Reiki FAQs
What is Reiki, really?
Reiki, the energy medicine modality that supports the body’s natural ability to heal by facilitating deep relaxation and balance, originated in Japan and was developed by Mikao Usui, considered the founder of the system. It works through gentle hand-on touch, or even with the hands raised slightly above the body. The practitioner’s hands are used to guide energy where it’s most needed. I personally employ the Hiyashi hand technique, which refers to the Reiki hand positions developed by Dr. Chujiro Hayashi and consists of a series of 12-15 unique hand positions utilized during the session. Ultimately, Reiki is about presence, not pressure. It’s about our ability to hold a calm, loving space, allowing for an energetic system reset.
Do I need to believe in Reiki for it to work?
Reiki isn’t part of a religion. It isn’t about belief. It’s about the visceral experience. Many people, even the most skeptical of recipients, report feeling calm, centered, and lighter after a session. Some feel heat or tingling during treatment, others just feel relaxed. It’s subtle, but in my experience, the takeaways are real, beneficial, and a beautiful compliment to one’s wellness regimen.
How should I prepare for a session?
Wear comfortable clothes and stay hydrated. Avoid heavy meals before the session, and take time afterward for meditation or reflection Daily stressors can hinder our healing potential, so approach your session with an open mind and heart. Reiki you where you are and stays with you, making each session a shared blessing.
What will I feel during a session?
At the start of each session, we set our intention. Clients should communicate any specific needs beforehand. Reiki is experienced differently by everyone; some may feel warmth, while others simply relax or even sleep, which is perfectly fine. Its effects may be most noticeable in the days after—such as better sleep, improved mood, or enhanced calm and clarity.
Is Reiki a cure?
Reiki can never be considered as a cure for a particular illness, chronic condition or disease. It’s a supportive tool, and part of a holistic approach to wellness that includes diet, movement, rest, and emotional care. Reiki helps create the conditions where healing can unfold. It’s complementary to medical treatment, not a replacement. Ultimately, the client, by accessing their own state of confident relaxation while in session, holds the key to the greatest potential for wellness.
What’s the science behind Reiki?
The human body generates electromagnetic fields (EMFs) that are crucial for cellular communication and organ function. Disruptions can negatively affect these systems. Reiki is recognized by hospitals Johns Hopkins and UCLA Medical Center as a complementary therapy that reduces stress and supports, especially during surgery or cancer treatment. Research continues to emphasize the healing benefits of deep relaxation in medicine.
How often should I come in?
People visit weekly, monthly, or seasonally. I suggest starting with one session to see how it feels for you. My first session, given by my friend Alison during her training in NYC, had a profound impact on me, sparking my desire to pursue my own training. Let's find a rhythm that aligns with your goals. I look forward to meeting you!