1. What is Reiki?
“Reiki is a spiritual healing art with its roots in Japanese origin. The word Reiki comes from the Japanese word (Rei) which means “Universal Life” and (Ki) which means “Energy”. Reiki is not affiliated with any particular religion or religious practice. It is not a message nor is it based on belief or suggestion. It is a subtle and effective form of energy work using spiritually guided life force energy.
Reiki is the life energy that flows through all living things. Reiki Practitioners understand that everyone has the ability to connect with their own healing energy and use it to strengthen energy in themselves and help others. It is believed that a person’s “ki” or energy should be strong and free flowing. When this is true a person’s body and mind is in a positive state of health. When the energy becomes weak or blocked it could lead to symptoms of physical or emotional imbalance.”
2. How does Reiki work? What can I expect?
Everything is energy, including us! A Reiki Practitioner is trained to tap into and allow the energy to move out through their hands and to their clients. If the Practitioner has a license to be hands on, such as a licensed massage therapist, they are able to rest their hands on the client (always with the clients consent!) If the Practitioner does not have a license to touch they will hover just above the body. Both of these techniques are equally as effective.
What you can expect? Upon arrival your Practitioner should go over your intake form, and listen to your goals for your session. It’s very helpful for us to know your reasons for scheduling. Most of my clients schedule for stress reduction and aid with sleeping, to wanting to feel grounded and clarity of the mind for a big meeting or project they have coming up. Within the first several minutes of a Reiki session most people report feelings of relaxation.
It’s not uncommon to witness the client take a nice deep breath in, potentially the biggest breath they’ve taken all day. Some clients fall asleep, some clients fall into a meditative space. You may notice heat or a slight electric “buzzing” sensation from your practitioner's hands. You may see colors, have visions, have physical sensations, experience emotions rise up, or recall nothing. There is no wrong experience, and every session will be different.
3. What do I need to do in a Reiki session?
Wear comfortable clothes you can relax in, arrive with an open mind, without any expectations, and breathe. That is your only job! Reiki flows regardless, but being open to whatever it has to offer will allow you to get the most out of your session.
There are many intuitive practitioners who may receive insight during your session, and oftentimes we get clients for this very reason. In these cases sometimes the clients arrive with expectations, and although we love to make people happy, sometimes that’s not the direction the session wants to take.
We don’t manipulate or control Reiki, it delivers what the client needs in that moment. It’s also important to remember that what you walk into after you leave our office will also impact how you feel. Reiki isn’t a one-stop, fix all. If your job is difficult, or your relationship is experiencing some turbulence- Reiki can help you to a certain extent, but it won’t remedy your life. It’s amazing, that’s true, but it compliments mental health therapy, firm boundaries as well as other forms of self-care, beautifully.
4. What are the benefits of Reiki?
The benefits of Reiki can include: Reduction of stress, improved sleep quality, feeling of groundedness, boosts moods, reduces anxiety, and so much more. Reiki can help support the body to facilitate healing on the physical, mental and emotional level.
Many people view Reiki as a healing for body-mind-spirit. Reiki has several studies for it’s relationship with potentially helping to reduce pain as well as depression. We are seeing more and more hospitals bringing Reiki into their patient care programs including oncology and hospice. The Cleveland Clinic even posted an article about Reiki where they referred to Reiki as a form of preventative medicine. Reiki is not a replacement for traditional medical or therapeutic treatments.
5. Who should get Reiki?
Whoever wants Reiki! If someone schedules a Reiki session it’s because they are curious and ready. It’s so important to feel safe and comfortable with your Practitioner.
Although we may be all trained under the same traditional style, many of us also do other healing modalities so it’s not uncommon to weave them in. Some Practitioners also read angel cards, or tarot cards. Some are religious and some are spiritual- both may have those beliefs represented in their office. It’s also important that if you are a person who has experienced a traumatic event in your life and are working through that, share that fact- it is not necessary to share everything unless you choose to.
But it would be a good idea to see a Practitioner who is either trauma informed, or works with mental health professionals. Visit Practitioners websites, social media to get a feel for them, and always don’t hesitate to reach out to me to schedule a quick chat about creating your Reiki practice. Reiki people love what we do, and we want to make sure you are safe, comfortable and happy!
6. How often do I need Reiki?
Reiki is self-care! I view it as maintenance for the body-mind-spirit. Life can be stressful and overwhelming. We are constantly bombarded with things pulling us in every direction all at once, we need regular tune ups! Most clients come in every 4-6 weeks, if something big is happening in their life they may come in a bit more frequently.
7. I’ve heard that Chakras are involved? What is that?
Many Reiki Practitioners also do what's called balancing the Chakras. Chakras originated in India between 1500-500 BC and are a Sanskrit word meaning “disk” or “wheel”, and refers to major energy centers of the body.
Nerve bundles as well as organs and glands are thought to be associated with the seven major energy centers, aka Chakras that run from the top of the head to the base of the spine. These seven are the ones Practitioners typically work with. When these energy wheels are out of balance or blocked they may manifest emotionally, mentally, and physically.
8. Is the Practitioner “special'' since they can do Reiki?
Personally, I think every person possesses a healing touch. I believe that intention is energy, and at the end of the day that makes all the difference in the world. Reiki Practitioners have invested both time and money in education to hone their skills, and have spent endless hours doing Reiki on themselves as well as others.
In a modality that up until recently the West has views as “woo”, most are extremely passionate about the work and strive to show up in their community with integrity. Many Practitioners also pay annually to be members of Reiki Associations so we are able to stay on top of all of the latest studies, articles and news. Many Practitioners go on to become Reiki Master Teachers, such as myself. If you’re interested in learning Reiki, keep an eye on my page!
9. My session was amazing! My Spouse needs this, can I book them an appointment?
Believe me, we love it when you’re excited about what we do. And we love it even more when you are walking, breathing, free advertising! Yes, you may book your spouse, bff, daughter, mother, and I’ve even done Reiki on pets...but please only do so if this is something they are open to.
Reiki isn’t a magic bullet, if someone is not open to receiving it (remember, people have free will), it may not do much. It’s also very uncomfortable when someone arrives for a session, not knowing what’s in store and expecting it to be just like a massage. So please, spread the word but allow your loved ones to get curious on their own. Plant the Reiki seed!
10. Wait! I still have questions!
Great! Please email me jen@jennifersimons.com I would love to chat. Remember when we were kids in class, and the teacher would encourage us to ask our questions because it was likely someone else in class may have the same question as you? Your question may even spark another blog post.
Much Love,
Jen, your local Reiki Master Teacher