In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and exhausted. We juggle work, family, and social obligations and end up feeling like we’re running on empty.
Cliche as it may sound, though, we only have one body, and we should take care of it. And one of the best ways to do that is through Reiki.
Whether it is your first time encountering the term or you’ve been curious about it for a while now, this guide will teach you everything you need to know about Reiki, from its origins and how it works to the various benefits it can provide.
What is Reiki and How Does it Work
Reiki is a relaxing, energy-healing technique that helps reduce stress and anxiety. The word “reiki” is derived from the Japanese terms “rei,” meaning universal, and “ki,” which refers to the vital life force energy that flows through every living thing.
This kind of alternative therapy evolved in Japan in the late 1800s. Its philosophy believes that all living creatures have an unseen force field around and inside of them. The method uses the practitioner’s hands to direct energy into the patient’s body with touch.
It is believed that our bodies contain a life force that flows through channels known as chakras, meridians, and nadis. If physical or emotional trauma disrupts those channels, the Reiki master clears them.
During the healing process, the Reiki master focuses his energy on the clogged channels of the body. Once cleared of negative energy, positive energy can flow through again.
Reiki is not a treatment for a disease but a complementary therapy because it works well with other medical and therapeutic techniques. It not only supplements other forms of healing, such as drugs or surgery, but it will also enhance the results of traditional therapies like acupuncture.
What Does a Reiki Session Look Like?
Reiki treatments usually take between 60 and 90 minutes. You’ll lie on a massage table, clothed, and your Reiki practitioner places their hands on or just above your body in specific energy locations. The Reiki master uses 12 to 15 different hand positions throughout the session.
Depending on your preference, during a Reiki session, the practitioner’s hands may lightly touch you or hover above your body. There are standard hand placements that avoid all sensitive areas, but if you have any specific preference, you can tell your practitioner before the session begins.
Usually, Reiki masters do the session in silence and they find the right music to play in the background to help you relax.
The Benefits of Reiki
Reiki has a lot of benefits. Below, we’ll go through some of them.
Reduced stress and anxiety
Reiki jumpstarts your body’s self-healing response, allowing you to release deep-seated tensions and bring balance back to mental and emotional states. The session also clears the mind, aiding in detoxification so that you can focus on the present moment.
Improved sleep
The energy-balancing effects of the therapy help you relax more deeply and can lead to better sleep quality. Reiki reduces the time it takes to fall asleep and makes nightmares less likely.
Pain relief
Reiki helps reduce pain by healing the emotional aspect of it. By restoring balance and allowing energy to flow throughout your body, Reiki can provide relief from tension headaches, arthritis, sciatica, and other conditions.
Faster recovery from surgery or illness
Reiki healing helps align your energies and get you on the right track. As you progress with your Reiki sessions, breathing becomes easier and deeper, and your heart rate and blood pressure drop.
Reiki can aid in healing for anything from a minor bruise to surgery recovery to cancer. Ig can help you relax, which in turn could lead to tension and pain relief, the release of stress, and quicker wound healing, along with numerous other benefits for your health.
Spiritual growth and emotional cleansing
Reiki can often create deep, subtle changes in a person rather than just targeting individual symptoms. It can help you to see your situation from a fresh perspective and deal with it more positively. You may also receive guidance about what to do in difficult situations.
Eased side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy
Reiki can help cancer patients feel better physically and ease chemotherapy side effects such as fatigue, nausea, and pain. Reiki helps emotionally lift the patient’s spirits and alleviates anxiety and depression.
5 Principles of Reiki
There are five major principles of Reiki. Let’s go through them one by one.
Just for today, I will not be angry
The first principle of Reiki reminds you that humans can, in fact, control emotions and thoughts. You can do this because you understand that they can be influenced by how you see the situation. This Reiki procedure aims not to repress emotions but to use them as an opportunity to learn how your emotions affect you.
Just for today, I will not worry
This principle tells you not to worry about things that have already happened or might happen in the future. It helps you focus on living in the present moment and accepting that you cannot control what will happen.
Just for today, I will be grateful
This principle emphasizes gratefulness for the blessings you have in life. It’s easy to be grateful when everything is going right in your life, but this principle says you should always find something to appreciate no matter what happens.
Just for today, I will do my work honestly
It is about putting your whole self into your work. Whatever you do, try your best and give it everything you got. It is a reminder that every decision you make brings you closer to your goal, and it is essential to put positive energy into the things you do to get the most out of them.
Just for today, I will be kind to every living being
The principle is focused on being kind to both yourself and others. When you try to extend forgiveness to yourself and practice this regularly, it becomes easier over time. As a result of developing healthy self-esteem, your mental health could also improve significantly.
How to Prepare for a Reiki Session
There are several things you can do before entering your Reiki session. Let’s go over them one by one.
Relax and do some self-reflection
Before the session begins, take at least 30 minutes to relax and gather your thoughts. Check how you’re feeling physically, and be aware of any emotions, thoughts, or physical sensations you have.
Make sure to take care of your body before beginning your session. Think about any goals you have for the session and anything you want to tell your practitioner beforehand.
Eat properly and hydrate
Remember to drink and eat a few hours before, so you’re not bothered by hunger or thirst during the session. However, eat a moderate meal so your body’s energy will focus on the treatment rather than digesting food.
Be comfortable
Dress comfortably so that your clothes won’t restrict your movement. If you feel uncomfortable during the session, let your practitioner know so they can help. You can also opt to bring socks if your feet feel cold. Also, use the restroom before your session begins.
What to Expect During the Reiki Session
Although some people feel the effects of Reiki immediately, others don’t sense any change until after their session. Tingling, warmth, and deep relaxation are all common sensations during the Reiki session.
You may even fall asleep during your session because you become so relaxed. You’ll likely feel more aware, clear-headed, and connected when you wake up.
Trust that your experience with the reiki energy is exactly what you need it to be on any given day, as each person experiences it differently. This practice will also continue to evolve, similar to meditation.
What to Expect After the Reiki Session
People usually feel more relaxed after a Reiki session, though sometimes they report feeling tired later in the day. It isn’t seen as a bad thing but rather as the body’s natural way of healing.
Reiki practitioners will not give you a medical diagnosis, but they may share some helpful after-care suggestions, including the following:
- Integrate: After a Reiki session, you will feel peaceful and relaxed. And resist the urge to book anything else immediately afterward. Finding a private and quiet space later where you can comfortably reflect on the session is crucial. Designate 15-20 minutes post-session to meditate, relax, walk outdoors, or even nap.
- Continue proper eating and hydration: Always drink 1-2 glasses of water right after your session, and consider adding electrolytes to the water too. It aids in restoring the body to its optimal state. You may find yourself feeling rather hungry after the Reiki session. Eating can also help ground you back into reality. Like always, listen to your body and give it what it needs regarding food.
- Reflect: It is helpful to take some time after the session ends to reflect on your thoughts and feelings. You can do your reflection through journaling, drawing, or any other means of capturing insights you had during the experience. Choose an activity that helps you connect to your experience and allows you to draw on it in the future. It could be something as simple as healing meditation or listening to calming music.
What is the Recommended Number of Reiki Sessions?
Typically, your practitioner will suggest four sessions. It gives you time to explore the benefits you may experience.
The ideal interval between Reiki treatments is one to two weeks, but as you begin to notice improvements in your well-being, you can space out treatments every month or six weeks.
How to find The Best Reiki Practitioner for You
If you’ve officially decided to book a Reiki session, there are a few things to do first before you make the call. Here are some tips on how to find the best Reiki practitioner for you.
Know the practitioner’s credentials
Not all practitioners have the same Reiki training. They could have Level I, Level II, or Level III/Master training. Their training level will affect how they practice and what they can do during a session. Research the practitioner’s background to see if they have the credentials you’re looking for.
Get a feel for their energy
Finding someone whose energy feels compatible with yours is essential when looking for a practitioner. You can often get a sense of this by talking to them on the phone or in person. If you feel uncomfortable after talking with them, trust your gut and keep looking.
Check out their website
Most practitioners have some online presence these days. Check out their website or social media accounts to understand their style and what they’re all about. It can give you a good idea of whether or not they’re a good fit for you.
Ask for recommendations
If you still need to decide who to go with, ask your friends, family, or doctor for recommendations. They may know someone they think would be a good match for you.
Schedule a consultation
Before booking a session, most practitioners will offer a free consultation. It is an opportunity for you to ask questions and get to know each other before committing to anything. It’s also an excellent way to see if the practitioner is truly a good fit for you.
Understand their fees
Reiki is a healing service, so practitioners charge for their time and energy. Fees can vary depending on the practitioner’s experience and location. Understanding the fees upfront is essential, so there are no surprises later.
How Much Does a Reiki Session Cost?
Therapists who practice Reiki usually charge anywhere from $60 to $90 an hour.
The cost of Reiki will vary depending on how many treatments a patient needs and how often they have the treatment. Some practitioners offer discounts to patients who return for regular series of treatments.
Conclusion
Reiki is a holistic form of healing that can be highly beneficial for your mind, body, and soul; it’s an excellent form of self-care and is good for your well-being.
Although many studies prove the effectiveness of Reiki, remember that everyone is different and will experience different results. Give Reiki a try as part of your self-care, but seek medical professional advice when needed.
And to experience the full benefit of Reiki, be sure to find a practitioner whose energy feels compatible with yours. The effectiveness of Reiki healing does not just lie in the method itself but also in the skills, dedication, and rapport of the practitioner with the patient.
