Reiki (pronounced Ray-Kee) is an ancient Japanese healing art which was developed by Dr. Mikao Usui in 1922 during a spiritual retreat. He began performing Reiki treatments and teaching the practice to students, who then passed on the knowledge to Reiki masters worldwide.

The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words – Rei which means “Higher Power” and Ki which is “life force energy”. So Reiki is actually “spiritually guided life force energy.” It is based on the idea that everything in the world has an unseen energy or life force. This flows through the physical body through energy centers called chakras. It nourishes the cells and organs while supporting them in their functions. When stress, illness, disease, negativity disrupt this natural flow the function of the body becomes diminished. Reiki treats the mind, body and spirit and can help restore a sense of positivity and wellbeing.

Reiki heals by flowing through the affected parts of the body’s natural field, through the Chakras charging them with positive energy. A Reiki practitioner acts as a channel to provide energy and clear existing blockages. It is an excellent technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing, there are no negative effects. The therapist will perform a variety of hand sweeps, some resting on the body (over blankets or clothes) and some hovering just above the body to allow the energy to flow most effectively.

It is an intuitive, non-invasive technique, which is excellent used in conjunction with other modalities, such as massage therapy. The effects of a Reiki treatment vary as every person is different, but many experience a deep relaxation, and a sense of peaceful calm.