What is Reiki?
Who is Reiki for?
Healing Reiki can benefit adults and children alike as well as pets. Teresa regularly gives Reiki to her cockerpoo and she has also given healing energy to horses. Reiki is beneficial for physical disorders, nervous conditions, and emotional issues. It is believed to create balance, harmony and wholeness in ones life.
Reiki is a Japanese form of complementary therapy using 'universal energy' channelled through the hands to aid relaxation, healing and wellbeing. The NHS states Reiki "...can help to aid relaxation and help reduce pain, tension, stress, anxiety, insomnia, hot flushes, sickness and lethargy." Reiki has no specific religious affiliation.
How does Reiki work?
Reiki (meaning 'universal life force') flows between the practitioner and the recipient. It is a non-evasive powerful yet gentle therapy that works in the energetic field of the recipient.
What happens during a Reiki treatment?
The person receiving Reiki remains fully clothed and is invited to lie on a treatment couch or sit in a reclining chair.
The recipient will then be gently guided to enter a relaxed state by finding comfort, safety and awareness in the present moment. The Reiki practitioner then channels Reiki energy for the recipient and uses a combination of hands on (positions agreed beforehand) and hands-off methods.
The only requirement of the participant is to relax and be open to the positive effects of the treatment.
Where did Reiki come from?
Dr Mikao Usui developed the gentle method of healing and self development in the early part of the twentieth century in Japan. More can be learned at the International Association of Reiki Professionals
Where's the proof?
There has been a multitude of scientific research conducted for evidence to prove the benefits of Reiki. The Center for Reiki Research has many research papers showing that Reiki is a useful tool for individuals seeking improved wellbeing including within hospitals. In the UK the National Health Service employs Reiki practitioners to deliver treatments in hospitals.