REIKI (pronounced ray-kee), is the Japanese word for Universal Life Force, generally identified as “Chi” by the Chinese and “prana” by the Indians; however, Reiki is actually a more subtle energy and affects the subtlest level of the biofield, which we call the subtle vibrational body, acting as a “vibrational adaptogen”, which restores harmony and balance.
Reiki is an ancient healing art. –a safe, natural healing system that is being used internationally in homes, hospitals and private practices around the world. Reiki can help eliminate emotional, mental, and physical challenges. Research has demonstrated that Reiki is associated with decreased levels of stress hormones, improvement in immune indicators, improved blood pressure, subjective improvements in anxiety and pain, decreased heart rate, improved muscular function, improvement in mood and functioning of depressed patients, and overall enhanced well-being and increased vitality. Thus, Reiki improves circulation, promotes relaxation, speeds healing recovery, strengthens the immune system and decreases pain and discomfort. Many of those who benefit from Reiki the most are those who are most difficult to treat– like those with fibromyalgia, AIDS, and victims of heart attacks. Dr. Wilson claims that ” receiving Reiki energy brings us directly into contact with a vital, intelligent, creative, healing, and loving energy–a primordial consciousness–and we become more of our potential as harmony and balance is restored. ” 
Reported effects of a Reiki treatment include:
- Reduced stress
- Reduced pain
- Improved sleep patterns
- Greater relaxation
- Emotional/Mental calmness and clarity
- Reduced Symptoms from disease and medications
During a Reiki session, the receiver may remain fully dressed except for the removal of shoes and should be lying down or sitting. (If the recipient is also receiving a therapeutic massage then they will be draped appropriately if they have undressed for the session.) No effort is required of the recipient, and falling asleep, or almost asleep, within minutes is quite common.
The Reiki practitioner lays hands–slightly cupped and fingers together–on the client using twelve or more hand positions that correspond to the major chakras or energy systems of the body. If the receiver cannot be touched directly, the hands are held 3-5 cm above the specific position with the same effect. As a general guideline, approximately 2 to 5 minutes are spent on each position. The Reiki practitioner acts as a “hollow reed” or a channel, allowing the recipient to pull the Reiki energy needed through her/him. The beauty of Reiki is that the practitioner does not prescribe or “give” the client Reiki energy; rather, the client absorbs what is needed, much like a sponge soaking up water but never soaking up more than it can contain. The Reiki energy flows regardless of intellect, personality or individual characteristics. Both the client and the practitioner are flooded with a sense of relaxation and well-being, and worries dissolve. Each client has a unique experience but commonly reported sensations include warmth, tingling, vibrations and pulsations. Some clients report seeing light, colors or images. The benefits of Reiki are endless, but clients and practitioner always report feeling relaxed, refreshed and at peace after the session. Long-term effects of Reiki include a balance between mind, body, and spirit; thus, life seems more harmonious. Meditation, and being centered and focused becomes easier. Sensitivity and awareness are heightened. Dramatic changes often occur in personal lives, in the workplace and in relationships—for the better.
For anyone new to Reiki, a minimum of 3 sessions is generally recommended over the course of 3 to 6 weeks. This supports the body in starting to detoxify and adjusting to relaxing and receiving the energy. Improvements are usually more noticeable after three sessions. Multiple sessions are advisable for long-term imbalances in the body in order to provide the level of relaxation needed by the body to begin to repair itself.
Similarly, with other modalities like massage, Cranial Sacral Therapy, and other methods, long-held and complex issues are likely to require several sessions to really alleviate, although there are often obvious positive changes after only 1 or 2 sessions.
A full Reiki session is usually an hour in duration, but as Mrs. Takata, one of the first to practice Reiki out of Japan, shared with others, ” A little Reiki is better than no Reiki. ”
Now, for chronic conditions, it is recommended that treatments be given on four consecutive days. If extended treatments are needed, once or twice a week is recommended. It is also suggested that clients enroll in a Reiki class and receive the Reiki attunements in order to self-treat.
” The approach reacquaints us, in our high-tech/low-touch society, with the healing power of loving, supportive, non-sexual physical contact and offers a graceful context for offering it.” ~Donna Eden, November 2005
Shane Butler is a Usui and Karuna Reiki Master who has fulfilled the requirements to be certified in both. Shane uses Reiki in many of his sessions including the Lumi-massage and you may choose to have a session of just Reiki or combine it with one of the other modalities available at Luminary Wellness.
Call (022) 627 4400 to schedule a Reiki session or ask for further information. I’m looking forward to assisting you with your well-being.
“My visit with Shane was a thoroughly professional restful experience. I felt unhurried and he explained many things and answered my questions very knowledgeably. The actual Reiki was so calm and gentle that I really relaxed and came home refreshed.
A greatly worthwhile experience.” ~ Marie B., Auckland, NZ