Frequently Asked Questions:
Can Reiki be learned from a book? Becoming a Reiki practitioner is not something you can do on your own through reading a how-to book or watching an instructional video. You learn Reiki through receiving Reiki Attunements which enhances your ability to act as a conduit for the universal life force energy. Receiving Reiki attunements and training can be achieved in a one-day or two-day workshop from a qualified Reiki Master who is willing to work with you.
Where does Reiki Energy come from? Reiki energy is a subtle energy. It is different than electricity or chemical energy or other kinds of physical energy. Reiki energy comes from the Higher Power, which exists on a higher dimension than the physical world we are familiar with. Reiki energy comes down from above and enters the top of the practitioner’s head after which it flows through the body and out the hands.
Who can benefit from a Reiki treatment? Reiki’s gift of increased energy and balance can be extended to anyone. It doesn’t matter what a person’s gender, race, intelligence, or financial status is. Reiki is not a healing energy reserved only for the elite, wealthy, educated, or spiritually evolved.
Why would someone need or want a Reiki Session? That depends upon the person. People have come to me for Reiki Sessions to aid a variety of conditions including; Acute Pain (Migraines, Back Pain, Sports Injuries, Ear Aches, etc.), Stress and Anxiety, Fatigue, Insomnia, Infertility, Seasonal and Food Allergies, Heart Disease and Hypertension, Skin Problems, Addictions, Cancer, TMJ, Post Surgery Recovery, Depression, Anger, Grief, Insect Bites, Feeling Unfocused or Scattered, or like something just isn’t right.
The side effects of regular medical treatments may also been reduced or eliminated with the aid of Reiki treatments. This includes the negative effects of chemotherapy, post operative pain and depression as well as improving the healing rate and reducing the time needed to stay in the hospital.
Reiki is always directed by the recipient, so it can never cause harm and one can never receive too much Reiki Energy. The recipient only accepts as much Reiki as he/she needs.
What does Reiki feel like? What one experiences during a Reiki treatment varies somewhat from person to person. However, feelings of deep relaxation are usually felt by all. In addition, many feel heat or warmth, tingling or other physical sensations. As the Reiki energy encourages one to let go of tension, anxiety, fear or other negative feelings - a state of peace and well-being is experienced. Some drift off to sleep or feel as though they are floating. At the end of the treatment, one tends to feel refreshed, and centered with a more positive, balanced outlook.
How is a Reiki session given? In a standard treatment Reiki energy flows from the practitioner’s hands into the client. The client is usually lying on a massage table but treatments can also be given while the client is seated or even standing. The client remains fully clothed. The practitioner places her/his hands on or near the client’s body in a series of hand positions. These include positions around the head and shoulders, the stomach, and feet. Other, more specific positions may be used based on the client’s needs. Each position is held for approximately three to five minutes depending on how much Reiki the client needs at each position. The whole treatment usually lasts between 45 and 60 minutes and then there is time for discussion about what was felt or experienced by both the practioner and the recipient
How can I best understand Reiki? The best way to understand and appreciate Reiki is to experience it by having a full-body Reiki treatment. Reiki is different for everyone and is difficult to put into words. It is best experienced in a hands on session.
Is Reiki a Religion?
Although Reiki energy is spiritual in nature, Reiki is not a religion. Reiki is religiously neutral. Practitioners are not asked to change any religious or spiritual beliefs they may have. They are free to continue believing anything they choose and are encouraged to make their own decisions concerning the nature of their religious practices. I personally know people of all religious beliefs who are successful Reiki Practitioners: Christians (Catholic, Baptist, and Other Christians), Buddhist, Native American Spirituality, Pagan and unspecified religious beliefs.
Is Reiki a form of faith healing? No, Reiki is not a religion, nor is it based on the acceptance of any religious doctrine. Having a belief system is not a requirement for Reiki to work. Reiki does not infringe on anyone’s right to believe what he or she wishes. However, Reiki’s principles are spiritual in nature and do encourage spiritual empowerment and growth.
Can Christians practice or receive Reiki? Yes. As previously stated, Reiki is not a religion and can absolutely be practiced by people of varying faiths, including Christians. Reiki is a simple healing technique. It does not require one give up ones religion or changes ones religious beliefs in any way to practice it. However, most Christians who practice Reiki state that Reiki brings them closer to God, to Christ and to the Holy Spirit and because it is a method of healing, it helps them fulfill their Christian calling to help others. But one need not subscribe to any particular religious beliefs in order to benefit from and/or practice the healing art of Reiki. If you still have further questions regarding Reiki and Christianity, please speak to your local Reiki Master or visit the website www.christianreiki.org
How many levels of Reiki are there? There are Three to Four Levels of Reiki Training. Reiki I, Reiki II, ART (Advanced Reiki Training) and Master Level. (Although some Reiki Master-Teachers combine the last 2 levels into one intensive or ongoing class or internship).
Feel Free to contact me with any additional questions regarding Reiki that you may have.