What is Reiki and how does it benefit me? Simply put, Reiki is a hands on (or slightly above) healing modality. Reiki is a Japanese word that when broken down means "universal life energy." All things are made of energy and a Reiki treatment is a simple and subtle way of working with that energy and getting the energetic body to move. The Reiki practitioner simply acts as a guide, leading the recipient into a deeply relaxed state which allows the life energy (or Ki or Chi or Qi or Prana or Spirit) to flow, which is why it is of benefit. Flowing energy is healthy energy.
What are the benefits of Reiki?
1. Reiki will immediately put you in a supremely relaxed state and reduce stress. Now of course, this benefit right here is why Reiki lends itself as a good companion and compliment to all other medical treatments and why the things listed below are possible. Self-healing and other medical treatments can only be effective if the body is in a deeply relaxed and receptive state.
2. Reiki can help move energetic blocks that are preventing wellness. If you understand that all things are energy, you can begin to wrap your mind around energetic blocks. All things are a manifestation of our thoughts (which are energy) and when you are unconscious to your thinking, you can find yourself ill for unexplained reasons. You have created blocks unknowingly. Reiki subtly dissolves these blocks, meanwhile awakening consciousness and connecting the mind, body, and spirit, which then allows one to begin healing.
3. Reiki aids in better sleep. If nothing else, you'll sleep like a baby and everyone knows good sleep is crucial to well-being.
4. Reiki supports immune function and increases well-being. Again, this is because you are relaxed which allows your immune system (and all your systems) to flow and work at peak levels.
5. Improves focus by emptying the mind of chatter. A Reiki session feels similar to a meditative state. Busy minds benefit from Reiki because it allows you to experience deep peace and quiet which can then lead to better productivity and focus.
6. Reiki helps reduce anxiety and worry. Many people experience a comforting sense of safety and security when receiving Reiki, a sense that all is going to be ok which allows one to "let go." This is a wonderful benefit for people who struggle with anxiety, worry, and just plain over-thinking.
7. Reiki improves creativity. I can attest to this one, personally. I know that for me, when my mind is free of thought and worry, that is when the ideas for my creative projects come flowing in. When my creative life is flourishing, I am much happier, therefore, I feel better. It is all connected. :)
8. Reiki helps reduce pain. Again, this has to do with the relaxation and quieting of the mind. Reiki focuses your mind on peace and wellness and off of pain.
9. Reiki is cleansing. Again, understanding that everything is energy, everything we put into our bodies or that our bodies come into contact with, (including people, food, air, etc.) is also energy. Some of these things are toxic and create blocks. Reiki helps to keep energy flowing and toxins moving.
10. Reiki aids in spiritual growth. Many people experience a greater connection to Spirit or God when receiving Reiki. I can attest to this, personally, as well. My spiritual connection has increased greatly with the addition of Reiki in my life. My theory on this is that again, Reiki assists the body in relaxing on such deep levels that the mind is quiet, which allows the channels to open up to Spirit.
What ailments can Reiki treat? It's important to be careful when answering this question. Reiki is subtle and works on an energetic level. Many people have a hard time with such things because it isn't necessarily tangible and that is ok. For those people, I will answer this way. Reiki is extremely relaxing. When you understand that healing can not occur when the body is in a constant state of high stress, you can see the benefits of a treatment like Reiki. Reiki energy goes where it is needed, it goes to the true source of an ailment and works there. I will never promise miracles with a Reiki session, but I think those that are open-minded to whole body wellness and healing can make the connections on how this works. It is also important to note that one does not need to be ill to seek a Reiki treatment. Reiki is great for those wishing to add more self-care into their routing. It is great as a treat or pick-me-up when energy is low.
What is a session like? Reiki sessions are fairly simple. A client comes in and has an initial 5-10 minute discussion with me, explaining their reason for the visit. I then ask the client to stand so that I can smudge their aura with burning sage. What does this do? "Smudging" or burning dried herbs (typically sage) is an ancient practice used for cleansing and clearing negative energies. After smudging, the client lies on a massage table fully dressed, while I place my hands on or slightly above the client, usually working from the head to the feet. There are specific hand placements in Reiki, however, many practitioners such as myself, use a combination of traditional hand placements and intuition. I typically have soft music playing, lights dimmed, and various essential oils diffusing to add another element of relaxation. As the practitioner, during the entire session I am focusing intently on a client's wellness (rather than their illness) as I move my hands around the body. This positive and loving focus move the blocks by attracting more positive energy to the client. That's it, really. When it's over, the client takes a few minutes to ground themselves and bring their awareness back into the room and then they go on with their day.
I am always happy to discuss Reiki with potential clients. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me if you are curious about receiving a Reiki treatment as I will always keep your concerns confidential.
My sessions are $50+tax/one hour session. I do take clients in my home currently and I travel to you, if that is preferred, however, there is an additional $5 fee for long distances.
I hope to work with you soon, Namaste,
Stephanie <3
