The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words - Rei which means 'divine wisdom' and Ki which is 'life force energy'. So, Reiki is considered 'divinely guided life force energy'. Reiki is a healing modality developed in Japan by Mikao Usui in 1922. A Reiki treatment channels the highest vibrational energy through the practitioner's hands to the client, to promote healing, relaxation and bring about a sense of balance and positivity. It is based on the concept that an unseen 'life force energy' flows through everyone and is what causes us to be alive. If one's 'life force energy' is low, then we are more likely to be susceptible to stress and feel depleted, and if it is high, we are more capable of feeling healthy, vibrant and well. Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of spiritual healing that benefits everyone. There are no known contraindications, and it complements all other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote healing and recovery.

Reiki is based on the concept of "life force energy" flowing within our physical body through pathways known as chakras, meridians, and nadis. This energy also surrounds us in an energy field called the aura. The life force nourishes our organs and cells, supporting their vital functions. When the flow of life force is disrupted, it can lead to reduced function in our organs and tissues. Our life force energy is sensitive to our thoughts and emotions. Negative thoughts or feelings, whether conscious or unconscious, can disrupt this energy flow. These negative emotions attach to our energy field, causing blockages that affect our physical body. Reiki helps by channelling positive energy into the affected areas of the energy field. This process raises the vibratory level of the energy field in and around the body, breaking apart and clearing negative energy. As a result, Reiki heals by clearing and rebalancing the energy pathways, allowing the life force to flow freely and restoring optimal function to our organs and cells.

In a standard treatment the client lays fully clothed, on their back on a massage table but treatments can also be given while the client is seated. The practitioner will ensure the client is fully comfortable and relaxed before placing their hands on or above the client's body in a series of hand positions. These usually include the head, torso, legs - ending at the feet to energetically 'ground' the client after the relaxation of the treatment. Each position is held for three to five minutes depending on how much Reiki the client needs at each position. The whole treatment usually lasts between 45 and 60 minutes. It is a highly relaxing experience that promotes feelings of peace and wellness.

There are no contraindications with Reiki. It can be used safely on children, adults, and animals. A growing number of NHS hospitals now offer Reiki as a complementary therapy for palliative care or following surgery to support pain relief and speed healing. The following conditions respond well to Reiki healing: Muscle tension and pain: Reiki may help with pain perception by healing emotional distress and allowing energy to flow freely through the body. Stress and anxiety: Reiki can help reduce stress and anxiety, and may improve mood and emotional well-being. Sleep: Reiki can help improve sleep and reduce insomnia symptoms. Surgery: Reiki can help lower blood pressure, anxiety, and pain rates for people undergoing surgery, and may also help with post-surgery healing of bones and tissues. Cancer: Reiki may help with anxiety and pain management for people affected by cancer. Reiki is a complementary therapy that works alongside other medical and therapeutic techniques. It is not a replacement for conventional medicine. Always consult your doctor before commencing a Reiki treatment plan.

This will depends on what you would like the treatment to help you with. However, allow at least a week between treatments to fully process the benefits of the session. For long-term or chronic health conditions, it is recommended to receive three to six Reiki treatments one to two weeks apart. Once you start to see improvements you can space out treatments to four or six week intervals. Receiving regular Reiki treatments is excellent self-care and helps you to maintain holistic balance. Reiki complements other medical or alternative treatments you may be receiving.

Usually a client will feel very 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 bloodstream 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 tired. If this happens, it is recommended to drink more water, eat lighter meals and get more rest. The body is cleansing as part of the healing process so this is a good sign. It will pass within 24 to 48 hours.