| Reiki is one of the more widely known forms of | | | | comfortable and relaxed. The Reiki practitioner will |
| energy healing and involves strengthening the | | | | then place his or her hands on or above you in a |
| client's energy system by directing the energy | | | | series of positions. As they do so your body will |
| flow. | | | | draw the energy that is needs to heal itself. You |
| In the same way that an acupuncturist will direct | | | | may feel this as heat or cold, a mild tingling or |
| energy flow through needles, a Reiki practitioner | | | | other sensations. The practitioner will also be able |
| will direct energy in a particular way to heal and | | | | to feel this energy flow and will channel energy to |
| balance the body using their hands. | | | | where it is needed most. |
| It has been effective in helping virtually every | | | | Your body will only draw in the energy that it |
| known illness and has several basic effects:o | | | | needs making Reiki a gentle and safe therapy. It |
| Brings about deep relaxationo Releases energy | | | | complements conventional medicine and other |
| blockageso Detoxifies the systemo Provides | | | | alternative therapies well. You should always let |
| energy. | | | | your doctor or other therapist know that you are |
| The practice of reiki evolved in Japan in the early | | | | having Reiki, just as you should let your Reiki |
| 20th Century from the work of Dr Mikao Usis. | | | | practitioner know of any medication or other |
| Eastern cultures have long recognised that there | | | | treatments you are taking. |
| is an energy force flowing through all living things | | | | After a Reiki treatments you should rest if |
| that is vital to our health and well being. In China | | | | possible to allow the energy to work and should |
| this is called 'chi' and in India 'prana'. In Japanese | | | | drink plenty of water to aid the detox process. |
| the word reiki means 'universal energy' and it is | | | | Make sure that you learn to listen to your body |
| this energy or life force that a reiki practitioner | | | | and rest, eat, drink, exercise etc when you need |
| works with during a treatment. | | | | to. |
| During a treatment you will normally be asked to | | | | Yoga and T'ai Chi are good forms of exercise to |
| lie down, although reiki can be done in a sitting | | | | help keep your body's energy flowing freely. |
| position. What is important is that you are | | | | |