Reiki - www.onegentlespirit.com

Reducing Stress

and

Promoting Healing

of the

Body, Mind

and Spirit.

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What is Reiki?

How does Reiki promote healing?

Who is Reiki appropriate for?

What can Reiki do for me?

What happens in a Reiki session?

What do I Do during a Reiki session?

What does a Reiki session feel like?

How do I get ready for a Reiki session?

What happens after a Reiki session?

How do I find more information?

What is Reiki?

Reiki (pronounced ray-key) is a natural technique of stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. Such techniques have been described in ancient religious and other texts. Reiki is a hands-on process that was “rediscovered” and refined by Dr. Mikao Usui in the late 1800’s. The Usui Natural System of Healing (Reiki) is based upon both Japanese and Tibetan Buddhist traditions.

The word Reiki comes from two Japanese kanji ideograms (symbols) - “Rei” and “Ki”: the first meaning soul or spirit, and the second meaning Chi (in Chinese) or life force energy. The kanji characters have many levels of meaning, yet when put together to form the word “Reiki”, they are commonly interpreted by the Western world as meaning “universal life force energy”. This reflects the spirit as being one with the universe and recognizes that, as science as proven, every living thing has its own energy. This is the same energy that modern science in general, and quantum physics in particular, recognize as the subatomic energy which underlies all matter.

As a healing technique, Reiki assists us by setting free any blockages of energy in the body in order to reduce stress and promote relaxation. The free flow of energy enables the body to use its own resources to improve health One should always consult their health care practitioner when not feeling well, as Reiki is not a substitute for regular health care. It is a safe, simple method of relaxation and is complimentary to the care provided by other health care practitioners.

Reiki is popular with people who are very ill and can’t physically take massage or for people who have been through a traumatic experience. It’s good for anyone looking for a relaxing experience.

Reiki does not involve any form of hypnosis, mind control or psychic healing. It is not a religion, yet is spiritual in nature. Reiki engages the Ki (Chi) or life force energy, which is our connection between mind, body and spirit. To have a true sense of well being, the mind, body and spirit should be in balance.

How does Reiki promote healing?

Reiki helps promote healing by reducing stress and promoting relaxation on a very deep level. When we are deeply relaxed, our body’s own ability to heal itself is activated. Reiki can bring a steady, gradual improvement into every aspect of your life.

Who is Reiki for?

- Reiki is for everyone, regardless of age, sex, race, creed or state of health.

- Reiki can do no harm and does not interfere with any other treatment or medications.

- Reiki promotes physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

- Reiki is not a religion or cult and does not contradict any religious beliefs.

- Reiki does not require belief or faith, just a desire to receive the energy.

- Reiki can also be given, with great effect, to animals and plants.

What can Reiki do for me?

Reiki can:

- Provide relaxation, confidence, calm and joy.

- Remove tension, stress and negative energies.

- Create balance, harmony, clarity and good focus in daily work.

- Improve concentration.

- Aid meditation and positive thinking.

- Encourage personal development, self-love and love for others.

- Allow one to become more responsible for one’s health.

- Accelerate the natural healing process.

- Enhance, and not interfere with, any other treatment/medication

- Lead to a better quality of life.

What happens in a Reiki session?

A full Reiki session lasts about an hour. If time is limited, a shorter session can be arranged - which lasts about 30 minutes. While the effects of the shorter session may not be s long lasting as a full session, remarkable results can be obtained even in this short time. In the session, the client lies on a massage table or is seated on a straight-backed chair and remains fully clothed throughout the treatment, although it is recommended that the Recipient remove shoes.

The Reiki Practitioner may place their hands directly on or slightly above the client, proceeding through a series of hand positions that have been developed to maximize the flow of energy through the body.

Those who are familiar with chakras and meridians may recognize some similarity in these hand positions. The hands are generally held for 3 to 5 minutes in each position. There is no massage involved and the Practitioner’s hands are placed with respect always with consideration not to violate any individual’s privacy. Modifications can always be made to the traditional hand positions to respect any additional touch issues the Recipient may have.

In the room where the Reiki is given, there may be relaxing music, a candle and/or aromatic fragrances to create a pleasant atmosphere. The client is always in charge during a Reiki session. Don’t be afraid to ask for anything that will increase your comfort, whether that be information, adjustments to lights, temperature, music, position, or not to be touched in any place or way that is uncomfortable for you.

If you wish, you may bring a friend to sit quietly and observe the session. Children under 18 years old must always bring a parent or guardian to the session.

What do I do during a Reiki session?

You are asked to Be open, yet you will Do nothing. You simply show up. You will be asked to remove your shoes. If you have any areas of pain or discomfort, you may want to let the Reiki Practitioner know so more time may be spent on those areas. You are free to talk, if you wish during the session. Some people take this as their time to simply “relax and Be.”

What does a Reiki session feel like?

Reiki must be experienced in order to understand what the energy feels like. Responses to a Reiki session vary with the individual. Some people feel nothing, apart from pleasant relaxation; others feel warmth, a coolness, a tingling or a gentle flowing sensation. One may “see” colors or images and another may simply feel a deep sense of calm and contentment. Occasionally, people may experience emotions, which may be happy or sad, and some particularly sensitive people even see images while their eyes are closed. These things are all part of the process and should not be fought against.

Most people experience a feeling of inner harmony, as well as a deep sense of relaxation, during and after a Reiki session. It is in this state of relaxation, the Alpha state, that deep personal healing is achieved. Not all people experience Reiki in the same way, yet almost all experience a feeling of increased well-being as tension, stress and anxiety are removed from the body. It is not unusual for people to become so relaxed that they fall asleep.

How do I get ready for a Reiki session?

No major preparation is required before a Reiki session. However, it is helpful to give some forethought to what you intend to “get” from the experience. It is also helpful, but not essential, to do things that are good for your body, such as: meditation, eating less or no meat, cutting back on caffeine and alcohol, etc., for a day or two before the session. You should wear loose, comfortable clothing for the treatment. Please do not use perfume or highly scented products on the day of your session.

What happens after a Reiki session?

When the session is over, you will be given time to regain your thoughts, or gently woken up, if you have fallen asleep. You will be offered a glass of water, as Recipients are often thirsty after receiving Reiki. You will be asked to drink 6-8 glasses of water for at least three days after your session. This flushes toxins out of your system. A series of 4 sessions is suggested, in order to begin receiving the greatest benefits from Reiki.

Reactions and effects are very personal and can be different or everyone. Some people have a great deal of energy, while others leave feeling a complete sense of harmony and contentment, relaxed. Others have stated that they felt nothing at first, yet noted changes after a day or two. You may also find that the healing can continue for two to three days after the session. During this time, emotional material may continue to surface. You may also find that your dreams are move vivid than usual.

Before leaving you may book another Reiki session - there are no rules about how frequent sessions should be, or how many sessions a person needs. It is up to you! You cannot overdose on Reiki. The only constraint is the time both you and the Practitioner have to spare! Many people like a tune-up once a month. If you have a serious condition, more frequent sessions may be of benefit.

I have additional questions - whom do I contact?

Call or e-mail Cathy Daniels, CHt./Reiki Master-Teacher

at 330-284-4460 or e-mail (click here.)