Reiki is a holistic healing technique that originated in Japan. It involves the channeling of universal life force energy to promote relaxation, stress reduction, and healing on physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual levels.

Reiki practitioners act as channels for the flow of energy, directing it to the recipient through light touch or hands hovering above the body. This energy stimulates the body's natural healing processes and promotes balance and harmony.

Reiki is safe and non-invasive. It is gentle and can be used alongside other medical or therapeutic interventions.

During a Reiki session, the recipient typically lies fully clothed on a massage table or sits comfortably in a chair. The practitioner then places their hands in various positions on or near the body, allowing the energy to flow where it is needed.

Reiki offers a range of potential benefits for individuals seeking holistic healing and overall well-being. Some of the commonly reported benefits of Reiki include:

1. Stress Reduction: Reiki promotes deep relaxation, helping to alleviate stress and tension accumulated in the body and mind.

2. Pain Relief: Many people experience relief from various types of physical pain, including chronic conditions such as arthritis, back pain, or migraines, through Reiki sessions.

3. Improved Sleep: Reiki can help calm the mind and promote better sleep patterns, making it beneficial for individuals struggling with insomnia or other sleep disturbances.

4. Enhanced Emotional Well-being: Reiki supports emotional healing by helping to release negative emotions, reduce anxiety and depression, and promote a sense of inner peace and balance.

5. Boosted Immune System: By reducing stress and promoting relaxation, Reiki helps and strengthens the body's natural ability to fight off illness and disease.

6. Increased Energy Levels: Reiki can replenish depleted energy levels and revitalise the body, leaving individuals feeling more energised and rejuvenated.

7. Balanced Chakras: Reiki works on the body's energy centres (chakras), helping to balance and harmonise their flow, which can contribute to overall health and well-being.

8. Support for Healing Processes: Reiki accelerates the body's natural healing processes by promoting circulation, reducing inflammation, and supporting the body's ability to heal itself.

9. Heightened Spiritual Awareness: Reiki fosters a deeper connection to one's inner self and spiritual essence, helping individuals gain clarity, insight, and a sense of purpose in their lives.

10. Complementary Therapy: Reiki can complement traditional medical treatments and other holistic therapies, enhancing their effectiveness and promoting holistic healing on multiple levels.

By following these simple tips, you can prepare yourself mentally and physically to fully benefit from your Reiki session and experience deep relaxation, balance, and healing:

1. Hydrate: Drink plenty of water before your session to help facilitate energy flow and hydration throughout your body.

2. Eat Lightly: Avoid heavy meals immediately before your session, as a full stomach may interfere with your ability to relax deeply.

3. Avoid Alcohol Consumption: Refrain from consuming alcohol before your session, as it can dull your senses and affect your ability to fully experience the benefits of Reiki.

4. Wear Comfortable Clothing: Choose loose, comfortable clothing that allows you to relax fully during your session. Avoid wearing tight or restrictive clothing that may constrict your movement or energy flow.

5. Arrive Early: Arrive a few minutes early to your appointment to allow time for check-in and to settle into the space.

6. Communicate: If you have any specific concerns, questions, or preferences, don't hesitate to communicate them with your Reiki practitioner before your session begins.

7. Set Intentions: Take a moment to reflect on your intentions for the session and what you hope to achieve or experience. This can help you focus your energy and intentions during the session.

8. Relaxation Techniques: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle stretching before your session to help calm your mind and body.

9. Open Mind: Approach your Reiki session with an open mind and a willingness to receive healing energy. Trust in the process and allow yourself to be present in the moment.

During a Reiki session, individuals may experience a variety of sensations, both physical and emotional, as the energy flows through them and facilitates the healing process. While experiences can vary widely from person to person and from session to session, some common sensations reported during Reiki sessions include:

1. Warmth or Heat: Many people feel a sensation of warmth or heat emanating from the hands of the Reiki practitioner as they channel energy to specific areas of the body.

2. Tingling or Pulsing: Some individuals may experience tingling sensations or a gentle pulsing feeling in the areas being treated, which can indicate the movement of energy.

3. Deep Relaxation: Reiki induces a state of deep relaxation, often leading to sensations of calmness, tranquility, and a feeling of being enveloped in a soothing energy.

4. Emotional Release: Reiki can bring emotions to the surface, leading to feelings of sadness, joy, or relief as emotional blockages are released and resolved.

5. Lightness or Floating Sensation: Some people report feeling lighter or as if they are floating during a Reiki session, as tension and stress melt away, leaving them feeling unburdened.

6. Cold Sensations: In contrast to warmth, some individuals may experience sensations of coolness or a slight chill in certain areas of the body during a Reiki session.

7. Muscle Relaxation: Reiki can lead to deep muscle relaxation, with tension and tightness gradually dissipating as the session progresses.

8. Visions or Insights: During a Reiki session, some individuals may experience vivid images, memories, or insights that provide guidance or clarity about their physical, emotional, or spiritual well-being.

9. Energetic Shifts: Reiki can bring about energetic shifts within the body, leading to sensations of energy moving, shifting, or releasing blockages in specific areas.

10. Increased Awareness: Many people become more aware of their body, thoughts, and emotions during a Reiki session, gaining insight into areas of imbalance or tension that need attention.

Reiki generally has no known adverse side effects.

Occasionally after multiple Reiki sessions a temporary "healing crisis" might happen. This refers to a temporary worsening of symptoms or a surge of physical or emotional discomfort that may occur as the body undergoes the healing process. This phenomenon is sometimes also known as a "detox reaction" or a "cleansing reaction."

During a healing crisis, the body is purging toxins, releasing blocked energy, and addressing underlying imbalances that contribute to illness or discomfort. While the experience may initially be uncomfortable, it is viewed as a positive sign that the body is actively working to restore balance and promote healing.

It's important to understand that a healing crisis is a natural and normal part of the healing process, and it typically lasts between 1 to 3 days. It indicates that the body is responding to the energy work and is in the process of releasing stagnant energy, emotional blockages, or toxins accumulated over time.

Individuals experiencing a healing crisis are encouraged to drink plenty of water, get adequate rest, engage in gentle exercise, and practice self-care techniques such as meditation, salt baths or relaxation exercises to support the body's healing process.

It's also essential for individuals undergoing Reiki or any form of holistic healing to communicate openly with their practitioner about any symptoms or experiences they may be having during or after sessions. This allows the practitioner to provide support and guidance tailored to the individual's needs and helps ensure a safe and effective healing journey.

Anyone can benefit from Reiki, regardless of age, background, or belief system. It is commonly used to support physical healing, emotional well-being, and spiritual growth.

The number of sessions needed varies depending on individual circumstances and goals. Some people experience benefits after just one session, while others may benefit from regular or ongoing sessions for sustained results.

Yes, Reiki can be integrated with medical treatment or other therapeutic modalities, such as massage therapy, shamanism, acupuncture, counselling etc, to enhance overall well-being and healing.

Yes, Reiki can be performed remotely, with the practitioner sending energy to the recipient across any distance.

Belief in Reiki is not a prerequisite for it to be effective. The energy will still flow and facilitate healing regardless of the recipient's beliefs.

Reiki is not tied to any specific religion or belief system. It is a spiritual practice in that it acknowledges the existence of a universal life force energy, but it does not require adherence to any particular faith.