Reiki

What is Reiki?

Reiki (ray-key) is Japanese for “universal life energy” and is a non-invasive therapy that involves stimulating the body’s own healing potential, much like acupuncture, but without the use of needles. The aim of a Reiki treatment is to balance the energy centres in the body (chakras) and promote healing.

Chakra is a Sanskrit word whose literal translation is wheel. The Chakras are the energy centres within the body. There are seven main chakras as well as many other minor chakras throughout the body. The chakras draw in energy from our energy field, or aura, and distribute that energy to the vital organs within the physical body.

A Reiki Practitioner transfers energy by gently placing their hands, non-intrusively, in a series of positions from the top of the head to the feet, in order to restore balance in your body. Reiki is especially known for its healing effects on an emotional and spiritual level, though it is not linked to any religious beliefs. During a Reiki treatment, you may feel warmth, tingling or perhaps nothing at all during sessions, but Reiki can have a deeply relaxing effect on the body. Please note, you will not be expected to remove any clothing for treatment. If you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, book a Reiki treatment today, to help you get back on track.  

The History of Reiki

The origins of Reiki are still to this day largely unknown. Ask ten Reiki Masters the same question and you will probably get ten different variations on the story. What is generally accepted is that Reiki is an ancient form of healing whose knowledge was lost to the world for centuries until it was rediscovered by a Dr. Mikao Usui, a Japanese Christian Minister. Dr Usui ran a Christian Boys’ School in Japan and it is beleived that one of the schoolboys ahd inquired of Dr Usui whether he believed in miracles. As Dr. Usui said he did believe in miracles but was unable to explain how they were possible, he set out on a quest to find out. Of particular interest to him was to know how Jesus and other prophets from history were able to perform healing miracles. The popular story of Reiki goes on to tell us of how Dr. Usui climbed to the top of a mountain in order to carry out a 21-day meditation. On the 21st day it is believed that Dr. Usui received a vision in which the light descended upon him and he was intuitively given the Reiki symbols that are still used today by Reiki practitioners and Masters. One man who was initiated directly into Reiki by Dr. Usui was Dr. Chujiro Hayashi who in turn initiated a Hawaiian-born woman called Mrs. Hawayo Takata. At some point in the 1970s Mrs Takata took the Reiki teachings to California and initiated a further 22 Masters into the Usui system of natural healing. Since then Reiki has become very popular in the West, with many people receiving the first, second or master level attunements.  

Reiki FAQs

No. The Reiki energy passes easily through clothing. Ideally you should wear loose, comfortable clothing that you can easily relax in. No. Reiki is totally harmless. Your energy system will accept only as much energy as is beneficial for it. The original Reiki system is called the Usui system because it was rediscovered and developed by Dr Usui. All other forms of Reiki have been developed in the West based on personal insights by various Reiki Masters. It is not important what the system is called. What matters is the integrity of the Reiki practitioner and the quality of energy they are able to make available to you. It is best to follow your instincts and intuition when choosing a Reiki practitioner. Have a chat with the practitioner before you commit to having a treatment and make sure you feel comfortable with the practitioner. Healing is greatly enhanced if you can relax during treatment and if you trust the practitioner. The number of treatments depends on the individual and varies from person to person. Some people get all the benefit they need from a single treatment wheras others will require a series of treatments. One of the best uses of Reiki is as a preventative treatment. Regular monthly treatments can help to maintain good health and help you to stay relaxed. Reiki and Spiritual Healing are similar insofar as they both entail a practitioner making energy available to the client and are both considered to be hands-on treatments. However, Reiki is not connected with any religion and is open to people of all faiths. Sometimes it will help the healing process if the practitioner can lay his or her hands on the physical body but this not always necessary and much benefit can be gained from treating the person’s energy field, or aura. If you feel unsure about being touched it is best to tell the practitioner in advance so they know what sort of treatment you will be most comfortable with. If you have a question that is not answered on this page please send us an e-mail