What is Reiki?

Reiki stands for "Life Force Energy"

"Rei" is Universal, transcendental spirit, mysterious power, essence (Japanese alphabet). "Ki" is described as "vital life force energy", similar to Ch'i of Chinese. Ki is the life force energy found in all living matter - the energy of the earth, stars and planets. Everything alive contains Ki and radiates it - it is the bio-magnetic energy of the aura.

Reiki is an ancient laying-on of hands healing technique that uses the life force energy to heal, balancing the subtle energies within our bodies.

Reiki addresses physical, emotional, mental and spiritual imbalances. This healing art is an effective delivery system. Anyone can take advantage of a course of Reiki treatments.

The Reiki practitioner serves as a vessel that supplies healing energies where they are most needed. Reiki's ki-energies flow out of the practitioner's body through the palms of the hands while they are touching the recipient's body.

Where does Reiki come from?

Reiki originates from the early 1900s in Japan and was discovered by a gentleman called Mikao Usui. It is used typically for self healing and spiritual and self development. Reiki has no religious basis, Reiki students follow a set of 5 spiritual principles coupled with self healing and practice.

What happens during a Reiki Treatment?

During the reiki session, the client lies on a massage table fully clothed with the option of cushions and blankets for additional comfort and warmth. The room atmosphere surrounding the client is peaceful with candles, soft music and incense in the background. Following the Usui reiki methods, as the reiki practitioner I will scan the individual for any blockages/imbalances within the client's energy field and work on these and the 7 main Chakras within the body. These are the Crown, Third eye (forehead), Throat, Heart, Solar Plexus, Sacral and Root Chakras. My hands will hover a few inches above the client's body which allows the flow of Reiki energy throughout the body regardless of any imbalances. Hands on healing will be given to the whole body which assists in balancing the individual and bringing a sense of calmness and peace to your current state.

What might I feel?

Typically most people will find themselves feeling deeply relaxed during the treatments and some may actual drift off to sleep. Some people may experience the feeling of "phantom hands" where you will see my hands hovering above your body but you may feel a light touch on your arm, head or leg. This is simply because Reiki energy flows where it needs to in the individual's body, therefore while I am working on your stomach or head you may feel the energy in another area, e.g. your leg.

Reiki Benefits include (but are not limited to):

• Balance Energy
• Increases Creativity
• Helps to release emotion
• Reduces Stress and Anxiety
• Increases energy levels
• Deep Relaxation
• Feeling of calm, peacefulness and contentment

Reiki can also help you to:

• Be able to deal with stressful situations in a positive manner
• Feel easier to cope and more positive on your current experiences
• Assist in developing a more focused approach to situations
• Positive enrichment to your current quality of life

Traditional Usui Reiki Symbols used in my healings are:

The Power Reiki Symbol

Japanese Name:   Cho Ku Rei

Intention:   Light Switch

Purposes:   Manifestation, increased power, accelerated healing, healing catalyst

The Cho Ku Rei (power symbol) is used to increase power, and decrease power (when used in reverse). This symbol looks like a coil. The coil is meant to expand and retract, regulating the flow of "ki" energies. Sometimes a subtle energy flow is needed, where as other times a blast of energy is better. Praised for its manifestation power, this symbol is a wonderful law of attraction focusing tool.

The Harmony Reiki Symbol

Japanese Name:   Sei Hei Ki

Intention:   Purification

Purposes:   Cleasing, protection, mental and emotional healing

The Sei Hei Ki symbolizes harmony. Call it peacemaker or harmonizer if you like, but the Sei Hei Ki will refuse to negotiate an unfair outcome. It truly is a protective shield of armour. It gives courage to the disheartened and helps to level the playing field when life's hard knocks is kicking your butt. It scorches addictions and expels negative energies. Make this symbol your best bud and it will not let you down. Sei Hei Ki is loyal friend, especially whenever you are facing difficulties.

The Connection Reiki Symbol

Japanese Name:   Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen

Intention:   Timelessness

Purposes:   Distant healing, past/present/future, healing karma, spiritual connection

Best known for its extention powers, the Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen symbol is used when sending Reiki long distance. It symbolizes a shapeshifter that can slip through time and space. Another name for this symbol is "Pagoda" because of its towerlike appearance. Elastic in texture it is a fun symbol to play with during your healing visualizations. Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen can also transform itself into a key that will unlock the Akashic Records. For this reason this symbol is an essential tool for the Reiki practitioner when working on inner child or past live issues with their clients.

The Master Reiki Symbol

Japanese Name:   Dai Ko Myo

Intention:   Enlightenment

Purposes:   Empowerment, soul healing, oneness

This Master symbol represents all that is Reiki. Dai Ko Myo is the heart of Reiki. The symbol is seldom used for any particular purpose other than as a reminder that Reiki is love and available to everyone.

The Completion Reiki Symbol

Japanese Name:   Raku

Intention:   Grounding

Purposes:   Kundalini healing, hara connection, chakra alignment

The Raku symbol is used solely during the final stage of the Reiki attunement process. Its intention is to ground and seal the newly awakened Reiki energies. The striking lightening bolt symbol is drawn downwards from the heavens to the earth.

Original Pictures and wording taken from: http://healing.about.com/od/reiki/tp/reiki-symbols.htm?p=1

Price: £30