ReikiReiki (ray-key) is a natural method of healing and balancing the life-force energy (also known as chi, prana, or ki) present in all living things. It originated in ancient tibet and was rediscovered in the late 1800s by Dr. Mikao Usui, a Japanese physician, who named it Reiki (Japanese for universal life force or life energy). In this natural healing method, light hand placements are used on or near the body in order to guide this healing energy to all aspects of the bodymind.
Scientific OriginFrom a scientific point of view, Reiki exists on the subatomic plane - the realm beyond the discernment of our physical senses. There, it is 'non polarized' energy - energy that has no uniform wave pattern and carries neither a positive or negative charge. Once it leaves the subatomic world, Reiki must polarize because it is entering the physical, manifest world where it is acted upon by time. As it polarizes, the energy takes a uniform pattern carrying a positive charge at the peak of each wave, and a negative charge at the base of each wave.In its uniformity, Reiki is a harmonic and works to restore the balance and free flow of energy. Once it is released into an 'energy blueprint' (e.g. all living things: the human body, plants, animals, the earth) containing a state of disharmony or dis-ease, Reiki acts to restore balance on a vibrational frequency level. So as the Reiki practitioner begins a session, the energy manifests onto the physical plane through the healer's hands. Once within the body, Reiki acts as a harmonic and seeks the frequency of greatest disturbance. It then polarizes, forming a 'mirror image' of that disharmonious frequency or rogue wave pattern, and works to neutralize it. In this way, disturbance is gradually unlayered, harmony and well being are restored, and the body's natural ability to heal itself is accelerated.
Reiki Energy and theWhen life is viewed in terms of energy, every living thing can be seen as a spectrum of vibrations or energetic frequencies. Thus, when considering the human body, everything within it vibrates at a specific rate. Bones, muscles, connective tissue, blood, thoughts, and emotions; each of these components is emitting a vibrational frequency all its own. Elements of greater density vibrate at a slower frequency. Bones, heavy by nature, represent one of the slowest frequencies in the body. As density decreases, the rate of vibration increases. Blood, lighter than bone, vibrates at a higher frequency. And thoughts, a network of neurons synapsing in the brain, represent some of the highest vibrational frequencies.
Vibrational Spectrum of LifeWhen in perfect balance, all systems and components within the bodymind complex are synchronized to communicate effectively and send out harmonious vibrations. Optimum health depends upon this symphony of communication taking place physically, mentally, emotionally, and energetically. For many of us these lines of communication have been impaired or severed through prolonged stress, trauma, or injury leading to lowered vitality, and resistance. When energetic balance is compromised the stage for dis-ease is set. Illness eventually develops and begins to create what we experience as pain. Pain is the result of an unhealthy frequency being emitted into the body from the site of disturbance. Illness or dis-ease carry these frequency patterns. They are non-uniform and the vibration being broadcast into the body creates a state of discomfort.
Reiki energy vibrates at a frequency higher than all of the components contained within the bodymind, healthy and unhealthy. It works with the innate wisdom to identify, unlayer and 'shake loose' lower vibratory patterns, thus providing the assistance necessary to the innate wisdom in restoring health and vitality.
Reiki and the Body's Innate WisdomThe body has a consciousness all its own, separate from the conscious and unconscious mind. It is often referred to as 'innate wisdom' or 'higher self.' This body consciousness understands and directs all aspects and functions of the bodymind complex. For example, when we cut ourselves, unless the severity of the injury requires stitches there is little we need to do in the way of making the repair. The innate wisdom marshals the inner resources of our body to heal the cut. We may choose to provide support in the form dressing and bandaging, yet this simply hastens healing which would take place naturally without assistance. Another demonstration of the innate wisdom at work is the autonomic functioning of the body such as respiration and circulation. There is no conscious thought necessary to keep us breathing, our hearts beating and our blood circulating. This all happens automatically, directed and maintained by the innate wisdom.Reiki 'communicates' with this innate wisdom in assessing the frequency of greatest disturbance or dis-ease within the body. In a traditional Reiki session, the hand placements are designed to offer healing energy to all of the chakras, associated organs and endocrine systems. The body is addressed from front to back, head to toes, crown to root chakras. Reiki energy enters the body wherever the practitioners hands are placed. This location acts as the portal of entry for this healing energy, and receives benefit as such. However, once within the body, Reiki works with the innate wisdom and is directed to the area where it is most needed. This may or may not be the area where the hands are placed, and the receiver will often report that they feel the energy traveling to a different part of the body. The Reiki treatment dissolves energy blockages throughout the bodymind, balancing chakras, organs, endocrines and all aspects of the flow of life energy.
BenefitsReiki cleanses, clears, aligns, and balances the subtle energy centers and meridians within the body-mind, thereby bringing greater health, vitality, and balance to our lives. Some of the benefits of Reiki include relief of pain, fatigue, and anxiety, as well as the promotion of a feeling of relaxation and well-being. For those coping with any situation in which energy depletion and discomfort are a factor, Reiki offers a way to relieve discomfort and reenergize. Reiki is also an excellent first aid tool to hasten the healing process in postoperative recovery, childbirth, emergency situations, and any circumstances in which the body has undergone an invasion. It accelerates and enhances the body's own natural ability to heal itself.
Energy Flow and ComfortIt is preferable to wear non-synthetic clothing (i.e. cotton, silk, or wool; rayon also works well as it is made primarily from trees). Natural fabrics allow the optimum flow of energy along the surface of the body. At best synthetics impede the flow of energy along the body, and at worst the flow is blocked. It is also advisable to remove all jewelry when receiving Reiki. Metal sets up a magnetic field which also interferes with the free flow of energy along the surface of the body. Although the recipient remains fully clothed, it is often of benefit to remove restrictive clothing (e.g. ties, nylons/tights, wire reinforced bras) in order to be more comfortable and relaxed. The body is in a state of heightened awareness during a session and such restrictions can feel uncomfortable and distracting.
Treatment - What to ExpectDuring the session, the person being treated lies comfortably on a massage table with a pillow or bolster under their knees to protect the low back from undue stress. Blankets and extra pillows are always available to increase comfort and warmth if need be. The session begins with the recipient lying face up while the practitioner places their hands over strategic body positions designed to direct the flow of energy to the chakras and associated organ and endocrine systems of the body. Halfway through the hour, the person receiving turns face down and the session continues.A Reiki session lasts from one to one and a half hours in length. The area in which the session is offered is arranged to promote a feeling of relaxation and peace. It is normally quiet with only the addition of soft music. The person receiving can focus on themselves, going deep within, and take a break from daily stress and tension.
Falling asleep or entering a deep meditative state of mind is a normal response to receiving Reiki. This can be an indicator of a number of different factors. Most of us do not get enough rest, and the act of lying down even for short periods of time can prompt a state of deep relaxation. Add to that a constant flow of healing energy, and the stage is set for the body to go into a restorative mode.
IntegrationOnce the session is complete, the person receiving is invited to take a few minutes to integrate and absorb the work before beginning to sit up. It is common to experience a deep sense of peace and relaxation followed by a feeling of being energized. At least an hour of free time is recommended following the appointment to allow for a gradual reentry to the world. Eating a healthy meal, taking a leisurely walk, or sitting quietly are activities which often serve as a good transition to resuming whatever is planned for the rest of the day.
Improved Metabolism and DetoxificationReiki accelerates and enhances the body's own natural ability to heal itself. One of the results of this is improved metabolism. This can increase the body's ability to deal effectively with illness and stimulate a detoxification process. Immediately after the treatment, a feeling of relaxation and peace is common.Occasionally short-lived symptoms of detoxification may be experienced. These are usually specific to the physiology of the person in question, and most often include a feeling of mild fatigue. This is just the body's period of 'clearing out'. The process may be minimal if the recipient is in optimal health, or it may last a short period of time. Ideally, to allow for minimum discomfort and accelerate the detoxification, it is advisable to receive a series of at least 3 Reiki treatments in fairly quick succession.
Reiki ClassesReiki can be explored in three powerful seminars which teach the recipient the three levels of this healing modality. Each level of training offers transformational self healing techniques and includes a protocol for treating self and others. There are no prerequisites; anyone can learn this simple and profoundly healing discipline. Each class provides comprehensive information pertinent to the level of training taken, hands-on practice in giving and receiving a Reiki session, Reiki practitioner certification and a detailed, illustrated manual for future reference.Professional ProfileHallie has trained to the Master Teacher level of Reiki with two different Reiki Master Teachers. She has been teaching all levels of Reiki since 2000 and is an approved continuing education credit provider for the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage. She offers individual appointments, introductory lectures, and Reiki classes in New York State, Connecticut, and surrounding areas upon request. The curriculum is portable and can be tailor-made for special interest groups and organizations wanting to introduce the benefits of this healing modality to members, employees and clients.
Appointments and TrainingSchedule an Appointment for Reiki. For upcoming training, please see the 'Take A Class' aspect of this website accessible in the navigation bar along the top of each page or contact Hallie to check on dates and times for classes.
Back to Top.
Back to Home Page