More about Reiki
Reiki can be translated as “universal life force energy” and is a natural system that was developed in Japan by Dr Mikao Usui in the early 20th century, and evolved as a result of his research, experience and dedication. It is a tradition that is open to any belief system and benefits may include deep relaxation and the promotion of a calm peaceful sense of wellbeing. Reiki is a spiritual practice in essence but is not tied to any religion. It is therefore available to all. Inclusivity is one of the hallmarks of Reiki. It complements allopathic medicine and is safe to use in almost all circumstances; it is non-invasive and gentle, deeply calming, relaxing and life-affirming.
The method of receiving a Reiki treatment from a practitioner is simple. The recipient remains clothed and comfortably lies on a couch or sits on a chair. The practitioner gently places their hands non-intrusively, on or near the body using their intuition and training as a guide. There is no massage or manipulation. Reiki can be used on the person as a whole, or on specific parts of the body. It is also possible to receive Reiki at a distance. Reiki is taught by Reiki Master/Teachers, who have trained in the tradition passed on, in person, from Master to student. Students go through a process of initiation/attunement to the Reiki energy. They are then able to give Reiki to themselves and others, not only from a personal and emotional perspective, but also as an aid to individual development and spiritual growth.
Practitioners do not and must not undertake or claim to cure or treat any illness or condition and have a duty to ensure clients seek appropriate medical attention and receive Reiki as a complementary supplement to their conventional healthcare regime, overseen by a healthcare professional where appropriate.
Reiki is offered in a number of clinical and outpatient settings in the UK, along with other complementary therapies such as reflexology and aromatherapy, with the aim of helping patients to cope with the effects of their condition and treatment, through relaxation and compassionate therapeutic engagement.
It is important to choose a qualified practitioner who has undertaken all the necessary training to understand the theory and practice of Reiki. You can check whether a Reiki practitioner is registered with the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) by searching the register at www.cnhc.org.uk. By choosing Reiki practitioners registered with the CNHC you can be confident that they are properly trained, qualified and insured.
FAQ's
FAQ's
You may still have some questions about Reiki... here I answer some of the common ones.
Can you help me?
As Reiki is gentle, it can be used alongside conventional medicine in supporting many different types of people with differing needs. It can be used to support you in managing a long term health condition, if you are having therapy/counselling, or if you are feeling overwhelmed. It can also be used as a beautiful tool to enhance your spiritual development. In some cases, if you have experienced serious illness recently, I may ask you to seek confirmation from your GP/specialist before we go ahead with the first session.
Where do I go for the appointment?
My therapy room is located at my home in Ifield, Crawley. I am an Associate Therapist for Total Therapy Studios in Horsham, and can arrange an appointment in one of their treatment rooms in Horsham Town Centre (Carfax) if that is more convenient for you. If you work in West Sussex or in the City of London, I offer seated Reiki sessions in the workplace and these can be arranged via your HR/wellbeing contacts.
What happens before an appointment?
If you're a new private client, I'll give you a call to discuss what you're hoping to get out of the session and we'll have a chat about what to expect on the day. If you're at your workplace, I'll give your HR/wellbeing team some information to share with you in advance and we'll have a short consultation about your health before your first session. Information disclosed in all consultations/sessions are kept confidential except in rare exceptional circumstances. Check out my privacy policy for more information.
Do I need to do anything to prepare?
Check out my blog on this on my Hidden Gems page! In a nutshell, avoid alcohol and cut back on caffeine and tobacco in the day before your session. Wear comfortable clothes and remove any bulky jewellery. If you can, take a few moments to reflect on what you would like to get out of the session before you arrive.
Should I bring anything?
Bring any medication that you might need, such as inhalers. Water will be provided, but please bring your own drink if you prefer.
How can I expect to feel?
Reiki is a deeply relaxing therapy, so it is common to fall asleep or to enter a calm, meditative state. Sensations vary from person to person, and from session to session, but you may feel warmth, coolness or tingling, or nothing at all.
What happens afterwards?
I will give you some advice on aftercare and provide you with contact details in case you want to discuss any aspect of your experience.
What is the difference between a Reiki Practitioner and a Reiki Master?
A Reiki practitioner is qualified to work with members of the public, whilst a Reiki Master can do this and also can pass on Reiki to students. Reiki is a spiritual path for practitioners and deciding to become a Master is part of that journey. Some may feel ready sooner than others! There is no guarantee that a Master will be more experienced or skilful than a Practitioner, as there is no set amount of time one has to practise before taking a Master course. Ask your Reiki therapist to tell you more about their training and experience if you are interested in this. You can read more about the different levels of Reiki in my blog post " Levelling Up - the three levels of Reiki" - check out the Hidden Gems blog page on my website (scroll down).