What is Reiki?
Reiki (pronounced RAY-key) is a non-intrusive, hands-on healing art that originated in the ancient Far East. While its exact origins are not known, it is believed to have been reintroduced to Japan in the late 1800’s and in recent years has spread to other countries. What is known is that hands-on healing has been around for many centuries and has been known in many cultures. Reiki gently and powerfully promotes healing through stress reduction and relaxation and can be used to alleviate any form of disease – chronic or acute – in the physical body, as well as helping with emotional, mental or spiritual imbalances.
The word Reiki combines two Japanese words: Rei and ki. The first can be translated as “spiritual consciousness or soul”. Ki , known as chi in Chinese medicine, refers to the life force or vital energy that animates all living things. Reiki can therefore be defined as ‘spiritually guided life energy’. While Reiki is spiritual in nature, it is not affiliated with any religion or practice.
How does it work?
Reiki enhances and balances the body’s systems – helping to restore and maintain the essential balance in the body.
What does a Reiki session look like?
In a Reiki session, the client lies fully clothed on a massage table while soft relaxing music may be played. The session is usually carried out without any unnecessary talking.
The treatment proceeds with the practitioner placing their hands on the recipient in various positions, beginning with the head. Practitioners may, however, use a non-touching technique where the hands are held a few inches away from the recipient’s body for some or all of the positions. The hands are usually kept in a position for three to five minutes before moving to the next position. Overall, the hand positions usually give a general coverage of the head, the front and back of the torso, the knees, and feet. Between 12 and 20 positions are used, with the whole treatment lasting anywhere from 45 to 60 minutes.
Reiki is a therapeutic process and can never harm a person receiving the treatment. Reiki enhances but does not interfere with medications or other medical treatment. Most clients experience deep relaxation and a profound relief of stress that opens the door to self-healing.
What do I feel during and after a Reiki treatment?
The recipient often feels warmth or tingling in the area being treated, even when a non-touching approach is being used. A state of deep relaxation, combined with a general feeling of well-being, is usually the most noticeable immediate effect of the treatment, although emotional releases can also occur.
Reiki treatments may help
Reiki treatments may help:
- Reduce pain
- Stimulate and/or speed the body’s healing process
- Relax the recipient’s nervous system
- Lower blood pressure
- Relieve levels of anxiety and depression
- Promote restful sleep
- Heighten sense of well-being
- Calm emotions
“You don’t get that from an aspirin,” commented one client after their Reiki session.
How many treatments do I need?
A series of three or more treatments, typically at intervals of three to seven days, is usually recommended if a chronic condition is being addressed. Regular treatments (“tune-ups”) on an on-going basis can be used to help maintain wellness and promote vibrant health. The interval between such treatments is typically in the range of two to four weeks. Frequency of treatments will be discussed after your first treatment and incorporated into your Vibrant Health Plan.
The Five Principles of Reiki
Just for today, do not worry
Just for today, do not anger
Honor your parents, teachers, & elders
Earn your living honestly
Show gratitude to every living thing
-Taught to Reiki practitioners
Healing Stories
Deep and Thorough Relaxation
“I was totally uninformed about Reiki when I visited Heather Michet to experience a Reiki session. I must admit that I was somewhat skeptical about the efficacy of Reiki. By the end of the session, I was a true believer. The treatment was deceptively simple from the patient’s point of view – consisting of several placid hand placements, gradually encircling my body. Yet by the end of the session, I was experiencing a deep and thorough relaxation unlike anything I had ever before experienced. Unlike a massage, the relaxation was both physical and mental, and had lasting effects for many hours afterwards.”
Kip F., Sandy, OR
Better Sleep
“I know the Reiki is still very much at work. I waited a long time to try Reiki but now that I have I am a convert!! Your energy and passion in your work shows in the feeling of well being I am experiencing in my mind, body and my spirit…not only did I sleep well because of the long day I encountered but I slept sooo well because of my session I had with you. I awoke with a feeling of joy and no issues…except a huge smile, clear mind and overall feeling of “health”!!! Thank you!!!”
June K., Sandy OR
No Shot, No Surgery
“I herniated a disc in my back doing a martial arts move. The neurologist had scheduled me for a cortisone shot in my spine. I really didn’t want the shot as I knew there could be side effects like spinal headaches. I thought I’d try Reiki, if nothing more than to relax me so I could sleep since I couldn’t pain medications because they gave me nightmares.
When I arrived at Iris Healing Arts, the pain was so excruciating that I could barely walk or lie on the table, but by the time I left, I was so relaxed that I was able to cancel the scheduled shot. With some physical therapy and massage along with the Reiki, I got the feeling back in my leg, the paralysis and most of the pain went away, and I still haven’t had to have the shot or the surgery.”
Janet A., Gresham OR
Pain Free
“After returning from a trip, I felt worn down, tired, burdened and like I was about to catch a cold. After the Reiki TX, I no longer had any of those symptoms and I sleep better at night. This state of relaxed grace [post treatment] is pain free. I usually take medication for pain. I did not need any more that day at all and ½ as much the next day. Reiki is just wonderful, great. Heck, it’s magical! Sign me up for more please on a regular basis.”
Kathy M., Sandy OR
These statements are provided for informational and educational purposes only and have been neither approved nor refuted by the Food and Drug Administration. Any advice and/or products mentioned should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any illness. Consult your healthcare professional if you have a health condition, are pregnant, or are currently taking medication before using any products or applying any of this information. Iris Healing Arts and Heather Michet cannot be held responsible for the misuse of essential oils, products, or any of the therapeutic methods presented herein.