What is Reiki?

What is Reiki?

Many of us have experienced times in our lives where we’ve been anxious, had physical problems and have simply felt that we need a little TLC. Alongside yoga and meditation, I have heard a lot of my friends discussing the power of Reiki and recommending it to help ease anxiety and aches and pains that come from tension in the body.

Having never tried Reiki before, I was curious to discover what exactly Reiki is and whether we can use it during isolation to help us cope.

Luckily enough, fellow yoga teacher Louise Stott, also known as @yogini_of_the_north over on Instagram, was happy to help!

What are the benefits of Reiki?

“The number one benefit in my opinion, is sheer relaxation,’ explains Louise. “When you have a treatment it’s like time stands still. You’re in a complete state of relaxation and the gentle touch, the smells, the sensations – it is all so comforting.”

I think many of us can benefit for relaxation and Reiki could be a great alternative to massage, which for some is uncomfortable if they prefer not to be touched.

I asked Louise to explain what a Reiki treatment involves and she explained that “A Reiki treatment works by balancing the energy in the body via the seven Chakras in the body… It stimulates the body’s natural ability to heal and can provide recipients with reductions in physical pain, chronic pain, a boosted immune system, increased energy and better sleep, to name just a few. On an emotional level, it can help reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression and it can help to heal emotional wounds.” 

Louise also mentioned that Reiki has now been recognised by the NHS and is in fact often given to cancer patients. Cancer Research UK describes Reiki as a complementary treatment to help patients relax, ‘cope with difficult situations, relieve emotional stress and tension, help to improve overall wellbeing’. The website goes on to explain that these positive benefits from Reiki are often because ‘a therapist spends time with the person…after the rush and stress of hospitals and treatment, it can be very relaxing when someone gives you attention for an hour or more, in a calming setting.’

In fact, Reiki is often used in palliative care, especially in hospices. They recommend the treatment to help with the emotional and mental strains of the illness, but also state it’s important to keep your doctor informed of any such treatments.

What is Reiki appointment like?

“Appointments can be any length of time, but a 45-60-minute appointment is the most popular. I set up my space with my crystals, I use oils on my hands, not on the client unless I have their permission, smudge the space using sage or Palo Santo and play soft, deeply relaxing music. The client lies on the bed and gets comfortable. 

“I then do a short meditation for the client to get in the zone and the same time I am ‘activating’ the Reiki energy and going through a series of practitioner rituals in my head that include protecting my own energy and listening to the Reiki principals. 

“Each treatment will differ depending on the needs of the clients, but typically the structure is similar. I scan the client’s aura and then cleanse the aura removing any negative energy and inserting positive energy. I then scan the client’s chakras picking up on any imbalances. Practitioners can use their hands or I often use my crystal pendulum. 

“I then work through the client’s body, starting with the head, where I spend a lot of time. I then work through a variety of hand positions and channel the Reiki energy into the client. I work down the whole of the body channelling energy at each chakra point and anywhere else it needs. I’ll then re-check the chakras and if there are still imbalances, I’ll work on that area some more.

“I then gently wake the client, disconnect myself from the client’s energy and then we’re done. I like to chat at the end about any sensations or emotions and answer any questions then, or at any time after.”

What is one thing you would really like to tell people about Reiki?

“That it really works. There’s lots that we can’t explain about Reiki but in all honesty most people couldn’t explain how electricity works yet we happily trust and use it on a daily basis.”

Alternative treatments such as Reiki will always divide opinion. Lack of tangible evidence to reassure us of the benefits may put some off, for others the experience of sheer relaxation is enough to prove that Reiki is worthwhile. For anyone suffering with anxiety, chronic pain and sleep issues, trying Reiki could be a wonderful option to take back some control over your own health and wellbeing.

As well as Reiki, Louise offers a variety of crystal healing treatments, yoga classes and workshops incorporating her skills as a holistic therapist. You can learn more about her classes and treatments here.