Ever noticed how some days, you’re just not feeling “in sync” with yourself? It’s not like anything drastic has happened. You haven’t stubbed your toe or lost your keys. But somehow, everything feels a little off-kilter, like a picture hanging crooked on a wall. 

You’re out of sync, out of tune, out of… balance. 

That feeling is what Reiki energy healing addresses. It’s a centuries-old practice that’s as relevant today as it was when it first started. 

So how does Reiki work? The term itself comes from two Japanese words – “Rei” which means universal life and “Ki” which means energy. Reiki is an energy healing technique where the practitioner uses their hands to channel energy into your body. The idea is that we all have this life force energy, and sometimes it gets out of balance. Reiki helps balance it back out.

How does Reiki work?

Imagine your body as a network of energy. Sometimes this energy gets blocked or unbalanced. 

When your energy is low, you feel stressed, sick, and sluggish. But when it’s high, you’re more capable of being happy, healthy, and vibrant. 

That’s where Reiki comes in. A Reiki practitioner channels Universal Healing Energy, using their hands to redirect and balance the energy in your being. They may target specific spots or “chakras”, energy hotspots in your body. The whole idea is to get the energy flowing smoothly. 

Reiki is often described as a holistic therapy, which means it aims to treat the whole person, including your body, mind, and spirit, rather than just addressing specific symptoms. It’s often classified as a form of complementary or alternative medicine. 

Health benefits of Reiki

1. Fosters body’s natural healing processes

Reiki is seen as a gentle yet powerful way to encourage the body’s own healing mechanisms. It aims to restore balance, effectively giving your body a nudge to kickstart its natural healing processes. For those who feel overwhelmed by conventional medical treatments or are looking for a more holistic approach, Reiki can offer a sense of empowerment in your healing journey.

By promoting a balanced flow of energy, Reiki practitioners can help speed up recovery from illness or injury, reduce side effects of medical treatments, and even improve general wellbeing.

2. Stress reduction and relaxation

In our often hectic lives, stress can be a constant, unwelcome companion. 

By facilitating deep relaxation, Reiki can help break the cycle of frustration and anxiety. You’ll get to experience the long-term benefits of managing stress, which can include improved sleep, a calmer mind, and a reduced risk of stress-related health issues.

People often feel more relaxed and at ease after a Reiki session. They enter a deep meditative state – something that has turned to become a luxury in today’s fast-paced world. Reducing stress not only feels good but can also improve overall health, as stress is linked to several health issues.

3. Support for traditional medical treatments

Reiki shouldn’t be seen as a replacement for conventional medicine, but rather as a supportive therapy. It can be particularly comforting for those undergoing rigorous medical treatments (e.g., chemotherapy, surgery). The gentle touch and energy work in Reiki can provide emotional support, help in reducing side effects, and promote a sense of wellbeing even in tough times. 

Tip: Reiki is not meant to replace conventional medical treatments. It’s used as a complementary approach to enhance the overall treatment experience.

4. Pain and tension relief

Chronic pain and tension can be debilitating. 

That’s why many people turn to Reiki for pain relief. This could be chronic pain, like arthritis, or acute pain from an injury. 

Reiki healing offers a non-invasive approach to pain management. It helps in easing pain and tension by promoting relaxation and balancing the body’s energy.

5. Improvement in various health conditions

Many individuals report improvements in various health conditions – from anxiety and depression to heart disease and cancer – through Reiki. This includes emotional balance and psychological benefits, such as reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as potential improvements in physical conditions. 

Reiki can be a source of comfort and healing, especially when traditional medicine doesn’t have all the answers.

Finding the right Reiki practitioner to learn from

1. Qualifications and training

You want someone who’s legit, with proper certification and all – not just a fancy title. You need to be assured that they’ve gone through the proper channels to learn their craft.

• Certification: Ensure they have a recognized certification in Reiki. This will mean they’ve completed the necessary training and adhere to certain standards.
• Training background: Understand where and how they were trained. All practitioners have trained under renowned Reiki masters. Some practitioners might also have additional qualifications in other healing or therapeutic practices.
• Levels of expertise: Reiki has different levels (I, II, Master). A practitioner’s level can indicate the depth of their training and knowledge. 

2. Experience and expertise

Experience is crucial. 

More experience often translates to a deeper understanding of Reiki principles and techniques. In the same vein, an experienced practitioner has likely dealt with a wide range of cases and situations, giving them a better ability to tailor their approach to your specific needs.

• Areas of specialisation: Some practitioners specialise in certain areas, such as emotional healing, physical ailments, or spiritual development.
• Testimonials and reviews: Look for reviews or testimonials from their previous clients. Ask the practitioner about specific instances where they’ve successfully helped others. This can give you insights into their strengths.
• Continued learning: A practitioner who continues to learn and grow in their field can offer more depth in their practice.

3. Practitioner’s demeanour

This is all about the vibes they give off.

Are they calm, patient, and welcoming? Keep in mind that you’re going to be spending a decent amount of time with this person, so you want to make sure their energy meshes well with yours. They should be willing to answer your questions and explain their approach to Reiki. Their communication style should make you feel respected and at ease.

• Communication skills: They should be able to explain procedures clearly and be open to any questions or concerns you might have.
• Empathy and understanding: Look for someone who is empathetic and makes an effort to understand your specific needs and concerns. They should exhibit a sense of calm and grounding, which is essential in creating a tranquil environment conducive to healing.
• Professionalism: They should maintain a professional yet caring approach. It’s important that they respect your personal space and boundaries, especially in a practice as intimate as Reiki.

4. Session process

Understanding their session process can help set your expectations. Ask them to walk you through a typical Reiki session or class, including the techniques they use and how they structure their sessions. This insight will help you understand if their approach aligns with what you’re looking for. Some practitioners might even combine Reiki with other modalities like meditation, crystal healing, or sound therapy for a holistic approach.

• Feedback and adjustment: After the session, a practitioner may discuss your experience, gather feedback, and adjust future sessions accordingly.
• Progress tracking: Regular check-ins or tracking progress over multiple sessions can be beneficial for long-term goals.
• Aftercare advice: Providing advice on what to do after a session, such as staying hydrated, resting, or reflective practices, can be an important part of the process.

5. Personal compatibility and comfort

This is perhaps the most subjective but crucial aspect. 

Trust your gut here. You should feel at ease with this person. If something feels off, they might not be the right fit. You want this to be a positive and enriching experience, so feeling good about who you’re learning or receiving Reiki from is key.

• Personal connection: You should feel a positive connection with the practitioner.
• Comfort level: Ensure that you feel entirely comfortable and safe in their presence.  The effectiveness of Reiki can be influenced by your level of comfort and openness with the practitioner.
• Alignment with your goals: The practitioner should align with your personal goals and reasons for seeking Reiki healing.

Get a Reiki certification at the Highlands Centre for Healing

Reiki healing stands out as a unique and holistic approach to wellness, focusing on balancing energy to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. 

If you’re inspired by the potential benefits of Reiki and wish to explore it further, the Reiki training certification at the Highlands Centre for Healing offers a comprehensive and accessible path. Our Reiki Level 1 & II Workshops, led by an experienced Master and supported by a knowledgeable practitioner, is a great starting point for learning how to practise energy healing on yourself and others.

Remember, the journey to health and wellness is unique for each individual, and Reiki can be a gentle, supportive part of that journey. For more details, check out the events page of Highlands Centre for Healing today.