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What Is Reiki Energy?
The word Reiki is made up from two Japanese words - Rei and Ki. It must
be remembered that there can be no exact translation from Japanese into
English but in essence it means Universal Life Energy.
This same energy is recognised in many different parts of our world
and in numerous cultures. It is variously described as 'Ki' in Japan,
'Chi' in China, and 'Prana' in India. It is an energy which flows through all
living things on the planet.
When seeking a definition from a more spiritual context, we find that
Rei can be defined as the Higher Intelligence that guides the creation
and functioning of the universe. Rei is a subtle wisdom that permeates everything, both animate and inanimate. This subtle wisdom guides the
evolution of all creation ranging from the unfolding of galaxies to the
development of life. On a human level, it is available to help us in
times of need and to act as a source of guidance in our lives. Because
of its infinite nature, it is all knowing. Rei is also called God and
has many other names depending on the culture that has named it.
Ki is the non-physical energy that animates all living things. Ki is
flowing in everything that is alive including plants, animals and
humans. When a person's Ki is high, they will feel strong, confident,
and ready to enjoy life and take on its challenges. When it is low,
they will feel weak and are more likely to get sick. We receive Ki from
the air we breath, from food, sunshine, and from sleep. It is also
possible to increase our Ki by using breathing exercises and meditation.
When a person dies, their Ki leaves the physical body. Ki is also the
Chi of China, the Prana of India, the Ti or Ki of the Hawaiians, and has
also been called Odic force, Orgone, Bioplasma and life force.
(part of this text is taken from a paper by William Lee Rand)
Reiki is a gentle and safe form of healing which may confidently be used
in association with conventional medicine. It should not however be used
to replace mainstream medical treatment. Reiki Practitioners, and indeed
all bona fide Complementary Therapists will encourage clients to maintain
prescribed treatments and discuss their consultation with their Doctor
or Therapist.
How Does Reiki Work?
We each have a life force flowing through us. This force flows around the
body through energy pathways called chakras.
The 7 Principal Chakras:

Colour Key:
Crown = Violet
Third Eye = Indigo
Throat = Blue
Heart = Green
Solar Plexus = Yellow
Base = Orange
Root = Red
It flows around us in a field of energy called the aura. Colours in the Auric Field vary according to health, state of mind and balance of Mind Body and Spirit.

‘Life Energy’ feeds the entire structure of the body.
When this flow of life energy is interrupted, the body becomes unbalanced and is likely to suffer dis-ease. Life Energy is affected by thoughts, feelings, and emotions. It should be remembered that all negative thoughts, actions and deeds adversely affect the mind, body and spirit.
Reiki works to restore balance and smooth out the energy lines flowing throughout the body, restoring balance, health and well-being
How Long Will A Treatment Take?
A typical appointment lasts about an hour.
The first appointment will involve the therapist recording some basic detail, such as your name and address, some health history and why you have come.
You will remain fully clothed and will lie comfortably on a treatment couch, removing only outer coat and shoes. You may choose to be covered with a blanket during treatment.
Your therapist will make only light contact, placing hands upon or close to your body and will follow a sequence of hand positions, first on the front of the body, then the back. You are likely to experience a pleasantly relaxing feeling of well-being both during and following treatment.
Your therapist will be sensitive to any requests from clients to avoid particular areas. The outcome will not be affected.
How Is Treatment Delivered?
Clients are normally seated comfortably on a chair, or more usually lying on
treatment couch. Clients will be kept warm to assist relaxation and may be
covered with a blanket if they wish.
Treatment takes place by a light touch from the hands of the therapist upon
predetermined areas of the body and encompassing the seven major Chakras.
The therapist will always be sensitive to clients who feel in any
way uncomfortable with the position of the therapists hands (Please referto the Chakra diagram above). Holding the hands just away from the body will
not detract from the effectiveness of the treatment. During treatment clients are
likely to feel the flow of energy, sometimes as warmth, and may notice how
relaxed they are becoming in both mind and body.
How many treatments will I need?
This will depend on your personal needs. You the client decide the number of sessions based on advice given by your therapist.
Some people, particularly those who lead stressful lives, choose to benefit from a regular treatment plan.
What Can Be Treated ?
Reiki is a gentle yet powerful healing energy. It is not possible to provide lists of ailments and conditions which may be treated. Quite simply Reiki Life Force Energy is known to have positive and beneficial effect on all physical, emotional and indeed spiritual conditions. There are no known conditions which cannot benefit from Reiki.
The human body is a very powerful and sophisticated cellular mechanism with a vast capacity for self healing. When undertaken, Reiki will help to bring Mind, Body and Spirit into balance in order to facilitate the promotion of self-healing.
Whilst Reiki can be completely effective on its own, in our modern society, practice dictates that it should never replace any form of so called orthodox medicine or treatment prescribed by recognised medical professionals. One often hears such practitioners using the term ‘Alternative’ when referring to Complementary Practitioners. The very term ‘Complimentary’ means that Reiki and a vast range of other therapies, at this time*, work with recognised medicine and treatments, and not in isolation.
Complimentary Therapists should always obtain a detailed medical history from clients, and keep records up to date. Clients can expect their therapist to recommend advising their Doctor, Consultant or other health Professional, that they are seeking or undertaking Complementary Therapy, and will be advised to maintain all current medication and treatment in consultation with such health professional. If a Complementary Therapist feels it appropriate, then clients not currently under such medical care, will be advised to consult their General Practitioner.
*Many Complementary Therapies including Reiki, are soon to be regulated in a similar way to orthodox medical treatments and practitioners.
Is It Safe For Pregnant Women?
Reiki Energy emanates from a higher source, the energy will appropriately be delivered and cannot harm. Reiki can only bring benefit. Pregnant women have received treatments with great benefit to them and their unborn child. It has also been used during child birth. Women have also received the Reiki training and attunement with positive effect during pregnancy.
Is It Safe For Babies?
Babies love Reiki. With no pre-conceptions or influences from the value systems of others, not only do babies enjoy the experience, but some quite dramatic beneficial effects are oft-times recorded.
Can Animals & Plants Be Treated?
Yes, in terms of being a life form, there is no difference between treating a human being, an animal or a plant. Each needs nourishment in order to flourish, and each needs balance. In many respects animals and plants are similar to young children as they have no negative value system to influence them in any way.
Is Reiki Effective on Groups & At Distances?
One of the benefits of Reiki Healing is that it can be effective over distances and have a positive outcome with groups of people. Reiki can be applied collectively to have a positive effect upon global situations. This is brought about by individuals and groups of healers directing Distant Healing to a given group, place or situation.
What Are The Side Effects Of A Reiki Treatment?
There are no side effects from a Reiki treatment. Clients generally feel relaxed and at peace following treatment. There are positive effects upon sleep patterns, but due to the deep relaxation experienced by many during treatment, the ability to concentrate can be dulled for a short time after a treatment session concludes.
Who Can Learn Reiki?
Reiki, the Universal Life Energy, is a Healing Journey that begins when you attend the Reiki Level 1 Workshop, and will continue throughout your life. Anyone can learn Reiki provided they have a giving heart and are unconditional in their desire to facilitate a positive outcome for anyone seeking treatment. Reiki Level 1 is complete in itself. Once Attuned to Reiki by a recognised Reiki Master at this level, the energy will remain with you always. Progress to Reiki Level 2 and beyond is purely to allow individuals to practice professionally and to advance in their own personal Reiki Journey. There are no age limits to learning Reiki, but children must be capable of having an understanding of the Reiki Energy.
How Long Does Training in Reiki Take?
Reiki Level 1 is delivered over a two day workshop and is complete in itself. Students will be attuned to the Reiki energy during the workshop by their Reiki Master-Teacher. There are no tests or examinations as such, and training is delivered in a relaxed and loving atmosphere. Students will leave with all they need to practice Reiki on themselves, friends or loved ones. It is strongly recommended that students give themselves a full treatment daily for a period of 21 days following Attunement, before embarking on treatment for others.
It should be noted that although complete in itself, Reiki Level 1 does not provide a qualification to practice for reward or to obtain Practitioner Insurance.
Some students will wish to go on to level 2 and Practice professionally. Most Reiki Master-Teachers will require at least six months to elapse between level 1 and level 2.
The workshop for Level 2 is also over two days and is similar in some respects to Level 1. Students will deepen their knowledge and understanding in a relaxed atmosphere and be taught the Reiki Symbols and Mantras. During the workshop students will receive further Attunement and on successful completion will be eligible to join a Professional Reiki Organisation and gain practitioner Insurance.
Before undertaking training at Master or Master-Teacher level, Reiki Practitioners are expected to gain substantial experience (Usually three years) and be able to demonstrate a strong commitment and reasons for taking on this degree.
Practitioners interested in Master or Master-Teacher degree are invited to contact The Reiki Journey for an informal discussion.
Can You Explain The Attunements?
Reiki uses a series of Symbols and Mantras which are passed down by Master-Teachers to their students at the appropriate part of their training. Attunements are like small ceremonies which occur at various periods during the workshops, where the Master-Teacher, by use of the Symbols and Mantras, attunes the student to the Reiki Energy. This enables them to act as a pure channel for the transmission of the Reiki Energy from the Universe to a client.
Each Attunement is a beautiful, peaceful and sometimes emotional experience for both student and Master. Some students describe feelings of great peace; some even have a joyfully tearful experience. For everyone, Attunement to the Reiki Energy is a life changing experience which will never be forgotten.
The Symbols and Mantras appropriate to the degree being taught are carefully given during the workshops. Tradition dictates that this should be done without writing them or drawing them, but students should not be daunted by this as it is well within the capability of everyone to remember what they have been taught.
Caution should be exercised however if Symbols and Mantras are seen in books or other sources of information. It is our experience that very few of these publications are completely accurate. The only ones to be relied upon are those passed down by a recognised Reiki Master-Teacher.
See also our page on "Learning Reiki"
What is lineage?
Lineage is the connection between those attuned to Reiki Energy, and the series of Master-Teachers leading back to Dr Mikao Usui. Each student of Reiki should be supplied with their Lineage by their Master-Teacher.
Please refer to section of this site showing Keith’s Lineage
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