There could be as many descriptions of what Reiki is, how it works, and even if it works, as there are people to talk about it. What I’m sharing here is my perception and experience with Reiki as a student, practitioner, and teacher. My Reiki experience began in 2005. In 2007 I became a master teacher. I have taught all four of the levels.

Reiki is a relaxing, stress relieving, technique. During a session a client can choose to have conversation, or silence, or something in between. My clients and I typically laugh because it feels so ridiculously good to let go of so many things that were weighing us down.

Reiki can be done anywhere. In health spas, for example, the client usually lies down on a massage table. However, Reiki is not a massage technique. It is a form of energy work, meaning that it works on the energy that makes up the mind, the body, and the spirit. That’s why Reiki is as effective on the phone, or at a distance without direct contact, as it is in person. Some clients feel better if you place a hand on them while they’re receiving Reiki in person. Others don’t like to be or need to be touched at all. It sounds mystical, doesn’t it?  Two of my long-term clients shared their experiences with distance Reiki.  Feel free to click on the link if you’d like to read what they said.

You can read about studies verifying the efficacy of Reiki here: http://www.centerforreikiresearch.org/
If you’d like to read a history of Reiki, follow this link: http://www.reiki.org/faq/HistoryOfReikiToCopy.html

What is Reiki good for? Literally anything. If you consider that stress is the cause of most problems, then the relief of the stress will leave you feeling better. I have to say that if I hadn’t experienced it for myself, I’d be a skeptic.

What happens during a Reiki session is this: your practitioner will help you into a comfortable position. Sessions typically last for one hour, though they can be shorter or longer. You may be touched on your head, hands, stomach, legs, knees, and feet. Or, as I mention above, not at all. Your practitioner may stay in one place and simply place their hands over you. What the client feels is anything from relaxation to a deep sleep.

Here’s a sample of a Reiki treatment by William Rand of the International Center for Reiki Training.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xw9EleHuXsI

So, in summary, Reiki is a relaxation technique. Ideally the client goes into the session feeling heavy, upset, confused, etc. and comes out of it feeling refreshed, healthy, and energized.

I have openings for Reiki sessions and classes. See my Menu of Services post for more information about scheduling and costs.