How can Reiki help me?
Reiki is an alternative form of treatment that believes in healing through energy. It originated in Japan in the early 1900s and has since become very popular around the world. The principle of energy in Reiki is similar to the prana (life energy) in yoga.
This Japanese healing practice can help you feel rejuvenated when you’re just not feeling right. In reiki, it is believed that this life energy is a spiritual, universal force that keeps us balanced. Factors like stress and trauma disrupt this energy flow and can cause physical, mental and emotional illnesses. If there is an injury or illness in the body, the energy stagnates around it, causing a feeling of heaviness and blockage. But with the right healing, these blockages can be removed and the energy freed.
How does Reiki help?
Reiki practitioners have undergone a process called attunement, so they are able to transfer universal energy to other people. This transfer occurs through the hands by light, non-invasive touch to parts of the body. The transfer of energy may help clear any blocked energy pathways to ensure balance and harmony are restored.
Typically, when we feel unwell we take over-the-counter or prescribed medicine. But what if we took a step back and asked ourselves; “Could stress from the daily grind be disrupting my energy flow and be making me sick?”
Reiki is highly spiritual, but not religious in nature, so it can be administered on anyone. It enables faster healing, reduces or eliminates pain, and provides a feeling of peace and wellness. It may also assist in the management and treatment of a range of physical, mental and emotional conditions.
How big is Reiki?
In the early 1900s, Mikao Usui, a Japanese Buddhist, developed Reiki. It was primarily used to heal and offer comfort from pain, but Usui later developed the basic tenets of a Reiki life.
It spread from Japan to the United States of America and Hawaii in the 1940s, and onwards from there. In Australia, the Cancer Council in New South Wales offers detailed information on Reiki, and Solaris Cancer Care offers Reiki as a complementary treatment for all stages of cancer.
Please note that Avaana does not recommend the use of Reiki or any alternative therapy for cancer or any serious diseases, in lieu of conventional medicine, chemotherapy, or surgery. It is only suggested as a potential supporting therapy.
What to expect in a Reiki session
Most sessions last for an hour. Sometimes, the initial consultation is a little longer. If you have any areas of pain or sensitivity, inform your Reiki practitioner during your first meeting.
You might either be asked to lie down, or you could be seated in a relaxed position for Reiki. Those with back or neck problems might request a pillow or rolled up blanket to be placed under their spine or neck for added comfort. Wear comfortable, loose clothing that will let you lie down comfortably. You will not be asked to undress, unless you are getting a reiki treatment combined with massage.
A Reiki session is meant to help you relax, so you can expect medium to dim lighting during sessions, maybe even light instrumental music. After the initial consultation, you will not be expected to talk during your Reiki session.
Some Reiki practitioners hold their hands just a few inches from the energy points on the body, while some may lay hands on the relevant trouble areas. This is intended to transfer healing energy or to unblock the pathways of your own energy. Some people report feeling a tingling sensation where the energy is focused, and some do not feel anything. Both reactions are normal.
What happens after your Reiki session?
After your Reiki appointment, you can carry out your usual activities: driving, eating, working, etc. However, you might want to spend the rest of the day consciously trying to maximise the benefits of your treatment. Here’s how you can do so:
- It is recommended that you increase your water intake after your session, to help your body process all that energy.
- Eat healthy food that nourishes your body: warm soups, fruit, vegetables, etc. Avoid anything deep fried or spicy.
- A deep breathing routine or a few minutes of meditation and reflection can help center you and focus on the healing process.
Apart from pain relief, a Reiki session can have other benefits. Many people report feeling calmer or more at peace, helping them to feel more connected to themselves. Some even experience physical responses like heightened enjoyment of meals or more restful sleep at night.
What conditions can Reiki treat?
Reiki is a completely non-invasive treatment with no side effects and is suitable for anyone with any kind of illness or condition. The only requirement is that the patient understands what is going on and isn’t upset or afraid of the process.
| Mental health problems | Chronic pain | Injury recovery |
| Reiki can be soothing and uplifting for depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions. | For those with arthritis, long-term back or neck pain, fibromyalgia, or similar conditions, Reiki might provide some measure of relief. | For those recovering from surgery, or getting treatment for open wounds or burns, Reiki is a viable option to encouraging healing without touch. |
How many sessions do I need?
Just like psychology or physiotherapy, Reiki is not a one-time solution, especially for conditions or trouble areas that require long-term regular treatment. You should plan for at least four sessions to decide if you’re seeing results. Many Reiki practitioners request you to book 3 subsequent appointments after your initial appointment for this reason. During your consultation, speak to your practitioner to understand what they recommend in terms of duration of treatment.
How can I learn Reiki or become a practitioner?
In Australia, you can go through three levels of education to become a Reiki practitioner.
| Level | Level One Reiki | Level Two Reiki | Level Three Reiki |
| How long is the class? | 10-18 hours | 6-7 hours | 6 or 7 (non-consecutive) days of 8 hr classes |
| What will I learn? | You learn about sensing and channelling energy. | You learn how to send Reiki over distances. | You learn how the principles of Reiki can be implemented in your life. |
| What will I be able to do? | You should be able to perform Reiki on someone who is physically in front of you. | You should be able to send Reiki to people in different locations. | You will be able to perform psychic surgery. |
| What does this level qualify me to do? | After completing this, you are qualified to treat yourself and your loved ones. | After completing this, you will be certified to become a practitioner. | After completing this, you will earn the title of Reiki Master. You will have a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of Reiki. |
