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What is Reiki? Reiki (pronounced ray-key) is defined as a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. (Reiki The Healing Touch – (William Lee Rand, 1991). Rei is (Universal) and Ki is (life energy).
If I could define Reiki, it would be a sacred magical connection to self, promoting emotional and physical healing empowerment and peace.
I was first introduced to Reiki at a time in my life when I was stressed, depleted and searching for connection. Connection to something, but I didn’t know what. After a friend described her experience with a Reiki practitioner I quickly made an appointment, intrigued by the idea that Reiki was about working with my energy and would possibly help me to feel more relaxed. I arrived at the space. She had calming music and invited me to lie down on a massage table, covering me with a warm blanket. She explained how Reiki works: Working with the frequencies of life energy that flows within and around us all, passing through our physical body, a healer attuned to this energy is able to connect, feel and guide energy, creating balance and flow to the client’s energy field.
The experience was life-changing for me. In the first session, as she held her hands close to different areas of my body, I began to feel different sensations throughout my body. I could see colors and movement while my eyes were closed, and I could hear thoughts of about people in my mind that I had not thought about for many years. Answers to these thoughts appeared in my mind effortlessly, such as ”They did the best they could.” As she spoke, she asked me questions that seemed synchronistic to events and feelings that I had recently felt and experienced. I was in awe.
Following the session I left feeling lighter in my thoughts and physical body. The days and weeks going forward I had a greater sense of confidence, peace and increased energy. Aches and pains had lessened. What was this magic? I was sold! Sign me up!
As I continued on my own personal healing journey, and as a Registered Nurse, I knew immediately that I wanted to provide this same experience and feeling of growth and peace to others. In a short time, I became certified as a Reiki Practitioner and then Master Teacher. Reiki has instilled a feeling of calm within me. A stability. It shifted my self-awareness. I often hear the same from Clients who come with feelings of sadness or describe a sense of heaviness in their body and being. Some feel anxious or unsettled. Leaving a session they report feeling lighter. Calmer. Clearer. More in charge of themselves. This is the gift of Reiki.
What to expect at a reiki session
Everyone is unique. Unique in their experiences, feelings and reactions. When a practitioner is working with your energy body the experience is going to be unique and individual to you. The following are common experiences:
Memories, thoughts and emotions may come to the surface of your awareness or mind.
Sensations within your physical body. It is common to feel sensations, such as movement, vibration, temperature changes, numbness and tingling, a feeling of release or decreased pain.
Increased intuitive ability, a sense of knowing, or visual experiences during or /and after the session.
Falling asleep or having a feeling of rest and calm.
Reiki can be performed in person and at a distance. In person Reiki can be indoors or outdoors and does not require you to undress. Reiki is performed with a gentle touch over clothes or without physical touch while the practitioner’s hands hover above you. Discuss with your practitioner what you are most comfortable with. (More on Distance Reiki)
6 tips to prepare for a reiki session
Determine your healer uses Reiki: There are many types of energy healing that use life energy (Ki) but not all use Reiki. Reiki can only be channeled by someone who has received a Reiki energy placement.
Ask what level of Reiki the healer has received: Laying on hands techniques have been administered for thousands of years and healers come from different lineages of healing Masters. Level 1 Practitioners can perform Self Reiki, Level 2 perform Reiki to others, and Master Level may provide Reiki to others and often teach Reiki.
Eat lightly at least 1 hour before. This allows for a clearer energetic experience as your energy will not be directed to digesting.
Refrain from recreational drugs and alcohol for at least 24 hrs if possible. This allows for a clearer healing and intuitive experience.
Have an open mind and trust the process. I often find the more relaxed and inviting people are to the experience, the more connected they are to the healing signs and shifts the Reiki provides.
Set any intentions for your experience and share them with your practitioner. This invites Reiki to work not only where it is needed but also opens your intention to healing and can assist in powerful healing shifts.
Experience the magic today
If you are ready to learn more about Reiki, how it works, or to start your healing journey contact me here.
Read more from Nickola Ceccarelli
Nickola Ceccarelli, Mindfulness and Reiki Master Teacher
Nickola is a Registered Nurse, Certified Adult and Child Mindfulness Facilitator, Reiki Master Teacher supporting individuals of all ages on the path to healing and empowerment. With over 25 years of experience in caregiving, Nickola understood the heaviness and exhaustion that comes with caring for others and the profound impact mindfulness and energy healing can have.
She is the founder of Starlite Guide Wellness, which offers in person and on line workshops, training and energy healing modalities.
