Bien-être à la Maison de Papillon
Denise Grieve
Reiki, EFT, meditation, mindfulness
lamaisondepapillon.com
Reiki
What is Reiki and what can I expect during a treatment ?
Reiki is a form of Japanese energy healing with roots in ancient cultures. It uses what’s known as universal life force energy, ki or qi, to improve well-being and ailments.
What is Reiki ?
The word Reiki originates from the Japanese words rei meaning universal and ki which refers to the vital life force energy that flows through all living things. Reiki is a complementary health therapy. During a Reiki session, practitioners place their hands on or just above specific areas of the client’s body. Its philosophy is based on an Eastern medicine belief that all living things have energy fields. These energy fields support health and well-being. However, blocks in these energy fields inhibit this innate flow of energy, causing health problems, and negative life circumstances. Energy blocks in any living being can be treated which is why Reiki can also be practiced on animals, plants and even on material objects. In Reiki, energy blocks are detected, cleared and the energy is moved for the greatest good of the client.
Mikao Usui
Just for today…
I will not worry…
I will not be angry…
I will be grateful…
I will do my work honestly
I will be kind to every living thing.
What Reiki is not ?
Although Reiki is a spiritual practice, it is not religious nor connected to any specific religions. It is not necessary to have a spiritual belief or connection to feel the benefits of a Reiki session. Reiki is not an alternative to prescribed or recommended medical treatments. It is an approach which aims to compliment existing treatments. Reiki is not an invasive treatment. It is a gentle, non-intrusive technique. Although it can be helpful for a client to verbally share the details of their story and challenging issues, it is not obligatory, nor is it expected or forced. This adds to how gentle and sensitive this complementary therapeutic approach is. The client shares what they chose to share.
The origins of Reiki
Reiki dates back to the teachings of Mikao Usui in Japan in the early 1920’s. Usui was a lifelong spiritual aspirant. He was a married lay monk with two children. The peak of Usui’s intense spiritual practices led to Reiki. Usui’s realisation is believed to have occurred in 1922. During the last four years of his life, Usui traveled throughout Japan, offering his spiritual teachings to more than 2,000 new students. He only trained 16 of these students as Reiki masters. One of his master students, Chujiro Hayashi, was a retired naval officer. Hayashi worked with Usui to take parts of Usui’s vast healing practices so that they could be more widely shared. Hayashi opened a Reiki clinic in Tokyo. Hawayo Takata, a Japanese-American, came to Hayashi’s clinic for treatment of a number of medical conditions, including asthma. After months of treatment, Takata’s health was restored, and she then became a devoted student. Takata then brought Reiki to Hawaii in 1937. She eventually brought Reiki to the American mainland. She practiced and taught Reiki for 40 years. She then began training Reiki masters. Reiki masters were attuned to teach other. Since her death in December 1980, Taketa’s 22 Reiki masters spread her teachings. The Reiki Master’s teachings and attunement connects all Usui Reiki Masters to this original lineage. Awareness and popularity in Reiki is now practiced all around the world.
What to Expect During a Reiki Therapy Session ?
Before a Reiki Therapy Session :
As Reiki involves the detoxification of unhealthy energy in the body, I personally ask that clients do not drink alcohol for at least 24 hours prior to their session. I also ask that smokers try to resist having a cigarette 1 to 2 hours before their session.
As with any energy work, it is important to make sure that you are hydrated and have eaten a light meal prior to your Reiki session. Both hunger and dehydration can affect the free flow of energy which takes place during and following an energy therapy session.
During a Reiki Therapy Session :
Reiki therapy takes place in the therapeutic space, typically on a therapy treatment bed, where you are lying down or sitting, fully clothed in comfortable loose clothing. A cover or blanket is provided as it is common for the body’s temperature to drop slightly during the Reiki healing session.
Chakra energy points are scanned to identify any blockages. This can be done using various different means, however I use a dowsing crystal. All methods used here are equally effective. Normally, there will be some relaxation music playing quietly in the background, some incense is burnt, a candle is on and, when you are comfortable lying down, crystals are placed on the 7 main chakra points. The aim here is to enhance relaxation and to enjoy the extra benefits of these healing stones. These added extras are optional. You can choose as your comfort is of the utmost priority. Then you relax throughout the time of your Reiki therapy session, enjoying your healing.
During a distant Reiki healing session, the above list of interventions also applies. I ask that you lie down at home throughout the time of your session. With your permission, I call or message you around 10 minutes before the start of the session. At the end of the session, we share feedback by email. Email is my preferred contact after a session as it allows you to continue relaxing if you choose to without being disturbed by a phone.
Everyone experiences something different during a Reiki therapy session. Some people experience themselves drifting off to sleep. Others experience a deep sense of calm and relaxation. Some people report to having an ‘empty head’ throughout, or having unexpected thoughts and memories. Some see colours or a specific colour. At times there are bodily sensations, tingling, or a sense of feeling heavy, feeling light, feeling tearful, or breathing deeply. These are only some of the reported experiences. All are normal and all are different.
Following a Reiki treatment :
The effects of Reiki can be felt for some time after the treatment therefore it is important to stay hydrated, continuing to drink water throughout the rest of the day and the week ahead. At times vivid dreams are experienced, or a different sleep than usual, a happier or more balanced mood, relief of physical pain, clarity of thoughts and a deeper sense of well-being.