By Susan Day, RN, MSN, LMT, CR, VSTCP, Reiki Master

Often, as an energy practitioner, I am asked what is Reiki (pronounced Ray-kee). The Japanese word Reiki derives from rei (universal) and ki (life energy). What many cultures over thousands of years already knew, science today is just proving we are energy. Our entire surroundings are energy, hence why the word reiki means universal life energy. Our personal energy is found within our physical body, and beyond our physical body are our emotional, mental, and spiritual bodies. These are housed in what is referred to as an aura. When we interact with others, when we walk in nature, swim in lakes, or feel the grass under our feet, our aura connects with the universal energy in small yet powerful exchanges of energy.

When one practices Reiki, or energy work, the practitioner puts aside their own personal energy to call in this universal life energy. The practitioner then channels a larger amount of this universal life energy to the client at specific energy points in the body. Although the body contains many different energy points and pathways that the energy may travel, the most common energy points accessed are known as chakras. At each energy point, the vibration of the energy, the gentle touch or hover of the practitioner’s hand, creates a peace within. Once the body receives the energy, blockages of congested energy pockets that slow or disrupt the flow of your personal life energy start to unwind and flow optimally. Thus, the energy can move uninterrupted. So, how are blockages created? Some examples include everyday stressors, spiritual distress, not being able to express verbally what needs to be said, excessive worry, self-doubt, strained relationships, and the list goes on. When these energy blockages are not addressed That’s when the body experiences disease, which may present as a physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual problem.

The energy session is a partnership between you and your practitioner. The practitioner is the facilitator, the person that holds the energetic space for you, channels the universal life energy, and creates a nurturing, safe environment. I use the words nurturing and safe because when you are ready for an energy session, it is about surrendering and being ready for change. In fact, once the session is complete and your energy is flowing and going how it should, the choices you make next when you are finished with your session create a new role for you as your own healer. This is important to understand, as you will start to notice differences in how you respond to your environment, the people around you, and the choices you make.

In contemporary society, clearing energy blocks has many different names and forms. For example, Usui Reiki (most common in the West), Five Element Reiki, Holy Fire® Reiki, Integrated Energy Therapy® or IET, Karuna® Reiki, Intuitive Reiki, and Chakra Balancing, just to name a few. Before choosing one, consider what your personal comfort level may be, and research different ones to determine what resonates best with you. Also consider there are some medical conditions in which energy work should not be practiced or the session should be delayed for proper healing. An example would be after the surgical placement of a cardiac pacemaker. Please make sure you provide your energy practitioner with an accurate health history.

Things to consider when searching for a practitioner.

1. When looking for a practitioner, seek a Reiki or Energist at a Master, Grand Master, or higher level.

2. Each state is different as far as laws to touch; if the practitioner does not have a license to touch, then the practitioner will hover their hands over the body. If the practitioner has a license to touch, they may hover and touch the body at different energy locations.

3. Some practitioners use different modalities to create a vibration to assist the movement of energy. These may include various types of crystals, sound healing instruments, drums or rattles, essential oils, colored lights, or vocal toning.

4. The length of sessions may range from 30 minutes to 120 minutes, and prices vary depending on the location, length of the session, and the level of the practitioner.

What to expect for your first visit:

Once you have scheduled your visit, your practitioner may have specific instructions for you, but here are some general things to consider.

1. Clients remain dressed, so wear comfortable clothes that allow you to take deep breaths. The act of breathing itself helps move energy.

2. Make sure you are hydrated. It’s best to avoid alcohol, recreational drugs, and drink less coffee/caffeinated beverages 24 hours before and after a session.

3. Have an intention ready and talk to your practitioner about your intention. Intention is everything with energy work as it gives the energy in your body direction. The more you can give your body direction, the more it will listen. After the session you may choose to say the intention daily and repeat throughout the day. Example of an intention: Today I will love myself
unconditionally.

4. Energy work can take place on a massage table, hospital bed, floor, or a chair. If you have specific mobility needs please address this with the practitioner so they can determine the best way to assist your needs.

5. Do not be afraid to ask questions of your practitioner before, during, or after your session. Some
practitioners talk during the session while others don’t. Either way, speak up.

6. During sessions you may feel the movement of energy, recall childhood memories, feel an emotion releasing, or nothing at all. When the energy of the body moves, it may be expressed as burping, crying, laughing, jerking body movement, screaming, tingling, buzzing, or singing. So do not be afraid to cry or laugh during a session and then give yourself kudos for moving energy!

7. After a session there is a range of responses. Some may feel tired because a lot of unwinding of energy occurred. Still others may feel lighter or an overwhelming sense of joy. The session may continue to process for several days even after you are finished. In this time frame, you may have an emotional release or continue to feel the body unwind. If you choose to, give your body thanks for holding that emotion or stress and then ask for something better to take its place like joy, peace, support, or clarity. And speak it out loud if you choose so your body can hear.

In Health,

Susan Day, RN, MSN, LMT, CR, VSTCP, Reiki Master