Q: What is Reiki?
A: Reiki energy is a subtle energy and it comes from a Higher Power. Reiki is the practice of channeling energy from the practitioner's hands to the recipient in order to increase the body's ability to heal itself. Reiki is a Japanese word meaning "life-force energy." "Rei" means universal or present everywhere. "Ki" is the life force, which is also known as the nonphysical energy that gives life to all living things and which can be used for the purpose of healing. When your life force is low, your body becomes stressed which will cause a low immune system and an increased susceptibility to illness.
Q. Is Reiki a Religion?
A. Although Reiki energy is spiritual in nature, Reiki is not a religion. Practitioners are not asked to change any religious or spiritual beliefs they may have. They are free to continue believing anything they choose and are encouraged to make their own decisions concerning the nature of their religious practices.
Q. What is the differences between Reiki and Reconnective Healing™ ?
Both are healing frequencies. Reiki is very ancient and has been brought into the human consciousness, reawakened, by Dr. Usui in the late 1800’s. Reconnective Healing™ is a fifth dimensional frequency. One could think of it as the evolution of the older frequency into the next level. Each has its use, its benefits and each is extremely powerful and effective. Where Reiki might be a slightly more relaxing, Reconnective Healing™ works more instantly and people have more mental awareness during the session.
Q. What can the recipient expect from a Reiki treatment in terms of physical or psychological benefits?
A. Reiki enhances the response of medical and Holistic treatments. It can reduce negative side effects from medication as chemotherapy, hasten healing and reduce pain.
Q. How is a Reiki treatment given?
A. In a standard treatment the client is usually laying on a massage table but treatments can also be given while the client is seated or even standing. The client remains fully clothed. The practitioner places her/his hands on or near the clients body in a series of hand positions. These include positions around the head and shoulders, the stomach, legs and feet. Other, more specific positions may be used based on the clients needs. Each position is held for several minutes depending on how much Reiki the client needs at each position. The whole treatment usually lasts between 45 and 60 minutes.
Q. Is it necessary to believe in Reiki for it to work?
A. No. Reiki supplies subtle energy to your system. The energy runs in all treatments, whether you are focused on energy or not.
Q. What are the levels of Reiki?
A. The Canadian Reiki Association acknowledge four levels of Reiki. At Reiki level 1, the student learns the basics of channeling energy (e.g., pulling the energy through you) and the positions of touch. For those who wish to continue with their training, Reiki level 2 can take place about six months later. The student becomes more adept to the energies. We will provide them with 3 symbols which will enable them to send energy through time and space. So it is not necessary to actually be in the presence of the person being treated. In Reiki level 3this process will be deepened and they will learn 2 more symbols. Finally in level 4 the practitioner becomes a "master" and learns to teach and give an attunement to others.
Q. What do you mean by "attunement?"
A. Attunement means coming into balance with your surroundings. It is the process of becoming attuned to the ability to channel energy for healing. Or we can say the student will open up to channel the life force energy through his body to the client.
Q. Can you get more than one attunement?
A. Once you receive a Reiki attunement, it will last your whole life. However, if you get additional attunements for the same level, it will act to refine and strengthen your Reiki energy.
Q. Can a person make a living from Reiki?
A. Yes, if you put your heart into it, you can develop a Reiki practice in combination with teaching classes that can bring a regular income. This is a very fulfilling way to earn a living.
Q. Can Reiki be applied to babies?
A. Babies love Reiki. It is very healthy for them. Do not worry about it being too strong. Reiki automatically adjusts to what the baby needs. Treatments on babies will be much shorter then on adults, because they as well as animals respond much quicker because they do not have the pre- dispositions and blockages as adults have.
Q. Can I treat animals or plants?
A. Animals love Reiki too. They seem to have a natural understanding of what Reiki is. They will move away from you when they feel it is enough, so do not force it onto them. Once a pet has received a Reiki treatment, they will often let you know that they want more. Plants also respond well to Reiki.
Q. Are there any side effects from a Reiki treatment?
A. Most of the time a person will feel relaxed and uplifted by a Reiki treatment. However, sometimes a person will have what is called a healing crisis. As a person’s vibration goes up, toxins that have been stored in the body will be released into the blood stream to be filtered by the liver and kidneys and removed from the system. When this happens, sometimes a person can get a headache or stomach ache or feel weak. If this happens, make sure to drink more water, and honour your bodies request for more rest. Some people at first have the tendency to experience this as a negative side effect until they understand it is part of the cleansing and healing process and it ultimately is a good sign.
Q. Can children learn Reiki?
A. Yes, Reiki can be taught to anyone. I recommend that a child be old enough to understand what Reiki is and that the child request to receive Reiki. There are special Children Reiki classes available in some part of the country.
Q. What does it feel like to give a treatment?
A. When giving a Reiki treatment, the Reiki energy flows through the practitioner into the client. Because of this, the practitioner receives a treatment also. As the Reiki energy flows through the practitioner, she/he will feel more relaxed and uplifted. Spiritual experiences sometimes take place. The practitioner sometimes receives insights about what the client needs to know to heal more deeply. He/She will often talk about these insights after or even during the treatment.
Q. What does it feel like to receive Reiki treatment?
A. Everyone’s experience is unique and varies somewhat from person to person. However, feelings of deep relaxation are usually felt by everybody. In addition, many feel tingling in hands and feet, or they see a scheme of colours. As the Reiki energy encourages one to let go of all tension, anxiety, fear or other negative feelings a state of peace and well-being is experienced. Some drift off to sleep or report floating outside their bodies or have visions and other mystical experiences. At the end of the treatment, one feels refreshed with a more positive, balanced outlook.