Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Reiki?
The word 'Reiki' (prounced ray-key) is a combination of two Japanese words: REI and KI which together mean 'spiritually guided life energy'; this is commonly known as Universal Life Energy. Reiki is a complementary therapy that utilises the natural energy of the Universe to bring about beneficial transformations in the individual. The energy is channelled by the Reiki practitioner to the recipient and activates the recipient's own self-healing mechanisms. Reiki works on the individual in a gentle, yet powerful, way at all levels (mind, body, spirit) to bring about a state of harmony where healing can take place. Reiki is one of the spiritual healing therapies and a doctor has defined these therapies as:
the systematic, purposeful intervention by one or more persons aiming to help another living system (person, animal or plant) by means of focused intention, hand contact, or passes to improve their condition.
Reiki and other spiritual healing therapies have been shown by more than 400 clinical research studies to be beneficial for a wide range of problems.
Can anyone learn Reiki?
YES. Reiki is passed on from Master to Student via an Attunement or Initiation process. As part of the Reiki Course, the student is attuned to the Reiki energy by the Master; this opens the student so that he/she can receive and use the Reiki energy (Universal Life Energy). Once attuned, the ability to use Reiki is never lost. The attunment is a simple and short process; most of the time spent on a Reiki course is involved with learning techniques for using Reiki.
Do you have to any special beliefs to do Reiki?
NO. Reiki is not a religion and there are no special beliefs associated with it. Reiki is practiced by people of all religions and by those with no religious beliefs whatsoever; it works equally well no matter the beliefs, or lack of them, of the Reiki Healer. The only requirement, for Reiki, is a desire to help your fellow beings on this planet and they can be human, animal or plant.
Isn't Reiki just the placebo effect?
No. If you look at the 'research' (see button), you can see that there is evidence of Reiki bringing about change in cell cultures — is the culture trying to get better? Also, Reiki works equally well on plants and animals — would a placebo do that? On the other hand, having a positive attitude is always a good thing whether you're visiting a doctor or a healer.
What conditions does Reiki help with?
Reiki has been shown to boost the immune system so will help with all conditions. It has been used successfully to relieve stress, pain and anxiety; it helps with the side-effects of some medical treatments (e.g. chemotherapy); allergies, PMT, depression, and a host of other conditions.
Can I use Reiki instead of my medication?
No, Definitely Not. Reiki is a 'complementary therapy' thus it complements what your doctor is trying to achieve; it is not a substitute for medical care.
What will I feel?
The most common feelings are warmth or coolness often accompanied by pleasant tingling sensations; afterwards you will feel very relaxed and may have a deep sense of peace.
I'm feeling better, should I stop taking my medication?
No, Definitely not. Reiki is not a substitute for allopathic medicine; it complements whatever the doctor is aiming to achieve. Reiki will help to improve your health but it is not an alternative to medical care.
Can Reiki be used on animals?
Of course. In fact, they tend to respond better to Reiki than people; this is possibly because they don't have beliefs or preconceptions that get in the way.
Are there any side-effects?
None have ever been recorded. People who are very stressed may experience mild discomfort as the body releases the emotional blocks and starts to come back into harmony; this is short-term and is a case of feeling worse before you get better.
Do I need to remove clothing during a Reiki session?
No, Definitely Not. You may feel more comfortable by removing outdoor clothes such as a coat, jacket, even shoes and you may be asked to remove spectacles, if you wear them, and sometimes jewellery. There is absolutely no reason whatsoever to remove anything beyond this.