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Reiki FAQs

  • What is Reiki and where does it come from?
    The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words - Rei which means "God's Wisdom or the Higher Power" and Ki which is "life force energy". So Reiki is actually "spiritually guided life force energy." Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by "laying on hands" and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy. Reiki was developed by Dr Mikao Usui. Dr. Usui was a Buddhist monk who completed a 21 day fast of meditation and prayer and conluded with a spiritual awakening that resulted in the development of Reiki. He established a clinic for healing and teaching in Kyoto Japan and became well know for his healing practice. Reiki is about intention. Intention is everything ​ There are a variety of forms of Reiki but Baibrook Wellness follows the Usui lineage.
  • Where does Reiki come from?
    Yes! To add a picture follow these simple steps: Enter App Settings Click the "Manage Questions" button Click on the question you would like to attach a picture to When editing your answer, click on the picture icon and then add an image from your library
  • Is Reiki safe?
    Reiki is very safe! It's non-invasive and can be hands-on or hands-off at the discretion of the recipient.
  • How does Reiki work?
    The Reiki practitioner is the conduit between the patient and the source of the universal life force energy; the energy flows through the practitioner’s energy field and through their hands to the patient. (The energy does not come from the continued practitioner; rather it comes through the practitioner from the universal source. There is no energy drain on the practitioner.) During the treatment the patient lies on a massage table, fully clothed. The Reiki practitioner gently places their hands palms down on or just above the patient’s body in specific energy locations and uses a series of 12 to 16 different hand positions. The length of time that the practitioner leaves her hands in each position is determined by the flow of energy through her hands at each location. There is no pressure, massage or manipulation. The patient experiences the energy as sensations such as heat, tingling or pulsing where the practitioner has placed their hands. Sometimes, the sensations are felt moving through the body; some people do not perceive any change at all. Most people feel very relaxed and peaceful, and many fall asleep during the treatment or get good rest later that evening.
  • How does a distance Reiki session work?
    Energy is everywhere so it is not limited by time and space. Distance is a physical limitation only. Reiki can be completed just like it does in an in-person session using a surrogate or proxy. A surrogate could be a stuffed animal, a picture of the recipient, or an anatomical model. The Reiki practitioner acts as the conduit of the energy and will know how to channel it to the recipient. This includes a visualization of the recipient in place, the same hand placements, and all of the hand symbols.
  • Does Reiki conflict with my spiritual or religous beliefs and practices?
    Absolutely not. In fact, Reiki may help enhance your spiritual path and connection to source. Since Reiki is not a religion, nor religious, and it works with your greatest good, it will be an enhancement to your current spiritual practice. Think of it as a positive add-on like sugar is to coffee, dry rubbed ribs and sauce, or a protein shake after a workout. When Dr. Usui started Reiki, he was a practicing Buddhist monk. You are encouraged to do your own researach and come to a conclusion that works best for you. In fact, try to find similiarites in your religous beliefs to the principles of Reiki. For example, some Christians may have questions about how Reiki ties into the bible and the common themes are healing, having faith, doing good works, being honest, and being slow to anger. While some religions may not agree to the Reiki practice, there are those that do and have increasingly become open to it.
  • Will Reiki cure an illness?
    Reiki is not a cure-all but it can aid and assist with the symptoms or concerns associated with the illness. This could include pain management, anxiety, stress, and your perception of the concern. One session may help or multiple sessions may help. The point is that change happens over time and with dedication to the change. Additionally, post-session adjustments and self-care by the recipient are vital to your improvement. In order for the Reiki healing energies to have lasting results, the client must accept responsibility for her or his healing and take an active part in it. Put it like this, if you want to quit smoking, you must consciously be aware that you are still inhaling lit cigarettes. You should continue to seek medical treatment from a clinical professional.
  • How do I know if Reiki worked for me?
    Take time to consider how you felt before your session and how you feel after session. Pay attention to what your concerns were and the feelings, ailments, or symptoms associated with those concerns. For example, if stress gave you neck tension and muscle aches, do you still feel that afterwards? Even if it isn't an immediate change give it time, like the first 24 hours, to see if there is relief. In some instances, multiple sessions may be required and others one may offer desired relief. Another way to tell is to pay attention to your thoughts and feelings about your concerns. Ask yourself if they have changed or do you think and feel different towards them. If the answer is yes, then we have success! If they answer ranges from somewhat to no, then talk to your practitioner about it for more insight. The path to healing is not always a sprint.
  • How can I learn Reiki?
    Find a class in your local area or online and complete each three levels and attunements.
  • Is there any research that speaks to what Reiki can do?
    Of course there is! Here are a few that you can review and you are encouraged to research more on your own. Remember, Reiki is complementary. Feel free to check back here often for new ones. A Large-Scale Effectiveness Trial of Reiki for Physical and Psychological Health The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (liebertpub.com) https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/acm.2019.0022 Objectives: The main purpose of this study was to measure the effect of a single session of Reiki on physical and psychological health in a large nonclinical sample. Conclusions: The results from this large-scale multisite effectiveness trial suggest that a single session of Reiki improves multiple variables related to physical and psychological health. The clinical effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy and an alternative medicine approach in reducing symptoms of depression in adolescents - ScienceDirect https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165178115305783 Abstract The main aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of two psychotherapeutic approaches, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and a complementary medicine method Reiki, in reducing depression scores in adolescents. Conclusion Both CBT and Reiki were effective in reducing the symptoms of depression over the treatment period, with effect for CBT greater than Reiki. However, research that tests complementary therapies over a follow-up period and against a placebo treatment is required. The use of self-Reiki for stress reduction and relaxation https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S209549641560190X Objective More than one-third of college students reported the desire for stress reduction techniques and education. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a 20-week structured self-Reiki program on stress reduction and relaxation in college students. Conclusion This study supports the hypothesis that the calming effect of Reiki may be achieved through the use of self-Reiki.
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