What is Reiki?
Reiki is a spiritual healing art. The word Reiki comes from the Japanese word Rei which means “Universal Life” and Ki which means “Energy.” It is pronounced Ray-Kee. It is not related or linked to any religion, and anybody can benefit from it, no matter what religion you may choose to practice (or if you practice none at all!).
A Reiki practitioner is able to access Universal Life Energy and channel it to the recipient for healing purposes. Reiki is not massage. The recipient remains fully clothed, and the practitioner will gently lay their hands on several locations on the recipient's body, or they may hover their hands over the recipient's body. Some people feel a gentle heat, some may feel light tingling, and others may feel something like static electricity before the zap. Others may just feel the easing of tension and a deep relaxation. There is no wrong way to feel Reiki.
Many recipients find it helpful in dealing with the stresses of everyday life, for reducing pain, and in reducing anxiety. Many hospitals are now utilizing Reiki in the care of their surgical patients to reduce post-op pain, and to ease the transition for their Hospice patients.
Reiki is a gentle, peaceful healing modality, and has no side effects. It does not interfere with medical treatments or medications, and works well in conjunction with traditional western medicine.