Reiki
For today only, do not anger, do not worry, be grateful, be true to your way and your true self, show compassion to yourself and others, bear this deeply in your heart-mind. - International House of Reiki
What is Reiki?
Reiki is an ancient technique that uses gentle touch to promote relaxation, stress reduction, and feelings of well-being.
Developed in the early 1900s by Mikao Usui in Japan, the name itself means 'Universal' (rei) ‘Vital force’ (ki), referring to the vital life force that flows through every living thing. It is believed that when the energy within us is low or disrupted, it can lead to physical or emotional ill health. Reiki is used all over the world, including in hospitals and hospices to complement other health treatments. It treats the whole person including the physical body, emotions, mind and spirit, helping people become energetically balanced and resulting in many beneficial effects.
Despite some scepticism in western society, belief in energy healing practices is widespread around the world, existing in many cultures for centuries. For example, In East Asia, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complex system that has been practiced for over 2,000 years. TCM believes in the existence of qi (vital energy) that flows through the body along meridians. Imbalances in qi are believed to cause illness. Acupuncture, acupressure, and herbal medicine are some of the techniques used in TCM to restore balance and promote healing.
In India, Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, also emphasizes the importance of energy in health. Ayurveda believes in three doshas (vata, pitta, and kapha) that govern our physical and mental health. Imbalances in these doshas can lead to disease. Ayurvedic practices like yoga, meditation, and massage are used to restore balance and promote healing.
What a Reiki Session Involves:
As your Reiki practitioner, I will place my hands gently on, or just above your clothed body in specific positions. These placements help guide the flow of universal life force energy towards you. There's no pressure or discomfort involved, and I'll intuitively adjust how long I hold each position based on the energy I feel.
The entire session typically lasts 45 to 60 minutes and aims to create a deep sense of peace and well-being within you. There are no known negative side effects, and Reiki complements conventional medical care. In fact, it can help manage the side effects of some treatments.
Before we begin, I'll take some background information to tailor the session to your needs. Feel free to ask me any questions you have before we start – I'm here to make you feel comfortable and supported throughout the experience.
What You Might Experience:
Some people report feeling warmth, tingling or pulsating sensations.
Some may feel very calm and fall asleep.
Others may experience emotional release, see colors, or feel nothing at all. All experiences are valid.
Like all of my treatments, the aim is to bring balance back to your body. I understand that it may sound a little fantastical that something so gentle can produce such changes, but as a former sceptic and now regular reiki client myself, I would say you have nothing to lose by having an open mind, giving it a try and seeing how it makes you feel.
The Benefits of Reiki:
While there isn't conclusive scientific evidence to support all its benefits, many people find it helpful. some of the reported benefits of reiki include:
Reduced stress and anxiety
Reiki may help induce a deep state of relaxation, which can be beneficial for managing stress and anxiety.
Pain relief
Some studies suggest that reiki may help reduce pain, though more research is needed.
Improved sleep
Reiki's relaxation effects may also contribute to better sleep quality.
Emotional well-being
Reiki is said to promote emotional well-being by helping people cope with difficult situations and reducing emotional tension.
Enhanced quality of life
Many people report an overall improvement in their quality of life after receiving reiki treatment.
Reiki is considered a complementary therapy, meaning it should be used alongside conventional medical treatments, not as a replacement.
What is the science behind Reiki?
There is limited scientific evidence to support reiki's effectiveness, but some studies suggest it may help reduce stress and anxiety, which can have a positive overall impact on health.
More research is needed, but this preliminary research shows reiki therapy is useful for relieving pain, decreasing anxiety/depression and improving quality of life in several conditions, particularly in palliative care.
This study looks at The effect of a single reiki session on physical and psychological health
Get in touch
For more information about my treatments or my approach, please call me at 07853 577866. To book an appointment, please contact 01603 452320. Alternatively, you can reach out directly using my secure and confidential online contact form.
I am based in Norwich and see clients from the surrounding areas