Reiki: What is it and its benefits
Updated: Jun 14
A. What is Reiki
Reiki, which translates to "Universal Life Force Energy," is the name given to the life-giving energy that resides in all people. Reiki can best be understood by thinking of it as our "experienced sense of being alive." During Reiki therapy, the hands of the therapist are placed or hovered over various parts of the patient's body to encourage relaxation and a sense of calm. Reiki therapy is a way of guiding energy throughout the body to promote the recipient’s self-healing abilities.
B. Overview of Reiki
Dr. Mikao Usui developed Usui Reiki, the most widely used variety of Reiki in existence today.
He did this in the early 20th century. It is an alternative or complementary medical strategy. Reiki supports any medical, or supplemental healing methods and is of growing interest to chiropractors, medical doctors, physiotherapists, psychotherapists, psychologists, and hypnotherapists. It's an excellent tool for rejuvenation and you can look years younger thanks to Reiki, so it is widely used in the beauty sector as well.
In published studies, Reiki is linked to a range of physical and emotional health benefits, including better sleep, improved mood, and pain relief. Research suggests Reiki helps the body return to a state of relaxation, which allows it to potentially better heal from damage brought on by stress, injury, or disease. There’s evidence that Reiki, used as a complementary therapy with conventional or mainstream medical care, can help people recover after surgery and manage symptoms of cancer and AIDS.
Benefits of Reiki
Reiki practice may help with a variety of physical and emotional problems, including insomnia, stress, depression, anxiety, and pain. I will discuss three benefits:
I. Physical Benefits
A. Improved Sleep
Reiki induces deeper relaxation, which is typically experienced during Reiki treatments. This state is deeper than that which would be attained with conventional relaxation techniques, and Reiki has a tendency to lead people there, so drifting off while receiving a Reiki session is completely normal. People can feel ashamed about their snoring, so I always reassure them that it is very common and I have heard a variety of snoring in the past few years 🙂. Even after the actual therapy session, this improved feeling of relaxation can be felt and clients have a lovely good night's sleep.
B. Reduced Stress
Reiki is renowned for lowering stress levels and promoting emotional well-being in its clients. Many of us frequently experience high levels of stress, which can be a significant contributor to people's sleep issues. By lowering the amount or severity of stress a person may be experiencing, Reiki's stress-reducing effects can foster a calmer environment, both psychologically and physically, which can be thought of as a supportive foundation for sleep.
C. Improved Immunity
Reiki healing can enhance the immune system to more effectively cure and lower infections and inflammation in the body since it has a stress-relieving impact.
D. Relieved Pain and Enhanced Physical Healing
In order for your bodily systems to operate at their best, Reiki enhances your body's essential processes (breathing, digesting, and sleeping). Reiki works on a level to relieve a variety of physical pains, including sciatica, arthritis, and migraines. Asthma problems, chronic fatigue, menopausal symptoms, and insomnia are also helped by it.
II. Mental Benefits
A. Improved Focus and Concentration
Reiki therapy can boost the recipient's mental focus and concentration. Reiki stimulates the seven chakras, which are linked to the endocrine system, allowing the recipient to concentrate on the task at hand and complete it with ease. The endocrine system of the body, which releases little amounts of hormones, is related to the seven chakras through Reiki, which boosts them. These hormones influence our daily activities and moods in significant ways. Our mental state is kept calm, and under greater control, and helps us focus better when the hormones are in balance. Reiki assists us in getting great results.
B. Reduced Anxiety and Depression
To alleviate depression, a therapy approach that involves Reiki sessions may be used. In a brief study from 2010, researchers looked at the effects of Reiki on elderly people who were experiencing pain, sorrow, or worry. The people stated that their emotional, physical, and overall health had all improved. In addition, they reported higher levels of relaxation, curiosity, and self-care.
C. Increased Self-Awareness
Reiki treatment is an excellent method for boosting self-awareness. In order to acquire intuitive insights, Reiki calms the mind and emotions. Reiki can help you develop the self-awareness and tenacity necessary to make the resolutions that are necessary for your daily life.
III. Spiritual Benefits
A. Sense of Calm and Balance
Reiki aids in promoting balance and calm. It is a powerful, non-invasive energy healing technique that boosts the body's inherent capacity for healing while energising and fostering overall health. Instead of only hiding or easing symptoms, Reiki works directly on the cause and condition in order to restore balance on all levels.
B. Clairvoyance and Clairaudience
I reached the highest level in Reiki, I have been a Reiki Master & Teacher since 2017. I have learned additional healing techniques to boost my skills. I am also a graduate of the Silva mindfulness method. All of this knowledge and practice has led me to clairvoyance and clairaudience. During sessions, I often receive pictures and messages related to my client’s well-being. This can be an answer to a question a client is seeking, a helpful health suggestion, or more information about a destructive pattern that is carrying over from the past, which can block you from moving on with your life. I always ask the client before the session if I should “switch on” these skills as not everybody is interested in finding out more and that’s absolutely fine.
How to prepare for your appointment
A. Relax and reflect.
Allow yourself to reflect and relax a little bit before the session. Take a moment to notice how your body is feeling or the sensations you are having. Before you start your session, you might want to think about any intentions you want to make and any information you want to share with your practitioner. It is a non-talking therapy so there is no need to share anything with the practitioner if you don’t want to. During the actual session, there is no talking, you are resting on the Reiki table and completely relaxed.
B. Eat and hydrate.
In order to feel comfortable and avoid being distracted by hunger or thirst, you should make sure you've eaten a light meal a few hours prior to the session and drink plenty of water. Please do not drink coffee or black tea 2 hours before the session. Please do not drink alcohol on the day of your Reiki session.
D. Get comfortable.
Because comfort is essential for receiving and integrating Reiki energy, the majority of practitioners will have you lying down for the session. Make sure your clothing is airy and loose-fitting. Please take off your watch and jewelry. Inform your practitioner if you are in any way uncomfortable in the position you are in for your session; they'll want to make sure you're as at ease as possible.
Reiki for Animals | Animal Healing and Animal Communication
Animals love Reiki, they are so open to the energy, even showing you the body part where they need healing. Reiki has so many benefits: allows animals to reset, realign, and relax their body. It reduces stress, anxiety, behaviour issues and pain while helping increase vitality and healing. Reiki also helps to restore balance to your pet’s energetic system and allows them to release old negative emotions that may be preventing physical or emotional progress. With regular energy healing sessions, you will help strengthen your furry companion’s sense of well-being so they can regain their health with ease.
If you would like to read more about my work as a Reiki practitioner, you can read more on my website here.
For more information about Animal Reiki - click here
Feel free to book a free discovery call to see how we can go deeper into what your body needs and support your physical and emotional well-being.
You can book a session online or contact me at info@therapyforlondoners.com to find out more.
Take care!
Gabriella Davidovics
Psychotherapy I Hypnotherapy | Reiki | Animal Healing & Communication
+447848988121
info@therapyforlondoners.com
@therapyforlondoners
FAQs on Reiki
Is Reiki safe
Yes, Reiki is generally considered safe when practised by a qualified practitioner. It is a form of complementary and alternative medicine that involves the use of hands-on healing techniques to promote relaxation and healing.
There are no known serious side effects of Reiki, and it is generally considered safe for most people.
Reiki should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment. It is important to seek medical attention for any serious or chronic health conditions.
Overall, Reiki is considered safe when practised by a qualified practitioner. However, as with any form of therapy, it is important to discuss any concerns or questions with the practitioner before the session.
How do I become a Reiki practitioner?
To become a Reiki practitioner, you typically need to complete a training program with a qualified Reiki master and teacher. Here are the general steps to becoming a Reiki practitioner:
Research Reiki: Learn about the history, principles, and benefits of Reiki. You can find resources online, in books, or by attending workshops and classes.
Find a Reiki Master and Teacher: look for a qualified Reiki Master who can provide training and certification. You can search online or ask for recommendations from people in the Reiki community. I am a Reiki Master and teacher but not teaching yet, happy to refer you to my Reiki master and teacher.
Attend a Reiki Training Program and get certification: Reiki training typically consists of multiple levels, with Level 1 being the basic or beginner level. Each level builds upon the previous one and involves learning new techniques and principles.
Practice Reiki: To become proficient in Reiki, you need to practice regularly. This may involve practising on yourself, family members, and friends, or even volunteering at local hospitals or wellness centres.
Once you have completed the training and certification process, you can start practising Reiki professionally or use it for personal healing and growth.
What can I expect during a Reiki session?
During a Reiki session, you can expect the following:
Setting: The practitioner may ask you to lie down on a massage table, sit in a chair, or assume any other comfortable position.
Clothing: You will be fully clothed during the session, so wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes.
Relaxation: The practitioner will use a series of hand positions to lightly touch or hover over different areas of your body. You may feel a gentle warmth or tingling sensation during the session. The practitioner may also play calming music or use aromatherapy to enhance relaxation.
Duration: A typical Reiki session lasts 30 - 60 minutes, but the duration can vary depending on the practitioner and your needs.
Sensations: You may experience a range of sensations during a Reiki session, including relaxation, calmness, clarity, and a sense of well-being.
Conversation: Some practitioners may ask you to share any health concerns or issues you would like to address during the session.
Follow-up: After the session, the practitioner may provide guidance on how to maintain the benefits of Reiki, such as practising self-care or scheduling follow-up sessions.
Remember, the experience of a Reiki session can vary from person to person, so it is important to communicate your needs and preferences with your practitioner to ensure a positive experience.
How many Reiki sessions do I need?
The number of Reiki sessions you need can vary depending on your specific needs and goals. Generally, it is recommended to have multiple sessions to experience the full benefits of Reiki.
Some people choose to have regular Reiki sessions once a week or once a month to maintain their overall well-being and balance. Others may choose to have Reiki sessions more frequently if they are experiencing specific health issues or emotional challenges.
Ultimately, the number of Reiki sessions you need will depend on your individual situation and goals. It's best to discuss your specific needs with a Reiki practitioner who can provide guidance on how many sessions may be best for you.
Can Reiki help with anxiety and depression?
Yes, Reiki can be beneficial in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Reiki can help balance the flow of energy in the body and promote relaxation, which may help ease feelings of anxiety and depression.
Reiki may also help individuals who are dealing with these conditions by providing a sense of calm and helping to reduce stress. Reiki sessions can help individuals relax and let go of negative emotions and feelings, which may improve their mood and overall well-being.
While Reiki should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or psychological treatment for anxiety and depression, it can be a helpful complementary therapy.
I provide another approach when it comes to anxiety and depression. Besides Reiki, I use a neuroscience-based model which combines hypnotherapy, solution-focused talking therapy, NLP, Mind Reboot and IEMT. It is a subtractive therapy, as it permanently removes all the unhelpful patterns and beliefs that were formed in your early life. A powerful system to clear all of your traumas, anxiety patterns, emotional triggers, and limiting beliefs. One of the biggest advantages of this approach is that you don’t need to disclose any details about what happened to you.
Can Reiki cure illnesses?
Reiki is a complementary therapy that works alongside conventional medical treatment and is not intended to be a substitute for medical care.
Reiki helps balance the flow of energy in the body and promotes relaxation, which may help alleviate symptoms of illness and support the body's natural healing process. It can also help individuals cope with the emotional and mental stress that can come with illness.
It's important to note that Reiki should not be used as a replacement for medical treatment, but works very well alongside it. Reiki supports any medical, or supplemental healing methods and is of growing interest to chiropractors, medical doctors, physiotherapists, psychotherapists, psychologists, and hypnotherapists.
Can Reiki be performed remotely or at a distance?
Yes, Reiki can be performed remotely or at a distance. In fact, remote Reiki is becoming increasingly popular, especially with the growth of online platforms and technology that enable practitioners and clients to connect from anywhere in the world.
People can feel more comfortable relaxing in their home environment, there is no added cost of travelling and there is no extra stress of coming to the therapist’s office.
Remote Reiki works on the principle that energy is not bound by space or time, so a practitioner can channel Reiki energy to a client who is not physically present. This can be done through various methods such as Zoom chat, phone call, or intention setting.
During a remote Reiki session, the practitioner will typically guide the client to relax. The practitioner then channels the energy to the client, using techniques such as visualisation, intention setting, and symbols.
Although some people may prefer in-person Reiki sessions, many clients report feeling the same benefits and sensations from remote Reiki as they do from in-person sessions.
Can Reiki be used to treat physical pain or injury?
Yes, Reiki can be used as a complementary therapy to help manage physical pain or injury, but it is not a substitute for medical treatment. Reiki works on a subtle level to balance and harmonise the body's energy, which can help support the body's natural healing processes.
During a Reiki session, the practitioner channels Reiki energy to the client, which can help to relax the body and reduce stress and tension. This can be helpful in managing pain, as stress and tension can exacerbate physical symptoms.
Reiki can also help to stimulate the body's natural healing processes by supporting the flow of energy to the affected area. This can help to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and promote tissue repair.
However, it is important to note that Reiki should not be used as the sole treatment for a physical injury or condition. It is important to seek medical attention for any serious or chronic health issues and to work with a qualified healthcare professional to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that includes Reiki as a complementary therapy.
How long does it take to learn Reiki?
The amount of time it takes to learn Reiki can vary depending on the level of training and the individual's learning style and pace.
Typically, the first level of Reiki training, also known as Reiki Level 1 or First Degree, can be completed in a one or two-day workshop or class. At this level, students learn the basic principles of Reiki, including how to perform self-healing and healing on others.
The second level of Reiki training, also known as Reiki Level 2 or Second Degree, usually requires additional training and can take more time to learn. At this level, students learn advanced techniques for working with energy, including distant healing and the use of symbols.
The third level of Reiki training, also known as Reiki Level 3 or Master level, is the highest level of training and typically requires a longer period of study and practice. At this level, students learn advanced healing techniques and are trained to teach Reiki to others.
It is important to note that learning Reiki is a process of ongoing practice and development, and many Reiki practitioners continue to study and learn throughout their lives. Reiki can be a deeply rewarding and transformative practice, and the time and effort invested in learning it can lead to greater levels of self-awareness and spiritual growth.