We recently added Reiki to our services, and maybe you're wondering "why reiki?"
Massage is an interesting therapy in its own right. There's certainly the physical effects (from touch, pressure, pace, area), but there's also the energetic element that is a bit more elusive. Effects on mood, thoughts, and other less concrete aspects of ourselves can be difficult to quantify or describe. But we've all likely experienced something like the post-massage glow, or the sudden wash of calm during a session.
Where massage is mainly a body focused modality with some energetic impact, Reiki is an energetic modality that may have some elements of touch. It's no wonder they are often in the same circles. So let's talk a bit more about what Reiki is and does.
Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and animates all life. Reiki is similar to the Chinese word Qi (Chi) and Prana which is the Sanskrit word for the same concept. The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words - Rei which means "God's Wisdom or the Higher Power" and Ki which is "life force energy”.
Reiki falls under the umbrella of Biofield therapies. A Biofield is a field of energy and information or “energy blueprint” that surrounds and penetrates the organism. Other Biofield therapies include Biofield tuning, Qigong, and therapeutic touch to name a few. This means that Reiki not only addresses issues within the body but also issues that live in your Biofield or aura.
A Reiki practitioner may gently lay their hands on or near the client's body, though they will not be doing any massage or manipulation. The work they are doing is in awareness and energy, not in manipulating the physical body.
So what should you expect from your Reiki session? Well, that will wary as each session and each client will be different. You may feel relaxed, peaceful, or warm; or like you're in a meditative state. You may also experience emotional responses, images, realizations, or body sensations. All of these are normal. Even falling asleep is a normal response!
Reiki is very gentle and healing. Whether you are in desperate need of some down time to focus inward, or you're in a pleasant place in life and just want to experience an energy session, Reiki is available for you.
