Your Session
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After your session, you are encouraged to drink lots of water. As change is happening on a cellular level, hydration helps the cells shift and helps the body detox anything it is ready to release.
You may feel more tired or have an unsettled stomach for a day or two after your session. Know that this is normal – your energy is shifting and your body’s vibration is up-leveling. Any unpleasant effects are temporary and as much as you can rest and drink water, you help your body release the negative and integrate the Reiki. You may have unusual dreams or feel more emotional – this is a good thing! If this occurs, be gentle with yourself, and let this stuff flow. Past emotional experiences and traumas are often stored in our bodies creating physical pain and illness. If old memories come up, it means these trapped emotions are coming out to be processed and released– and as they are released, the physical blockage and pain typically is released as well. As the Reiki energy settles in, you should feel your stress and pain alleviated. You may find yourself feeling lighter, more energized, and overall happier and healthier. Sometimes these effects can be glaringly obvious, and other times they can be quite subtle. Know that the Reiki energy is working with you however it needs to at that time, and it is always benefitting you. 60 Minute Reiki Session: $75-$90-$105 |
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