What is Reiki?

Reiki Principles
​Just for today I will give thanks for my many blessings.
Just for today I will not worry.
Just for today I will not be angry.
Just for today I will do my work honestly.
Just for today I will be kind to my neighbor and every living thing.  

  The Reiki Principles are core to learning, practicing, and receiving Reiki.  It is about being in the now, and living in love, compassion and forgiveness.  It is a system of transformation and enlightenment that allows you to energetically heal yourself and others.  This energetic healing can manifest in the physical, mental, and spiritual bodies.  
   The word Reiki breaks down as: Rei=universal and Ki=energy.  The Universal Life Force Energy (God, Spirit, 7 Rays, or whatever you name it) joins with your personal life force energy.  The Reiki practitioner receives this energy through the crown of her/his head, it passes through her/his heart, and flows out through her/his hands to the person receiving Reiki.   
​   Reiki is a spiritual practice, not a religion.  It does not conflict or compete with any personal religious beliefs. It should enhance your religious practice.  As a Reiki practitioner, you are sharing the intention of  love and well being.  That is why it is important for the Reiki practitioner to be grounded and energetically balanced.  There is no room for ego or personal agendas.  If you approach Reiki with a "look at me", "see what I've done" attitude, your results may not be what you desired.  Spirit honors a loving, compassionate, open vessel.
   Mikao Usui was given Reiki in Japan in the early 1900's. Traditional Reiki began with 5 hand positions, and involved energy scanning and intuitive work.  Reiki has evolved in the West to a system of 12 hand positions.  Scanning and intuition are not required, though many practitioners use both.  I have found that Spirit will guide your hands if additional hand positions are required.  Many times I will add the feet, ankles, and hands, because I have found these areas stressed in many clients.  Research will show you certain hands positions to use for specific conditions.  
   A Reiki session usually lasts for approximately one hour.  The hand positions can be done hands-on, or by holding the hands a couple inches above the body.  There are many people who have touch issues due to traumas they have experienced.  They may be uncomfortable with touch on certain areas of their body.  It is important to address these issues before a session begins.  The Reiki session should be relaxing.  Some people even experience an emotional release during the session.  These releases are important in the healing process. 
   Reiki is non-invasive and stress relieving.  After a session, you should feel refreshed and clear-minded.  It is important to drink a glass of water after a Reiki session.  Blockages in the body may have been broken up and need to be flushed out.  It's advisable to drink extra water during the rest of the day. 
   ​Reiki is one of the most commonly used energy healing techniques worldwide.  It has stood the test of time.  Many forms of Reiki are now being offered - even internet training and attunements.  I, personally, believe that the student of Reiki needs a physical teacher.  Reiki is all about energy and the passing on of energy.  It is about being part of a lineage of Reiki practitioners.  The attunements are passed from teacher to student through touch and breath.  It is not for me to judge other forms of Reiki.  I simply know what I believe and practice.  Everyone must decide for themselves what is right for them.      

If you are interested in learning Reiki, please click here.