Reiki: How Energy Healing Works

Although Reiki has really picked up momentum and popularity the last few years it’s still not widely known or understood. In 2008 when I met my Reiki Master and mentor it was completely new to me. Yet when I started having sessions done it had a feeling of familiarity about it. It felt so perfectly natural and deeply relaxing. I felt so many sensations, as if parts of me were coming alive that had been shut down for so long. I’ve had some pretty amazing experiences with it and over time with regular sessions it had quite a transformative effect on my life.

I had been going through some of the biggest challenges of my life during that time and I know that Reiki is what kept me sane and able to deal with it. It was because of my personal experiences with it that I decided to become a Reiki practitioner myself. It has been a great privilege to see those kinds of transformations with my clients.

My Philosophy on Health and the Mind/Body/Spirit Connection: 

Sometimes things are connected that we don’t realize.  To me, true health is not just on a physical level; it’s intertwined with mental, emotional and spiritual health.  I’ve learned and experienced first-hand that most physical ailments have an emotional root cause, and the body, mind and spirit have to be in balance in order to achieve optimal health.

Everything in the universe is made up of energy, particles and waves, all vibrating at different frequencies, including our bodies. We have several energy centers in our bodies (chakras) and energy pathways (meridians) in which vital life force energy flows throughout our body.  Reiki primarily works with the body’s energy field and the seven main chakras which are the power houses of our energy.

Often the energy flow through the body can become blocked or stagnant which can contribute to physical pain and illnesses over time.  Although there are often “outer” causes for pain and illness, much of it is created or exacerbated by our unhealed emotional baggage.  Past trauma, anger, fear, guilt, resentment and unforgiveness cause our energy to vibrate on a lower frequency, which in turn causes stagnation, imbalances or misalignment of our chakras.  Other factors can lower our vibrations as well; poor diet, environmental toxins, stress, and lack of exercise, to name a few. 

What is Reiki?

Reiki (pronounced RAY-key) is one of several methods of energy healing.  There are three levels of Reiki: Level 1, Level 2, and Master/Teacher.  A Reiki practitioner is attuned to a universal energy that vibrates at a very high frequency, which then can be channeled through the hands of the practitioner and into the recipient.  The energy and healing does not come from the practitioner, but through the practitioner.  A Reiki practitioner is often sensitive to feeling energy and where it may be out of balance, and usually relies on intuition which helps guide them during healing sessions. 

Reiki is very gentle and subtle, yet can have quite powerful and sometimes miraculous results, usually over time and consistency.  Because Reiki is energy, it has no boundaries of time and space and works on all levels: past, present and future, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. It can never do harm and can only be received where it is accepted (it can be consciously or unconsciously blocked by the receiver).  It flows to where it is most needed and is guided by intention; where attention goes, energy flows. Reiki only works for the highest good of all involved.  Sometimes we don’t get the results we want or expect because our Higher Self, God, the Universe, or whatever higher power you believe in, knows better than we do what is best for us at any given time. Our job is to get out of the way and trust in the process. 

A more scientific answer to the way Reiki works is based on the principle of entrainment, which means: energy of a higher amplitude or frequency dominates and influences a similar but lower frequency, which moves it into resonance with the higher one. We actually entrain to energy frequencies and rhythms around us all the time. From light and sound waves to every cell in our body, these resonating particles communicate and influence each other. Have you ever walked into a room where you felt bad vibes? The longer you stay in that energy the more tense and uneasy you feel or it affects your mood in a negative way. Or listening to soft, slow tempo music or sounds of nature will slow your heartbeat and breath and have a calming, relaxing effect. As mentioned above, good health and good feelings have a high frequency to them, ill health and negative feelings have a lower vibration. 

What to Expect From a Reiki Session:

Each Reiki practitioner develops their own style and way of doing a session that works best for them, allowing their intuition to be their guide.  This is what you can expect when you book a session with me, which will vary slightly depending on my own guidance for each session.

I’ll ask you to remove your shoes, watch, cell phone or any electronics that can interfere with the energy.  I like to spend a few minutes talking and getting a feel for what kind of issues you may be having. 

I will ask you to lie on your back on the massage table, fully dressed, and just relax and get comfortable.  Most people choose to close their eyes and relax during this time, but you may talk or ask questions if you like, once I get started.  Reiki only requires very light touch over each of the seven main chakras, and I also work on the knees and feet or any areas of concern.  Midway through I’ll ask you to roll over onto your stomach and I’ll repeat the process. A full session takes about 40-50 minutes.

You may or may not feel anything during the session but it doesn’t mean it’s not working!  Energy shifts are subtle and some people don’t recognize it when it’s happening.  If you like, pay attention to body sensations, thoughts and feelings that may come up.  Some people see colors and patterns, have visions or receive messages or guidance.

 Aftercare:

You may feel an emotional release during or after the session as old feelings that have been stuffed down are starting to shift. Be gentle with yourself if feelings come up and allow yourself to feel them.  Journaling, talking to someone you trust or going on a walk can help you release them.  Don’t stuff them back down!

Reiki also has a detoxifying effect on the body which can sometimes result in a bit of a “healing crisis” or feeling spacey, tired, lethargic, headaches or slight flu-like symptoms for a day or two following the session.  Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins and help prevent or lessen any of these symptoms.  After a session your chakras will likely be open and balanced, but if they’ve been used to being closed or out of balance it’s typical for them to go back to that within a few days. Regular sessions will help keep the chakras open and energy flowing.

I am a Certified Usui Reiki Practitioner, Levels 1, 2, & Master/Teacher since 2010