In recent years, Reiki has gained popularity as a complementary therapy for holistic healing and wellness. Reiki, an ancient Japanese energy healing art, involves the channeling of universal, vital, life-force energy to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and facilitate healing on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels. If you're considering experiencing Reiki for yourself, it's essential to understand who performs this gentle yet powerful practice and what you can expect during a session.
Reiki Practitioners: The Channelers of Healing Energy
Reiki Practitioners, also known as Reiki Masters (a Western Term not used in Japanese Reiki) or Therapists, are individuals trained in the art of Reiki healing. They undergo comprehensive training and attunement processes to become proficient in channeling Reiki energy and facilitating healing sessions. Usually a Practitioner has reached, at a minimum, level II of training in order to practice Reiki Professionally.
Reiki training typically involves learning about the history and principles of Reiki, and techniques and practices for self healing and spiritual development, which are considered essential before a person embarks on Professional Practice. Reiki Practitioners, particularly in Japanese Reiki, are also trained in developing their sensitivity to energy and in locating troubled areas or areas of stagnation in the recipients body as well as some advanced energy healing techniques for removing toxins, eliminating addiction and circulating the blood. They are also trained in the practical elements of administering Reiki treatments professionally.
One of the distinguishing features of Reiki is the attunement process, where the Reiki Master transfers the ability to channel Reiki energy to the student. This initiation is believed to open the practitioner's energetic channels, enabling them to connect with and transmit healing energy during sessions. Reiki Practitioners often continue their education and training to deepen their understanding of energy healing and refine their practice. You can read more about Reiki Attunements here.
What to Expect During a Reiki Session
During a Reiki session, clients typically lie fully clothed on a massage table or sit comfortably in a chair, depending on their preference and the practitioner's setup. The Reiki Practitioner begins by gently placing their hands on or near various parts of the client's body, intuitively following where the energy is needed (the body emits 'echos' of stagnation or trouble) to promote balance and harmony. In Japanese Reiki, the Practitioner always starts at the head (as the mind influences so much of our physical, mental, psychological and spiritual experience) and then after that, works intuitively on the front and back of the body.
As the Reiki Practitioner channels healing energy, clients may experience sensations such as warmth, tingling, or deep relaxation. Some people report feeling emotional releases or experiencing insights and clarity during a session. Most people report feeling incredibly held, supported and soothed by the energy even if at times, they may experience some emotional or physical discomfort as the energy works on healing. Each Reiki session is unique to the individual, and the effects may vary depending on the client's energy system and specific needs.
Reiki sessions typically last between 60 minutes or more. In traditional Japanese Reiki, sessions were never timed, they merely went for as long as the energy was needed. For that reason, longer sessions, where practical (around 1 1/2 - 2 hours) are preferred in order to receive as close to a complete healing as possible. Clients are encouraged to communicate with the Reiki Practitioner about their intentions for the session and any specific areas of concern they would like to address. Having said that, at the end of the day, Reiki has a higher intelligence of its own and typically goes to where it deems to be the area of most need.
To understand what to expect in my sessions, specifically, you can read more about what to expect in a hands-on healing session here and what to expect in a distance healing session here.
Choosing the Right Reiki Practitioner
When seeking a Reiki Practitioner, it's essential to do your research and find someone who resonates with you and aligns with your needs and preferences. Consider factors such as the practitioner's daily practice and spiritual depth, their training and experience, their approach to healing, and any specialties or areas of expertise they may have.
Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or trusted healthcare professionals who have experience with Reiki or other holistic modalities. Many Reiki Practitioners also offer introductory consultations or informational sessions where you can learn more about their practice and ask any questions you may have before scheduling a session.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose a Reiki Practitioner with whom you feel comfortable and safe, someone who embodies the principles of compassion, integrity, and respect for your healing journey.
You can read more about how to find the best Reiki Practitioner for you here.
WHO CAN LEARN TO DO REIKI?
Another way to answer the question of who does Reiki, is to talk about who can learn to do Reiki. Reiki, as a practice, was designed as both a self-healing practice (first and foremost) as well as a practice of healing on others. A Practitioner, must first work on themselves and develop their own spiritual path before working with others. This is a continuing and ongoing process.
So who can learn Reiki?
The short answer is anyone. Reiki does not require any specific talent or skill. As humans, we are made up of energy and everything around us is energy. One of the most beautiful aspects of Reiki is its accessibility to anyone because we all have the innate ability to harness and utilise that memory. Like a Reiki Practitioner once did, any person can sign up for a Reiki course and through the process of Attunements (Reiju) and learning various techniques and practices, can empower themselves with the incredible healing ability of Reiki.
Conclusion
Reiki is a gentle yet potent healing modality that offers profound benefits for those seeking holistic wellness and inner balance. Reiki Practitioners play a crucial role in facilitating healing sessions, channeling universal life force energy to support physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. So too can you, yourself, become a Reiki channel for your own self healing and spiritual growth. By understanding who performs Reiki and what to expect during a session, you can make informed choices about incorporating this transformative practice into your life. Whether you're seeking relaxation, stress relief, or spiritual growth, Reiki offers a pathway to healing and wholeness that honors the body, mind, and spirit.
If you have any questions, or want to chat to more about Reiki please contact me and we can arrange a time to chat. If you would like to book a Reiki session in Melbourne (or distance Reiki worldwide), you can book an appointment here or if you would like to learn Reiki yourself, sign up for Melbourne Reiki courses here. I look forward to connecting with you for Reiki!
Warmest,
Fiona x
Fiona Phillips
Certified Reiki Shihan (Teacher) and Practitioner
Komyo ReikiDo in Melbourne
Within The Space
Comments