Everything You Need to Know About Reiki Energy Healing and Its Benefits

What is Reiki and How Does it Work?

Reiki is an alternative healing technique that originated in Japan in the early 20th century. The word "Reiki" means "universal life energy" in Japanese. Practitioners believe they can channel this energy through their hands to promote healing and wellness.

Though the mechanisms behind Reiki are not entirely understood, it is thought to help restore balance in the body's energy systems. The body has multiple energy centers called chakras located along the midline of the body, from the top of the head to the base of the spine. Each chakra corresponds to different physical, emotional and spiritual aspects.

Imbalances in the energy system can manifest in multiple ways, including fatigue, stress, and disease. Reiki practitioners attempt to channel energy into the client’s body to bring harmony back to the chakras and promote the body's natural ability to heal itself.

What to Expect During a Reiki Session

Reiki sessions are typically conducted in a calm, peaceful setting. Clients remain fully clothed and lie down on a treatment table or sit comfortably in a chair.

The practitioner places their hands lightly on or just above different parts of the client's body. The hands may be placed both over and under the body, as well as on the abdomen and head. The practitioner will use different hand positions that correspond to the chakras and other important energy centers.

There is no massage or manipulation during a Reiki treatment. The practitioner's hands remain still, with the intent to facilitate the flow of energy into the body. The hands may feel warm to the client, but heating of the hands is not a necessity for healing to occur.

A session can last anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour or longer. The length of treatment and number of sessions required depends on the individual client’s condition. At the end of the session, clients should feel deeply relaxed and may experience sensations of warmth, coolness, tingling, or pulsating where the practitioner’s hands were placed.

Reiki Training and Origins

Reiki was developed in 1922 by a Japanese Buddhist named Mikao Usui. Usui reported he had a spiritual experience that allowed him to access ‘healing energy’ after 3 weeks of fasting and meditating on a mountainside. He then passed on his teachings to others and Reiki has continued to spread throughout the world since then.

There are three levels of Reiki training. In Level 1 or beginner Reiki, students learn the basic hand positions and how to practice self-treatment. In Level 2, they receive the sacred Reiki symbols and learn how to send Reiki over distances. Reiki Master training involves learning advanced techniques to pass on the ability to teach and attune others to Reiki.

While structured training is common, it is not strictly necessary to practice Reiki. Some people report being able to access Reiki energy spontaneously or through other spiritual practices.

Benefits and Effects of Reiki

Reiki is used to promote relaxation, help manage pain and discomfort, speed healing, and alleviate emotional distress. Receiving regular treatments may help support overall wellness.

Some of the conditions Reiki has been used for include:

Anxiety, depression, and stress
Cancer side effects
Post-surgical recovery
Chronic illnesses such as fibromyalgia or irritable bowel disease
Injuries, burns, or post-traumatic stress
Headaches and migraines
Insomnia
Fatigue
Muscle tension and pain

Stress Reduction

Many people seek Reiki for relaxation and to cope with stress. The gentle hands-on approach helps flip the nervous system into "rest and digest" mode. This can counteract the "fight or flight" response that gets chronically activated by stressful lives.

Studies show Reiki can:

Lower heart rate and blood pressure
Reduce anxiety, depression, and fatigue
Improve sleep quality
Boost overall mood and mental clarity
Heighten feelings of spirituality and emotional wellbeing

Reiki may also alter hormones and brain chemicals like endorphins and oxytocin that influence mood and stress perception.

Pain Relief

Reiki can help decrease pain from conditions like cancer, surgery, injuries, musculoskeletal disorders, and headaches. It may allow clients to reduce pain medications.

Reiki appears to activate the parasympathetic nervous system and stimulate natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body. Practitioners believe Reiki helps energy flow around painful areas, improving circulation and speeding healing.

In a clinical trial of patients with painful diabetic neuropathy, a Reiki treatment led to:

Significant reductions in pain scores
Less anxiety and depression
Improved physical functioning scores

Effects lasted up to 5 days after treatment.

Supporting Cancer Care

Reiki is commonly used as an integrative therapy for people with cancer. It can help ease side effects from radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery.

Benefits may include:

Decreasing anxiety, depression, and fatigue
Improving sleep quality
Reducing pain and discomfort
Lessening nausea and vomiting
Improving overall well-being and quality of life

Reiki has also been shown to alter biological markers of stress and inflammation in cancer patients.

Improved Quality of Life

Regular Reiki treatments can have wide-ranging physical and psychological benefits that enhance overall quality of life. It promotes deep relaxation, allowing the body to rest and strengthen its natural healing abilities.

Reiki helps harmonize emotional and mental states, releasing negative thought patterns and encouraging inner peace. This can benefit mood disorders, trauma, grief, relationship conflicts and more.

Many clients notice continued benefits between treatments, including faster healing, better sleep, more energy and clarity of mind.

Is Reiki Right for Me?

Reiki is a safe, gentle, non-invasive healing approach that can be received by anyone. It is compatible with all medical treatments and will not interfere with any medications or procedures. It does not have negative side effects.

Here are some signs Reiki may help you:

You feel stressed out or emotionally unbalanced
You suffer from pain, disease, or physical discomfort
You struggle with sleep problems or chronic fatigue
You want to feel more centered, peaceful, and calm
You have an illness or need to recover from an injury or surgery
You are seeking personal or spiritual growth

Reiki complements other approaches like talk therapy, massage, medications, or physical therapy. It is not a substitute for proper medical care but rather works alongside it to promote wellbeing.

How to Find a Reiki Practitioner

There are many ways to find a qualified Reiki practitioner in your area:

Ask your doctor, friends, or other healthcare providers for referrals
Search online directories like the International Association of Reiki Professionals
Check with local hospitals, hospices, or cancer centers that offer Reiki
Look for reviews on Google, Facebook, or Yelp
Search classified ads in new age magazines or natural health websites
Visit psychic fairs, yoga studios, or holistic wellness centers nearby

It’s a good idea to verify your practitioner has received formal Reiki training. Make sure you feel comfortable with their experience and areas of focus.

Many practitioners offer remote Reiki sessions if you are unable to attend in person. This allows you to experience the benefits no matter where you are located.

What to Expect During Your First Session

During your initial visit, the practitioner will likely ask about your current health, medical history, and what you hope to achieve from receiving Reiki. This allows them to tailor the sessions to your needs.

The first session generally serves as an introduction to Reiki. The practitioner will explain what Reiki is, what you may experience during treatment, and how they work. You can ask them any questions you may have.

A full treatment usually follows. The practitioner will have you relax lying down or sitting up. Sessions typically last 45 to 90 minutes but can be shorter or longer. The hands are placed lightly on different parts of the body to channel energy.

Many people feel deeply relaxed, warm, or tingly during their first Reiki experience. Some fall asleep. Others may laugh, cry, see colors, or have emotional releases. Reiki will flow regardless of whether you have any sensations. Just relax and allow your system to receive the healing.

After the treatment you should feel calm and refreshed. Make sure to drink water and rest if feeling sleepy. Your practitioner will discuss when you should schedule follow-up appointments.

Finding a Reiki Practitioner Near Me

There are many ways to find a qualified Reiki practitioner in your local area:

Ask Friends and Healthcare Providers for Referrals

Word of mouth is one of the best ways to find a Reiki practitioner. Ask your friends, doctors, therapists, yoga instructors, or other wellness providers if they can recommend anyone. They may know practitioners who offer high quality treatments.

Check Online Directories and Review Sites

Websites like the International Association of Reiki Professionals allow you to search for practitioners in your city or zip code. Narrow it down by filtering by credentials, training, specialties, or client reviews.

You can also look at sites like Yelp, Facebook, or Google Reviews to read patient testimonials for practitioners near you.

Search Local Holistic Centers and Events

Holistic centers, yoga studios, massage clinics, and metaphysical shops often have Reiki practitioners who offer sessions onsite. You may also find fliers advertising Reiki at local health food stores, spiritual shops, or community bulletin boards.

Attending psychic fairs, holistic fairs, mindfulness events, or Reiki share groups are other places to connect with practitioners in your area.

Look for Reiki Volunteers

Many hospitals, hospices, and cancer centers offer Reiki from volunteers as part of their integrative medicine programs. Patients receive treatments at low or no cost. Ask if any complementary medicine services at your local facilities offer Reiki.

Search Online Classifieds and Magazines

Natural and spiritual magazines like Spirituality & Health have classified sections where you can find Reiki ads for your geographic region. Websites like Craigslist and health and wellness sites like MindBodyGreen also have listings.

Contact the individuals advertising to ask about their background, training, rates, and availability for in-person or remote sessions.

Questions to Ask a Potential Reiki Practitioner

Here are some important questions to ask when researching Reiki practitioners:

How long have you practiced Reiki and how did you get into it?

Look for substantial experience with clients, such as 5+ years of regular practice. Find out about their journey and interest in Reiki.

Where did you receive your Reiki training?

Reputable training programs and Reiki Masters will provide certificates showing the practitioner's lineage and education. Many have online profiles showing credentials.

Are you licensed or certified? By which organizations?

Credentials like certification or membership in professional Reiki organizations indicate commitment and competency. However, licensure is not required to practice.

How would you describe your Reiki style or specialty?

See if the practitioner incorporates other modalities or has areas of focus like pain, cancer, trauma, grief, etc that align with your needs.

What can I expect during a session?

Make sure the practitioner explains the process and what sensations may occur so you feel prepared and know what to expect.

Do you provide remote sessions?

If you are unable to attend in-person, many practitioners offer distance healing sessions over the phone, video, or chat.

Can I contact you with questions after my session?

The practitioner should provide ongoing support after treatments to discuss the effects and your progress.

What are your rates and payment policies?

Average rates range from $50 to $100+ per hour but can vary by region, experience, and setting. Confirm billing policies.

How Reiki Can Support Health and Wellness

Reiki works holistically to support overall health and wellbeing. Regular treatments can help you:

Lower Stress

Reiki calms the mind, reduces anxiety and emotional turmoil, and puts the body in a parasympathetic state of rest and relaxation. This relieves the burden of chronic stress from everyday life.

Improve Sleep Quality

Reiki enhances relaxation and sleep by lowering cortisol and stimulating melatonin and natural sleep-inducing chemicals. This can help those suffering from insomnia.

Manage Pain

Reiki stimulates the body’s natural pain relief mechanisms. This reduces painful symptoms from conditions like arthritis, migraines, injuries, surgery, and fibromyalgia.

Support Mental Health

Reiki releases negative thoughts, traumas, and belief patterns that no longer serve you. This uplifts mood, refreshes perspective, and empowers positive change.

Accelerate Healing

Reiki increases circulation and vital energy flow to injury sites to accelerate natural healing. It also enhances medical treatment effects.

Boost Immunity

Reiki may enhance immune function by increasing white blood cell count, antioxidant levels, and stress-reducing hormones that protect overall health.

Improve Digestion

Reiki helps relieve digestive discomforts like IBS by relaxing the muscles, regulating bowel function, and lowering stress that can trigger symptoms.

Enhance Self-Care

Reiki restores balance to all aspects of your being, empowering you to care for your body, mind, and spirit through compassion and listening to your needs.

Choosing the Right Reiki Practitioner for You

Finding the right Reiki practitioner is key to having a positive experience. Here are important factors to consider:

Training and Credentials

Look for adequate Reiki training such as being attuned to Level 2 or higher. Membership in a professional association shows commitment and experience.

Focus Areas

See if the practitioner has experience treating your specific condition or wellness goals, such as cancer, chronic pain, or emotional trauma.

Treatment Approach

Make sure their practice approach matches your preferences, like hands-on or distant sessions, combination with other modalities, etc.

Communication Style

You want a practitioner who clearly explains what Reiki is, what to expect, and is attentive to your needs before, during, and after sessions.

Professionalism

They should have clear business policies, reasonable rates, and conduct themselves in an ethical manner that makes you feel respected.

Overall Comfort Level

Pay attention to your gut instinct. You want a practitioner you feel safe and at ease with during this intimate healing process.

Taking the time to find the right Reiki professional will help you fully relax into the experience and receive the greatest benefits for your health and wellbeing.