Whether you are looking for an overview or Reiki, want to find out the difference between Reiki and energy healing or learn how to find an energy healer for your own journey, you should find that information here.
What is Reiki?
Reiki is a form of hands on (or hands off) energy healing that’s designed to help improve the flow of life energy in you. It is pronounced ray key and the best interpretation of the Japanese word is “Universal Life Energy.” During a Reiki session, a practitioner works to restore, replenish and regulate your energy flow. It works on the body, mind and spirit by stimulating your own natural healing abilities.
Think about a flowing river that gets jammed up with logs (life events, illness, emotions). Although the water can still flow, it has to work harder and compensate to move along. During a session that flow is restored so that flow of energy has ease again.
Conversely, we have rivers that become raging with water flow because of the impact of a recent deluge of rain (high emotions and stress). During a session, a practitioner uses universal energy to bring your energy back to a natural flow.
Where did Reiki originate?
The form of Reiki that I use and teach is called Usui Reiki. Doctor Makaio Usui was a master teacher who spent time learning the faiths of Christianity, Buddhism, et cetera. He said he belonged to all faiths and none were to claim him.
He said. “When you have achieved true enlightenment, you are at the source where all is one.”
As the story is told, he meditated regularly and headed out to Mount Kurama for a 21 day fast and meditation. It is said that he carried 21 river stones in his pocket and each day he released one to aid him in counting the days. Up to the last day, he wasn’t given the messages he’d been seeking.
On the last day, he asked for God to show him the light, and he was surrounded by bright light with a focus on the third eye (one of the 7 main chakras) and this light knocked him out. During this altered state, it’s said that he was shown the sacred symbols that he’d heard about during his earlier studies and was also attuned to the energies. This was confirmation for him that he’d found the healing used by Buddha and Jesus. When Usui regained full consciousness, he proceeded to return down the mountain.
What were the five Reiki Miracles?
1)On his descent he stubbed and cut his toe. He instinctively placed his hand on the toe and the bleeding and pain stopped.
2)Upon arrival at a nearby village, he stopped to eat and rest. He was able, despite having fasted for 21 days, to eat a healthy meal without any stomach pain.
3)The girl who served Usui the meal was in great pain, suffering from a toothache. Usui asked if he could place his hands on her swollen face and she agreed. He was able to ease the swelling and the pain.
4) Usui returned to the monastery. Upon arrival, he found his friend, the Abbott, in bed suffering from severe arthritis. Once again, Usui was able to alleviate the pain and suffering.
Usui called this gift from God, Reiki, the Japanese word for universal life force.
The importance of energy exchange during Reiki
Usui’s lessons didn’t stop there. Doctor Usui went on to become a missionary and set out to heal the world. He started with large numbers of beggars in the city. He healed them of their ailments and told them to leave the streets and resume a normal life.
But Doctor Usui soon noticed that the same beggars were returning time after time period and he was disturbed by this pattern. He realized his error was in healing the beggars physically without teaching them anything. He concluded that it was necessary for an exchange to happen in order for beggars to value the healing and do something with it. He insisted on this value exchange and on teaching them to heal themselves. He soon noted those he healed in this manner were successful in making new lives for themselves.
In our time, this energetic exchange takes the form of money.
Doctor Usui’s story has changed many times through the years and nobody really knows the truth of it. There is widespread agreement that he connected to source energy, was given signs and started teaching others and attuning them to life source energy- called Reiki.
What are the Five Reiki Principles
These five principles can be used as guidelines, pinned up to read each morning or consider using them as a mantra.
- Just for today, I will not be angry.
- Just for today, I will not worry.
- Just for today, I will be grateful.
- Just for today, I will do my work honestly.
- Just for today, I will be kind to every living thing.
What are the benefits of Receiving Reiki?
The benefits can be emotional, physical, mental or spiritual- or body, mind and spirit.
Each participant’s experience is unique and no two sessions are the same. People have expressed relief of pain, stress, and reduced symptoms for various health conditions.
Some people gain relief from emotional challenges that have been plaguing them. These emotional challenges can show up as triggers- things that set us off that don’t make sense. “I should know better.”
If someone is having a session for relaxation, it’s rare that someone doesn’t feel relaxed after a session. If they are getting Reiki for the healing of more challenging issues, they might not feel relaxed (because some issues take work, effort and energy) but at least they will be relieved.
Who would most benefit from Reiki?
- People who would like to relax and get more balanced will find it advantageous. For those who live a stressful life (and who doesn’t these days), Reiki is a time to unplug and restore yourself and your energy.
- People who have given their energy to others and are ready to fill their own cup. Filling your own cup and allowing folks to have the overflow is a healthier way to live your life. Allowing others to take from your cup when there’s not even enough for you, isn’t healthy at all. Instead, consider filling YOU up first.
- People who are open to alternative therapies. Massage and acupuncture are quite well known and Reiki and Energy work are gaining ground. Because it can be done distance, it allows for people to get it from anyone and they can be anywhere. You can receive an energy treatment even when you aren’t in the same room, town, state or even time zone.
- People who don’t like to be touched. Because Reiki is energy and energy travels, you don’t have to be touched for the session. Whether you are in the same room or another place, the energy will go where it’s meant to go. When people first learn this healing modality, they are taught how to do it without laying hands on someone.
- People who have social anxiety or who don’t like to leave their homes. As stated above, the healing can be done remotely so if the thought of having to leave home, drive or physically be near another person wreaks havoc on someone’s system, they can do a distance session.
- People who want to participate in their healing. While receiving Reiki, you can tune in to see what you see, feel or hear that will support your healing journey. If you are working with a practitioner who is utilizing spirit guides and receiving messages, a conversation might happen during a session.
- People who wish to have assistance in their current medical treatment. Reiki practitioners aren’t doctors- unless they’ve gone to school for that. AND we’ve found that people facing a health opportunity (such as cancer or Parkinson’s) share that they feel much calmer when they are done with a session.
- People who are ready to be the one to heal the ancestral line. The healing energy reaches back 7 generations and forward 7 generations. How impactful would it be to give this gift to your children and their children and so on?
- People who have reached a time where they realize it’s “time for me”. There’s a crossroads in life and you aren’t sure what’s next. You know there’s more but you feel blocked in figuring it out. Perhaps you want to create something new. This form of energy healing can help unblock your Sacral Chakra- your energy center for creation.
- People who have a family member dealing with a health crisis. This goes back to filling your own cup. When a family member has a health crisis, it’s not uncommon to put yourself on the back burner to take care of that person. When you have a session you are taking care of you and supporting your system so that you can take care of you before taking care of someone else.
What is the anatomy of a Reiki Session
A Reiki session will be dependent upon the practitioner. (Find out more about a session with Yvette.) It’s not uncommon for there to be a conversation about what the focus should be based on your symptoms. From this conversation, an intention is set for the session.
It’s important to remember that we aren’t in charge though. There is an energetic knowing that’s greater than the Reiki practitioner and client. That universal knowing is where the universal energy is sourced. If something other than what’s intended needs attention, the Reiki energy will find its way there. Reiki is pure love and goes where it’s needed. It can also go to more places than it’s intended.
We “think” we know what has to be done or should be done. Part of receiving Reiki is trusting that your higher good is being considered. You, the Universe and your healer work as a triad.
What do chakras have to do with Reiki?
There are 7 main chakras and Reiki is designed to support them. Chakras are energy centers and Reiki works with energy.
Your chakras are formed at the first level during the first 7 years of your life. Each chakra is about one year. When you look below, you can see the relationship to life events.
For example the Base Chakra is linked to safety and security and in our first year we are unable to do anything ourselves. We rely on our food, shelter and safety from others. Our experience of these needs being met will influence the strength of that chakra.
The 7 main chakras and their focus areas are:
Base or root- safety and security
Sacral Chakra-creation and creativity
Solar Plexus Chakra- relationship to the world
Heart Chakra- accepting and giving love
Throat Chakra- communication
Third Eye/ Brow Chakra- intuition
The Crown- connection to divine
A chakra is an energy center in the body. Everything is energy. Everything. That means that we are too. Reiki works with the energy centers. Look back up to “What is Reiki” and the river analogy to see more about the energy of the chakras.
Chakra is derived from the Sanskrit word for “wheel” (cakra). It’s helpful to think of the chakras as wheels because in the ideal world they should be open, aligned and spinning evenly. Your chakras are the organs of your energetic world.
These chakras are energetically connected to your nerves and organs and energetic body; therefore, they impact your spiritual, physical, mental and emotional well being. For the best well being, you want them spinning and open to receive and release energy. When they are blocked, physical, emotional, spiritual and mental issues can arise. Think of a chakra like a revolving door between the inside and outside world.
Each of the 7 chakras is said to run along your spine and correspond with a name, number, color and physical body counterparts. These doors between the inside and outside world- or the organs of your energetic world- can be impacted from the time you are born to the moment you walk through the door for your first session.
An energy healer helps you attend to the energy of your chakras to make sure they are spinning evenly and clockwise. Part of the session is making sure that your chakras are not blocked. In addition, you can utilize food, crystals, essential oils, yoga, archangels, mantras, actions and other ways to support them.
How often should I get Reiki?
Because Reiki can be utilized for relaxation and self care or to support particular issues, the “how often” question is highly personalized.
When you are getting help with physical, spiritual, mental and emotional issues and challenges, you might want sessions more frequently to work through them and be supported while you work through them. **Please note that most Reiki practitioners are not therapists or medical doctors so when I talk about “work through issues” it’s about helping your body do what it naturally does. We can not diagnose illness or prescribe relief.
If you are struggling with the “how often should I get Reiki” Question, here are some things to ask yourself:
- Am I working with something emotional, physical, mental or spiritual?
- How quickly do I want to peel the layers away?
- How long has this been going on?
- Do I want more relaxation?
- Do I want to feel better?
- Is this something that needs time in between sessions so I can process it?
- Am I willing to take the time and energy to put myself first?
When someone is first starting and digging into something deeper, every other week is a good start. I don’t suggest more than once a week for deep work. If you are working through or processing situations, you’ll need time in between sessions. At minimum, or as maintenance, I suggest once a month. As a practitioner, I get at least one energy session a month because that self care has a rippling effect on those around me.
How do I find a Reiki healer?
With Reiki you are entrusting someone with your energy so it’s important to do a few things.
- Find someone with whom you are comfortable. You need trust.
- Find someone who is willing to answer your questions.
- Find someone who is continually doing their own personal growth.
- Find someone who gets energy work done from others.
- Ask if they have a resource of other healers if there’s something you need that isn’t their area of expertise.
- Ask your potential healing partner if they use other techniques during a healing session.
What is the difference between Reiki and Energy Healing?
Reiki is a form of energy healing. The practitioner is a conduit for the universal life force energy and moves it through themselves to you. No, it doesn’t hurt. In fact, each time a practitioner does Reiki, they are receiving the benefits.
When you upgrade to an energy healing session, it can encompass the utilization of additional tools. Crystals and oils are very commonly used during a session. Your energy healer might get messages from spirit guides to pass along to you. In addition, many Reiki practitioners have been trained in other modalities like Access Bars, EFT, Acupressure etc. and they add it to their practice.
Oftentimes the words Reiki and Energy healing are used interchangeably but Reiki is its own form of energy healing and can be done without the addition of other tools or modalities.
What part do crystals play in Reiki healing?
Crystals are a natural part of the healing process because we are made of minerals so our bodies recognize the healing energy of the crystals. According to the National Geographic over 4,000 natural minerals have been found on earth. That’s a lot of collecting to do! Although there are so many crystals to see and collect, there are main crystals that you’ll find energy workers utilize to support the 7 main chakras.
Below are some commonly utilized crystals for healing and supporting the chakras during a session. Practitioners can put the crystals on, under or near the body and the crystal’s energy will be part of the healing.
Base Chakra- Black Tourmaline- for protection
Sacral Chakra- Carnelian- for creativity
Solar Plexus Chakra- Citrine- for empowerment and confidence
Heart Chakra- Rose Quartz- for giving and accepting love
Throat Chakra- Sodalite- for clear communication
Third Eye Chakra- Amethyst- for better seeing truth
Crown Chakra- quartz- for spiritual and mental clarity
It’s important when you are choosing crystals that you connect with a reputable source for crystals. There are many crystals out there that have been color infused, manmade or altered in some way. Ask your practitioner for a reliable source when buying your crystals.
How are oils used during Reiki and Energy Healing?
Like with crystals, there are oils that support each of the chakras. They can support the body physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally. It can’t be stressed enough, the importance of working with high grade quality oils. Whether you are diffusing them or putting them on the skin, they are getting on the body and their quality matters.
There are many oils that support each of the chakras but here is a list of one main one for each chakra. The good news is that you can find other oils to support the chakras if you don’t like these scents.
Base Chakra- Patchouli
Sacral Chakra- Ylang-ylang
Solar Plexus Chakra- Lemon oil
Heart Chakra- Rose Oil
Throat Chakra- Clove
Third Eye Chakra- Clary Sage
Crown Chakra- Frankincense
Can anyone learn how to do Reiki?
Anyone can learn how to do Reiki. It’s about being ready, willing and open to what Reiki can teach you about yourself. During the learning of Reik you are attuned mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically and this can create a clean out of sorts. Being willing to look at issues and challenges that come up is important as is being willing to accept an amazing and light filled life. Only Reiki masters can teach Reiki and masters have taken level 3 Reiki and are living the Reiki principles.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that you already have to feel energy, see colors, be connected to spirit guides in order to learn. Level one- where you start- is about learning the basics of all of those things. With Reiki each person’s experience will be different right from the start and as you work with energy, what you can do and feel will change.
What are the Levels of Reiki?
There are three levels of Reiki. Every Reiki Master’s classes will contain some differences but this is the basic overview for the classes I teach.
Reiki 1- At this level you’ll get an introductory lesson to the history and principles of Reiki. In addition, you’ll learn your Usui lineage- ancestral lines are important in life. Self Reiki is the focus and you’ll learn about chakras, colors and crystals. The self Reiki hand placements will also be learned. You’ll get a physical, emotional, spiritual and mental attunement. This level is about focusing on you, opening your energy field and chakras and your connection to life force energy and spirit guides. You are reconnected to your inner self and if you go no further than level 1, you’ll have a great tool for personal growth and health.
Reiki 2- With this level, you learn to work on others and which hand placements impact what chakras. You will also learn three of the Reiki symbols. Cho Ku Rei (the power symbol), Seh He Ki (mental and emotional healing), and Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen (distance healing) In addition, you’ll learn the protocols for distance healing and some general guidelines when working on others. At this level, you will do some “hands on” practice.
Reiki 3- This level is called Reiki Master Level. In this class you learn a 4th Reiki symbol, review Levels 1 and 2 to clarify and deepen your understanding of chakras, crystals, spirit guide connection and best practices. Reiki 3 is about living Reiki rather than just doing Reiki. At this level, you are also able to teach others.
How to choose a Reiki Teacher
Yes, you can just intuitively know that you were directed to take Reiki with someone or you see an ad and feel that it’s now the time. However, a few suggestions if you are looking for guidance would be:
- Have a Reiki session with someone as part of your interview process. Find out if you like their energy. There is a sacred energy exchange that happens when you are attuned- and you want to trust the person who is in your energy field.
- Ask any questions you need to be comfortable. Do you want to know what will be learned, how long the class will be or how many breaks will be given? Ask.
- Look for testimonials. Does the Reiki Master have the words of former students to share? It might be someone’s first time and so it’s all about being comfortable with their energy.
- Trust that the person you chose is the right one. The universe leads us where we are meant to be for lessons. However, if your spidey senses are triggered, listen and find someone else.
No matter how you participate in the loving energy of Reiki; receive it, learn it, self-healing or helping others on their healing journeys, it’s worth every single moment!
