
Reiki is based on the principle that an unseen life force energy flows through all living beings, affecting their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
In Reiki therapy, practitioners act as conduits for this universal life force energy (otherwise known as God/Source/Creator or other), directing it through their hands to the recipient's body, promoting relaxation, stress reduction, and overall healing.
What can you expect from a Reiki session with me?
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Upon Booking
When you book a session, I will provide you with consent and client questionnaire forms to assist me in preparing and maximizing the benefit of your session with me. You may share as much or as little information with me as you are comfortable.
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During an In-Person Session
You will typically lie fully clothed on a massage table, face up or face down, in a very relaxing environment which may include meditative music and scents - all will be as you prefer.
I will then respectfully ask your preference of hands-on or hands-off, as I place my hands lightly on or slightly above specific energy centers, known as chakras, and other areas of your body.
I provide a folder for you to conveniently keep track of your progress and session notes for the future.
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Online/Distance Sessions
I will ask that you set aside a quiet, relaxing time and space where you can lay comfortably and undisturbed for the duration of the session, with a camera on so I can see and observe you.
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All Reiki Sessions
I then invite Reiki energy, allowing it to flow freely to where it is most needed to restore balance and harmony and intuitively focus on areas where energy is required. You may feel a variety of sensations, have visualizations, or even fall asleep in deep relaxation - that’s all ok and everyone’s experience is different.
The last 10-15 minutes of the session involves a shared debrief of observations, experiences, sensations and a comparison of how you felt before and after the session.
My sessions also include a detailed report of my observations and recommendations for the next session so you can have a record to reflect on and add to in your own time.
More About Reiki
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History
Reiki originated in Japan in the early 20th century, founded by Mikao Usui, who developed the practice. Usui passed on his teachings to students, including Chujiro Hayashi and Hawayo Takata, who introduced Reiki to the Western world in the mid-20th century. Since then, Reiki has gained popularity as a complementary therapy in healthcare settings worldwide.
The Clinical Science of Reiki:
Reiki is a complementary therapy that involves the transfer of universal life force energy through the hands of a practitioner to promote healing and well-being. While the exact mechanisms of action are not fully understood, Reiki is believed to influence the body's biofield and energy systems, promoting relaxation, stress reduction, and overall balance.
The science of biofield energy, including Reiki, is an area of study that seeks to understand the subtle energetic interactions that occur within and around living organisms. While the scientific understanding of biofield energy and Reiki is still evolving, there are several theories and research findings that shed light on its potential mechanisms of action:
Biofield Concept:
The biofield is a term used to describe the field of energy and information that surrounds and permeates living organisms. It is believed to be an electromagnetic field generated by the body's physiological processes and may play a role in regulating various biological functions.
Quantum Physics:
Some scientists propose that biofield energy operates on a quantum level, involving interactions between subatomic particles and fields of energy. Quantum principles such as entanglement and coherence may provide insights into how biofield energy influences cellular processes and health outcomes.
Biological Effects:
Research suggests that biofield energy may influence biological systems through mechanisms such as electromagnetic resonance, signaling pathways, and cellular communication. Studies have shown changes in gene expression, protein synthesis, and cell signaling in response to biofield energy interventions.
Stress Reduction and Relaxation Response:
One of the most well-documented effects of biofield energy, including Reiki, is its ability to induce relaxation and reduce stress. Research indicates that biofield therapies promote the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to physiological changes associated with relaxation, such as decreased heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels.
Energy Transfer and Intention:
In Reiki and other biofield therapies, practitioners channel energy through their hands with the intention of promoting healing and well-being in the recipient. While the exact nature of this energy transfer is not fully understood, some researchers propose that it involves subtle energetic interactions between the practitioner and recipient, potentially mediated by electromagnetic fields or bioelectromagnetic resonance.
Clinical Studies:
While more research is needed, there is a growing body of clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of biofield energy therapies, including Reiki, for various health conditions. Studies have reported positive outcomes in areas such as pain management, stress reduction, anxiety, depression, and quality of life improvement.
Overall, the science of biofield energy, including Reiki, encompasses a multidisciplinary approach that integrates concepts from physics, biology, psychology, and complementary medicine. While the precise mechanisms of action remain the subject of ongoing research and debate, biofield energy therapies offer promising avenues for exploring the mind-body connection and expanding our understanding of holistic approaches to health and healing.
Reiki has been the subject of numerous clinical studies exploring its efficacy and mechanisms of action. While the clinical science of Reiki continues to evolve, here are ten peer-reviewed studies to consider:
Peer-Reviewed Studies on Reiki:
"Effects of Reiki Therapy on Pain and Anxiety in Patients Undergoing Colonoscopy: A Randomized Controlled Trial" (2007): This study investigated the effects of Reiki therapy on pain and anxiety in patients undergoing colonoscopy. The findings suggested that Reiki therapy significantly reduced pain and anxiety levels compared to standard care alone.
"Reiki Therapy for Symptom Management in Children Receiving Palliative Care: A Pilot Study" (2008): This pilot study examined the use of Reiki therapy for symptom management in children receiving palliative care. The results indicated that Reiki therapy was associated with improvements in pain, anxiety, and overall well-being among pediatric patients.
"Effects of Reiki on Autonomic Activity Early after Acute Coronary Syndrome" (2011): This study explored the effects of Reiki therapy on autonomic nervous system activity in patients recovering from acute coronary syndrome. The findings suggested that Reiki therapy was associated with a reduction in sympathetic nervous system activity and an increase in parasympathetic nervous system activity, promoting relaxation and stress reduction.
"Reiki as a Mental Health Intervention: A Literature Review" (2017): This literature review summarized existing research on the use of Reiki therapy as a mental health intervention. The review highlighted positive outcomes, including reductions in stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, as well as improvements in mood and overall well-being.
"Reiki for Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy in a Brazilian Hospital: A Pilot Study" (2015): This pilot study investigated the effects of Reiki therapy on cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The results suggested that Reiki therapy was well-tolerated and associated with improvements in pain, fatigue, and overall quality of life among cancer patients.
"Reiki Therapy for Postoperative Oral Pain in Pediatric Patients: Pilot Data from a Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial" (2016): This pilot study examined the use of Reiki therapy for postoperative oral pain in pediatric patients. The findings indicated that Reiki therapy was associated with a significant reduction in pain intensity and duration compared to sham Reiki and control groups.
"The Efficacy of Reiki Hands-on Healing: Improvements in Cardiac Autonomic Balance Measured by Heart Rate Variability" (2004): This study evaluated the effects of Reiki hands-on healing on cardiac autonomic balance, as measured by heart rate variability. The results suggested that Reiki therapy was associated with improvements in heart rate variability parameters, indicating potential benefits for cardiovascular health and stress reduction.
"Reiki Therapy for Pain, Anxiety, and Burnout in Hospice Caregivers: A Pilot Study" (2018): This pilot study investigated the effects of Reiki therapy on pain, anxiety, and burnout among hospice caregivers. The findings suggested that Reiki therapy was associated with reductions in pain, anxiety, and burnout symptoms among caregivers, supporting its potential as a supportive intervention in palliative care settings.
"Reiki Therapy as an Intervention for Pain Management in Advanced Cancer Patients" (2003): This study examined the use of Reiki therapy as an intervention for pain management in advanced cancer patients. The results indicated that Reiki therapy was associated with significant reductions in pain intensity and improvements in overall well-being among cancer patients.
"A Randomized Controlled Single-blind Trial of the Efficacy of Reiki at Benefitting Mood and Well-being" (2008): This randomized controlled trial investigated the efficacy of Reiki therapy in improving mood and well-being in healthy participants. The findings suggested that participants who received Reiki experienced significant improvements in mood, stress reduction, and overall well-being compared to those who did not receive Reiki, supporting its potential as a complementary therapy for enhancing emotional health.
These studies provide valuable insights into the potential therapeutic effects of Reiki therapy across a range of health conditions and settings. While more research is needed to further clarify its mechanisms of action and optimal applications, Reiki continues to be recognized as a promising complementary therapy for promoting holistic healing and well-being.
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Benefits of Reiki
Potential Benefits of Reiki:
Stress Reduction: Reiki promotes deep relaxation and stress reduction by calming the nervous system and releasing tension held in the body. Many clients report feeling more relaxed, centered, and peaceful after a Reiki session.
Pain Management: Reiki has been shown to alleviate pain and discomfort by reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and enhancing the body's natural healing response. It can be beneficial for individuals experiencing chronic pain, migraines, or acute injuries.
Emotional Healing: Reiki supports emotional healing and release by clearing energetic blockages, soothing emotional distress, and promoting emotional balance. Clients may experience a sense of lightness, clarity, and emotional resilience following a Reiki session.
Enhanced Well-Being: Reiki promotes overall well-being by restoring balance and harmony to the mind, body, and spirit. It can boost energy levels, improve sleep quality, and enhance feelings of vitality and inner peace.
Spiritual Growth: Reiki can facilitate spiritual growth and self-discovery by deepening one's connection to inner wisdom, intuition, and higher consciousness. It can provide a sense of purpose, meaning, and spiritual guidance on the journey of self-awareness and personal transformation.
Overall, Reiki offers a gentle and nurturing approach to holistic healing, addressing the root causes of imbalance and promoting wellness on all levels of being.
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Common Misconceptions about Reiki:
Religious Affiliation: One common misconception about Reiki is that it is tied to a specific religion. While Reiki originated in Japan and has connections to spiritual practices such as Buddhism, it is not affiliated with any particular religious belief system. Reiki is a spiritual practice that transcends religious boundaries and can be practiced by individuals of any faith or belief system.
Scientific Validation: Some people may question the scientific validity of Reiki, viewing it as pseudoscience or placebo effect. While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of Reiki therapy, numerous studies have demonstrated its beneficial effects on stress reduction, pain management, and overall well-being. Reiki is increasingly recognized as a complementary therapy in healthcare settings worldwide.
Instant Healing: Another misconception is that Reiki provides instant and miraculous healing. While some individuals may experience profound shifts or improvements after a single session, Reiki is typically viewed as a cumulative therapy that requires multiple sessions for optimal results. Healing occurs on multiple levels—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual—and may unfold gradually over time.