What is Reiki?
Reiki is a gentle yet powerful system of natural healing originating from Japan. The word ‘Reiki’ is derived from two Japanese characters, or kanji. The kanji for Rei means ‘spirit or spiritual’ and the kanji for Ki means ‘energy’, ‘universal energy’ or ‘life force energy’. Together, Reiki can mean ‘spiritual energy’ or ‘spiritually guided energy’. When you come for a Reiki treatment you will experience the loving essence of this energy as it works with your body to support balance and harmony within.
A Brief History
The system of Reiki was developed by Mikao Usui in the early 20th century. It was based on his unique life experiences and influences that included Tendai Buddhism, Shintoism, martial arts, and Shugendo (mountain ascetic practices). Usui’s memorial stone states that in 1922 he experienced divine inspiration while meditating and fasting on Mt. Kurama. After this he was able to help himself and others through hands-on healing. He wanted to share this gift widely and began giving treatments to those in need and teaching his system of natural health. Reiki is not a religion. Usui understood that healing exists within each person, not outside, and he created a spiritual practice for personal growth. This practice included meditation, initiations (also called attunements), symbols and mantras, hands-on healing and the 5 Reiki principles (guidelines to support self-healing). Usui called his teachings ‘The secret art of inviting happiness - the spiritual medicine for all diseases (of body, mind and soul)’. Reiki was introduced to the West in 1938 thanks to the dedication of Usui’s student Chujiro Hayashi and American born woman Hawayo Takata (Hayashi’s student). Reiki is passed on from teacher to student; therefore, a traceable line exists that connects directly back to Usui. I feel so grateful to my teacher Myorei, and the teachers that came before her in my lineage, for the presence of Reiki in my life.
If you are interested in learning more about the origins of Reiki I recommend “The Japanese Art of Reiki” by Bronwen and Frans Stiene.
How Does a Reiki Treatment Work?
A Reiki practitioner has received attunements from their teacher (also called a Reiki Master). The attunements enhance a student’s energetic connection allowing them to purposefully access spiritual/universal energy for healing. During a treatment this energy is channeled through the practitioners hands and is offered to you. Your body intuitively knows what is best and will draw in the energy, where you need it most, for your greatest benefit. When we are in a relaxed state our body’s innate healing abilities are activated. Reiki supports this healing by calming your nervous system and removing energetic blockages to your natural state of health.
What to Expect
To begin we will take a few minutes to talk about Reiki and any intentions you may have for your treatment. You may have a specific reason for coming in or it may be more general, like to relax and restore. I will check in with you about your comfort level with touch as Reiki works with or without physical contact. Treatment will take place on a massage table fully clothed. Reiki will flow through my hands and I will place them gently on or near different areas of your body. You do not need to do anything special, just be open to receiving this energy. The wisdom of your body will guide your healing.
Many people find Reiki sessions to be peaceful and relaxing, sometimes drifting in and out of sleep during the treatment. You may notice emotions, sensations, memories, insights…just notice what comes and understand that the energy is always working for your highest good. Reiki is a cleanse that helps clear stagnant energy. Sometimes things may need to come into your awareness before they can shift or be released. You may not notice much during the session and that is okay too. The energy is always initiating some kind of positive change, even if the effects are not immediately felt. Notice how you feel after the session or how you sleep that evening. Some people notice a greater sense of wellbeing, or have a deeper understanding of some issue in their life, or feel more energized or creative or connected. We all benefit in different ways depending on our needs. At the end of the session we will spend a few minutes discussing the experience.
I look forward to sharing this beautiful healing method with you,
Sherri