Common Questions
Q. How does Reiki Work?
A. We are alive because of the life force that flows through us. The energy or "Ki" flows within the physical body using pathways called "chakras" and around the body in an energy field called the "aura." The free and balanced flow of energy is the reason for health. When our energy flow is disrupted, it causes diminished functioning of our tissues and organs. Therefore, it is a disruption of our energy flow that causes illness.
Energy is also responsible for our thoughts and feelings. When we have a positive outlook on life, we increase our energy flow and we feel better. When negative thoughts become lodged in the subconscious mind, they create a disruption of our energy flow. Depending on the site of the blockage, certain cells and organs can then become affected by the diminished flow. If we do not release these blocks of energy, we can eventually become ill.
When a person receives a Reiki treatment, the God-consciousness part of the energy assesses where the person has the blocks and directs the healing energy there. The Reiki energy then works with negative thoughts and feelings that are blocking one's natural flow of energy. By flowing through the affected parts of the energy field and charging them with positive energy, Reiki raises the vibrational level in and around the physical body where the negative thoughts and feelings are attached. This causes the negative energy block to break apart and fall away. Reiki clears, straightens, and heals the energy pathways, thus allowing a healthy flow of energy.
Q. Where does reiki energy come from?
A. Reiki energy is different than electrical energy, chemical energy, or even physical energy. Reiki energy comes from the Higher Power. It exists on a different plane than the earthly one. When we are attuned to receive it, reiki comes from a different dimension and enters our body through our head and flows through us and then out our hands to the client. Reiki never uses our own personal energy. In fact, since it comes from the Higher power, the supply is endless.
Q. How is a treatment given?
A. In a standard treatment reiki flows from the practitioners hands into the client. The client is usually laying on a massage table, but may be seated in a chair if necessary. The healer places his/her hands on and around the body in a series of positions starting with the head and working down the body. Then the client flips over onto their stomach and the healer starts with the head again and works their way down the body to the feet. Each position is held for 5 to 10 minutes and a whole treatment lasts between 45 minutes to 1 and 1/2 hours. Positions may be held longer to treat specific conditions
Q. Who can learn Reiki?
A. The ability to learn Reiki is not based on intellectual capacity nor does one have to be able to meditate. It does not take years of practice. It is simply passed on from the teacher to the student during an attunement. Once this is done, the student has Reiki and can use it. Because of this, it is easily learned by anyone. Reiki is a pure form of healing not dependent on individual talent or acquired ability.
Q. What does a reiki treatment feel like?
A. What people experience during a reiki session varies from person to person. However, most people feel the energy as heat. Feelings of deep relaxation are generally felt by all. In addition, some feel a glowing radiance that surrounds them. As the reiki energy encourages one to let go of all tension, anxiety, fear, or other negative feelings, some drift off to sleep or report floating outside of their bodies. Some report mystical visions and some see colors. At the end of the treatment, one feels refreshed with a positive, more balanced outlook.
Q. What can be treated with reiki?
A. Reiki has had a positive impact on all forms of illness and negative conditions. This includes minor things like head or stomach aches, bee stings, cold and flu, tensions and anxiety as well as serious illness such as heart disease, cancer, leukemia, etc. The side effects of regular medical treatments have also been reduced or eliminated. This includes the negative affects of chemotherapy, post operative pain and depression, as well as reducing the time it takes to heal. Reiki always helps and in some cases people have experienced complete healings which have been confirmed by medical tests before and after Reiki treatments. However, while some have experienced miracles, they cannot be guaranteed. Stress reduction with some improvements in ones physical and psychological condition are what most experience.
Q. Does it mean I have to stop seeing a doctor or psychologist to receive a treatment?
A. No. Reiki works in conjunction with regular medical and psychological treatment. If one has a medical of psychological condition, it is recommended that they see a licensed health care professional in addition to receiving reiki treatments. Reiki energy works in conjunction with all other forms of healing, including drugs, surgery, psychological care or any other method of alternative care and will improve the results.
Q. Can I treat myself?
A. Yes, once you have received the attunement, you can treat yourself and others. This is one of the unique features of reiki.
Q. I have heard that reiki can be sent to others at a distance. How does this work?
A. Yes, in reiki II you are given three reiki symbols. These symbols are empowered by the reiki II attunement. One of these symbols is for distance healing. By using a picture of the person you would like to send healing to, or writing the person's name on a piece of paper or simply by thinking of the person and also activating the distance symbol, you can send reiki to them no matter where they are. They could be hundreds of miles away, but it makes no difference. The reiki energy will go to them and treat them. You can also send reiki energy to crisis situations or world leaders and the reiki energy will help them too.
Q. Are all Reiki healers the same?
A. Unfortunately not. Every time you use your Reiki, it becomes stronger in your body and you are able to channel more energy. Therefore, it is wise when choosing a healer to choose one who has been practicing for a while. Also, the more attunements a person has, the more energy they are able to channel. Thus giving you a more powerful session. Lastly, when giving a Reiki treatment, the energy comes through the healer first and then into the client. The healers body takes what energy it needs first. When choosing a healer, it is recommended that you choose one who is healthy and takes good care of themselves so that more of the energy comes through to you.
Q. What is an Attunement?
A. Reiki is not taught the way other healing energies are taught. The ability is transferred to the student by the Reiki Master during the attunement process. During the attunement, the Rei or God-Consciousness makes adjustments in the students chakras and energy pathways to accommodate the ability to channel Reiki and then links the student to the energy source. These changes are unique to each person. The Reiki Master does not direct this process but is merely a energy channel from the higher power. The Reiki attunement is a powerful spiritual experience for most people. It is often attended by angels and guides.
Once you have received an attunement, Reiki is with you for the remainder of your life. It will never wear off and you can never loose it. One attunement per level is all that is required. However additional attunements will strengthen the level of energy in you body as well as promote healing. Students often report an increased level of psychic ability and healing of personal problems after an attunement.
Q. How do I find a Reiki teacher that is right for me?
A. Reiki teachers or Masters advertise in many magazines and also post notices at health food stores, new age bookstores and other places. Once you find a Reiki teacher or practitioner you are interested in receiving training or a treatment from, it is a good idea to ask them some important questions. Here are a few that will give you additional information to make a choice.
• How long have you been working with Reiki? What training have you had? How often do you teach? How do you personally use Reiki? What is your lineage?
• What qualifications are required to take Reiki Training?
• What do you cover in your classes? How many hours of class time is included? How much time is instructional, and how much is hands on practice?
• What are the specific things I will be able to do after taking the training?
• What are your fees, and will I get a certificate and a manual?
• Can I take notes and tape record the class?
• How many symbols will I learn?
• Is there a Reiki support group in my area or can you help me establish one?
• Will you openly support me in being a successful Reiki practitioner or Master?
• Do you have a positive respectful attitude toward other Reiki practitioners and Masters regardless of lineage or affiliation?
Be aware of how you feel about their answers and if they are responding in a loving manner that is supportive and empowering. Listen to your heart and you will be guided to the right teacher or practitioner.
Q. Why do I have to wait 21 days between attunements?
A. While the 21 days is traditional, it also is how long it takes the attunement to actually fully settle on your body. You don't want to receive the next level of energy coming in if the first has not fully integrated. You would feel like you were jumping through your skin.
Q. What is this "cleansing process" after an attunement?
A. The reiki attunement can start a cleansing process which affects the physical as well as emotional bodies. Toxins that have been stored in the body may be released along with feelings and thought patterns that are no longer useful. This does not always happen. But when it does it is important to understand what is happening so you can support its completion. Whenever change takes place, even if it is good, a period of adjustment is necessary so that your body can get used
Q. Is It A Religion?
A. While Reiki is
spiritual in nature, it is not a Religion. It has no dogma, and there is nothing
you must believe in order to learn and use Reiki. In fact, Reiki is not
dependent on belief at all and will work whether you believe in it or
not.
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