My first experience of Reiki was quietly profound
I spent most of my adult life with no active spiritual connection to speak of. I had no interest in the dogma of conventional religion which I felt offered me no answers to my questions, no support or inspiration, and although I was open minded about other practices, read a few books, watched a few documentaries, I never followed my up my curiosity.
I had a holistic vet who successfully treated one of my dogs with both acupuncture and homeopathy, but years of working night shifts and meeting the needs of every day life meant I had neither the time nor money to spend on myself, or seek out like minded people.
Yet for as long as I can remember I had a sense of something missing .. something I ought to be doing glimpsed out of the corner of my eye. Forgotten and just out of reach.
After giving up nursing - completely fed up with the institutionalised hierarchy, I came to realise that I had spent all my time trying to meet the physical, mental and emotional needs of others. I understood the concept of holistic care but I was not applying to myself.
A series of bereavements very close together, particularly significant family members, a good friend and then a few months later the further loss of my father .. nursing him for the last few days of his life but not being able to resolve the differences I perceived between us, left me depleted of energy, motivation and just generally out of sorts.
In 2017 I booked a Reiki treatment at a little spa, opposite the fair trade shop in town which I had been running ever since I left nursing. I had absolutely no expectations other than having a relaxing hour just for myself.
I could not believe the emotions I felt rising during that session and the sensation of being shot between the eyes with bright light.
As if something was saying, 'at last!!'
Thank you Janis @holisticspa for holding that space so beautifully for me
Its said that Reiki energy goes where its most needed .. the practitioner is merely the channel and does not directly control or influence the process. I would guess the majority of people do not experience such a dramatic introduction as I did, and I have never had quite as forceful an experience since .. but I have come out of most sessions more relaxed, or more energised, or guided to be somewhere where I interact with something or someone that turns out to be beneficial for me.
Intrigued by my introduction to Reiki I sought a teacher so that I could learn to treat myself and then offer sessions to others. I found Gail, sacredthistlereiki@gmail.com and during the next few months I became a certified and insured Reiki Level 2 practitioner. For me its not a business but I love knowing that I can use this ancient healing art when it is appropriate.
History
Reiki is generally translated as meaning 'universal life energy' The practice of Reiki is believed to have originated in Tibet many thousands of years ago. Current Reiki practice is traceable to the teachings of Dr Mikaomi Usui in Japan from the end of the 19th century.
Reiki is based on the understanding that universal energy supports the body's inherent healing abilities on all levels - physical, mental, emotional, spiritual.
Even science and mainstream medicine these days accept that physical illness affects mental well being, while stress and emotional upset contribute to physical disease.
Reiki seeks to work on our whole system, acting where energy is needed to balance, vitalise and bring harmony in a subtle and non invasive way.
Although holistically there are spiritual aspects to Reiki it is not considered to be a religion and is used by people from many different faith systems and cultures
What to expect
Traditional Reiki sessions are carried out by a trained practitioner and may last from a few minutes up to an hour depending on your requirements. You would expect to receive your treatment fully clothed lying on a couch, but Reiki can be given if you are sat in a chair, in a hospital bed or in almost any setting or situation. It can be very supportive in an emergency.
Animals of all kinds .. domestic and wild, are usually very receptive and sensitive to Reiki. They should not be restrained during a session remaining free to choose to move away from a practitioner when they indicate that they have had enough. Pets often like to come an snooze in the Reiki space while an owner is receiving treatment and if treating outdoors it is not unusual for wildlife to appear and uncharacteristically linger around the space.
Animal treatment requires Veterinary consent
The Technique
Reiki is most often administered by the practitioner placing their hands lightly on specified areas of the body for a few minutes at a time to allow the energy to flow. They can also work in the energy field around the body without touching for those who dislike direct contact or for whom it would cause discomfort.
Responses to a Reiki session can be very variable. People may report warm, cool or tingling sensations in different body areas or nothing at all. Some may feel emotional, very relaxed, see colours, experience dreams or completely fall asleep. There is no right or wrong for each individual and an intuitive practitioner can help you interpret what your experience may mean for you.
When you leave the practitioners premises it is important to feel fully alert and 'grounded' before driving a vehicle.
Following a session some people feel immediately energised, others are hungry thirsty or just want to rest. Some may notice no change but over the next few days report a general improvement in their sense of well being.
Reiki practitioners do not diagnose illnesses or substitute for medical treatment but can support you through chronic illness or emotionally troubled times, helping you navigate your situation more easily.
Reiki may be available to you as a complementary therapy in a hospice or other palliative care setting. It can help to bring peace and acceptance to end of life situations and ease the bereavement process that follows.
Variations
It is my belief that it is fundamentally the same energy source we tap into whatever the healing modality. Over many thousands of years human beings have devised countless ways of relating to and connecting with healing skills. As our ancestors could not have explained the energies that we use on a daily basis now, neither can we fully explain the things we have not yet proven scientifically .. yet we know they exist .
As we evolve so do our practices in every walk of life - we live in a very different world to our ancestors or even to how Usui, the founder of traditional Reiki, lived.
Some people prefer the traditional approach and that is fine.
Many other practitioners take a more fluid view and are guided to blend Reiki with other healing arts. For example you may discover sessions which include crystals, sound, or shamanic practices. The practitioner may not place their hands on you at all but will be able to explain to you why or what they are doing, so use your own intuition or try some variations to see what works best for you.
What is most important is that you feel you are held in the safe hands of a knowledgeable, ethical and honest practitioner. Do your research and ask for recommendations if necessary.
Many practitioners also send distance Reiki to people or situations ..this is a long recognised and accepted Reiki practice, a technique in which we are trained.
Most of us will only send Reiki to a consenting recipient with their knowledge and a session would be properly set up for a specified time. It is considered unethical to send to people without them knowing, or even directly into world situations - however well meaning.
Contact
If you would like to find out more, ask questions or try a Reiki session please email me: christina.williamson@gmx.com
I can offer 1-1 sessions locally, send distance Reiki to consenting people, or recommend other trusted practitioners
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