What is reiki?
Reiki (pronounced ray-key) is a traditional Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. Reiki is based on the concept of a life force energy that flows through us. If this energy is low, we are more likely to get sick or feel distressed. If it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy, and for healing to occur.
Touch is a natural, instinctive aspect of being alive. Parents instinctively touch their young in order to nurture, encourage, and protect. We instinctively place our hands on ourselves whenever we hurt. Reiki is a natural way to promote healing through touch.
Reiki is also a safe method of spiritual healing. It has been effective in helping with virtually every known illness, and it is the perfect companion to all other medical or therapeutic techniques for relieving side effects and promoting recovery. Because of its effectiveness, more than 20 major Canadian and U.S healthcare facilities offer reiki, including:
- Mt. Sinai Hospital's Marvelle Koffler Breast Center (Toronto)
- Boston Children's Hospital Center for Pediatric Education & Research
- Yale University's School of Nursing (Reiki classes are taught as a part of the mmcurriculum)
- Elliot's Hospital Pain Management Center (New Hampshire)
- Princess Margaret Hospital (Toronto)
- Bruce House AIDS Hospice (Ottawa)
What to expect in a reiki session
In a Reiki session, the client remains fully clothed at all times. The client will lay face up on a treatment table, close their eyes, and relax. My hands will be placed on, or a few inches above the client's body, starting with the head and working toward the feet. Permission will be asked before the session begins, if a person is okay with touch, or if they prefer the hand to hover above them.