What is Reiki?
The word Reiki means “spiritually guided life energy.” It is a Japanese word comprised of the two kanji (ideograms used in the written language of Japan,) Rei and Ki. Rei is broadly defined as “spiritual wisdom” and Ki as “life energy.” It is a Japanese technique used for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing.
Reiki energy works with every belief system. It can be scientific for one person, consciousness for another, and divine spirit for another. Reiki energy is effective regardless of our beliefs about the energy or the source from where it comes. You can perceive Reiki as biofield energy and therapy and you can view it as spiritual energy.
Reiki is offered by placing hands on or above the body in various positions. It can also be done remotely. Reiki can never cause harm. The practitioner does not direct the healing. It is about being a channel for Reiki’s healing energy.
Note: Information about “What is Reiki” is from the article “Reiki Your Way” by Colleen Benelli, and Reiki, The Healing Touch, First and Second Degree Manual by Willam Lee Rand.
Why Reiki?
Reiki is consider a “complimentary” therapy. In other words, it is not a replacement to traditional medical treatments. Per one study, “It is a gentle technique that is suitable for even very fragile patients, so it is accepted widely in hospitals and hospices around the world. The profound relaxation produced by Reiki has been anecdotally reported to alleviate anxiety and stress, the perception of pain, and to promote a feeling of psychospiritual well-being.” Research is ongoing and tends to reflect Reiki reducing anxiety and stress and other health benefits. As a practitioner with a spiritual focus, I am in tune to the “intuitive” aspects of what Reiki offers. I also honor the need for continuing research that our clinical world requires.
Here are a few suggestions for how we can work with Reiki in a session:
Promote Harmony & Balance
Relax and Release Tension From Your Body
Support Spiritual Growth
Offer Relief From Chronic Pain
Offer Support During Cancer or Other Medical Treatments
My Reiki Story
My first “hands on” experience of Reiki was 1997. I was attending a retreat and signed up for an offering of “stress reduction and relaxation”—Reiki. And yes, I was relaxed afterwards. After that, when I had opportunities to receive Reiki (for example I had a massage therapist who provided Reiki,) I would accept and continued to experience the calming and healing benefits.
I worked with professionals in hospice who were Reiki practitioners and witnessed the wonders of how Reiki worked in that field. And though my curiosity about Reiki grew during my hospice years, I did not feel a call to receive certification myself until 2019.
In 2019 I began researching Reiki and discerned it would be a healing modality that complimented my practice as a spiritual director/spiritual companion, chaplain and labyrinth facilitator. In October 2019 I received my Usui/Holy Fire® III Reiki I and II training and certification from Colleen Benelli, a Licensed Reiki Teacher.
Enfolding Reiki into my life by preparing for spiritual direction sessions with Reiki, offering Reiki to friends, and generally asking Reiki to be part of my days, I further discerned that I was ready for Usui/Holy Fire® III Reiki Master training with the same teacher and completed that in February 2021.
What to expect in a Reiki Session
When meeting in-person for a treatment, Reiki energy flows from my hands into your body. You may be lying on a massage table, seated or even standing. You are fully clothed. My hands are placed on or near your body in a series of positions, including around the head, shoulders, stomach and feet. Other positions may be used based on your needs. Sessions usually last between 45-60 minutes.
Before a session starts we discuss what is stirring for you, if you have particular concerns that need attention, and address any questions you have. There is no “right” way to feel during and after a Reiki session. Most of the time folks will feel relaxed, but sometimes folks may feel weak or have other responses. It is always wise to listen to your body. And drink water to stay hydrated.
Distance Reiki—Available in the Pandemic and Beyond
One of the gifts that Reiki offers is that it can be done from a distance. Because Reiki is not constrained by time and space, it goes where it is needed. We can have a session over the phone or via Zoom. You can experience the benefits of Reiki from the comforts of your home, office, car even! Sitting on your couch, lying on your bed, wherever you feel relaxed and free of distractions. Because of Covid restrictions, distance Reiki is all I am offering at this time.
Reiki and Spiritual Direction
Reiki can also be woven into a spiritual direction session. Options include opening or closing with 10-15 minutes of Reiki. During a session, we may also discern Reiki is appropriate. This can be discussed further as we develop our relationship.
How Do We Start?
First we set up a free 30 minute Zoom consult to answer any questions or concerns you may have about Reiki and to get an idea of how a Reiki session may unfold between us. It could even include a brief Reiki experience.
Cost for a session is $70.
Certification and training:
Anne received her Usui/Holy Fire® III Reiki I and II training and certification from Colleen Benelli, a Licensed Reiki teacher in October 2019. She received her Usui/Holy Fire® III Reiki Master training and certification from Colleen Benelli, a Licensed Reiki Teacher in February 2021 and is a Professional member of The International Center for Reiki Training.
For more information about Reiki, see the website of International Reiki Training Center. which has a great FAQ section.
