What is Reiki?

Reiki is a Japanese practice designed to alleviate stress and promote relaxation, while also facilitating healing. This technique involves "laying on hands" and is founded on the belief that an invisible "life force energy" flows within us, sustaining our vitality. A diminished "life force energy" can lead to increased susceptibility to illness and stress, whereas a heightened energy level enhances our ability to experience happiness and health.

The term Reiki is derived from two Japanese words: "Rei," meaning "God's Wisdom or the Higher Power," and "Ki," which translates to "life force energy." Thus, Reiki can be understood as "spiritually guided life force energy."

Experiencing a Reiki treatment is often described as feeling a warm, radiant energy enveloping and permeating the body. This holistic approach addresses the entire individual—body, emotions, mind, and spirit—resulting in numerous benefits, including deep relaxation and a sense of peace, security, and overall well-being. Many individuals have reported remarkable outcomes from Reiki sessions.

Reiki is a straightforward, natural, and safe method of spiritual healing and self-improvement accessible to all. It has proven effective in addressing nearly every known ailment and consistently yields positive effects. Furthermore, it complements all medical or therapeutic interventions, alleviating side effects and aiding recovery.

The technique is remarkably easy to learn. Unlike traditional education, the ability to practice Reiki is conferred upon students during a Reiki class through a process known as "attunement," facilitated by a Reiki master. This attunement enables the student to access an endless reservoir of "life force energy" to enhance health and improve the quality of life.

Reiki's efficacy is not contingent upon an individual's intellectual capacity or spiritual maturity, making it universally accessible. It has been successfully taught to thousands across diverse ages and backgrounds.

Although Reiki is inherently spiritual, it does not constitute a religion. There are no doctrines, and no specific beliefs are required to learn or practice Reiki; its effectiveness is independent of belief. Many practitioners find that engaging with Reiki deepens their spiritual experience, fostering a more profound connection to their faith.

While Reiki is not a religion, it emphasizes the importance of harmonious interactions with others. Mikao Usui, the founder of the Reiki healing system, advocated for the practice of simple ethical principles that promote peace and unity, principles that resonate across various cultures.

Years after establishing Reiki, during a period of meditation, Mikao Usui chose to incorporate the Reiki Ideals into the practice. These ideals were inspired in part by the five principles of the Meiji emperor of Japan, whom Usui admired. They were designed to instill spiritual balance within Usui Reiki. The purpose of these ideals is to help individuals recognize that nurturing the spirit through conscious self-improvement is integral to the Reiki healing journey. For the healing energies of Reiki to yield lasting effects, clients must take responsibility for their healing and actively engage in the process. Thus, the Usui system of Reiki transcends mere energy work; it requires a dedicated commitment to personal growth for a holistic experience. These ideals serve as both a roadmap for living a gracious life and as virtues deserving of practice for their intrinsic value.

What people say…

“ Life in general can be very busy and stressful at times. Living with a health condition or illness exasperates those feelings of over overwhelm, anxiousness, worry and fear of the unknown even more. It’s so important to take time out for yourself, to reduce the monkey chatter, to try to calm the over worrying mind.

Claire delivered the guided meditation with such care, empathy and warmth. She ensured everyone felt relaxed and reassured and that they were all in a safe place. It was absolutely blissful and I hope to re-book another session with our service users in the not too distant future.”

“The session itself was hugely relaxing, had I spent any longer in there I would have definitely drifted off as I believe many do- indeed I found it difficult to bring myself round to discuss the findings.

What was discussed following the session is obviously different for everyone but again keeping that open mind- a lot of what Claire told me rang very true and has continued to do so since the session as I reflect on her findings and the report she sent me. There are definitely parallels to be drawn from what the session produced in relation to how I see 'me' and how I operate as person, all of which are very useable to continue to help myself day to day.”

The Benefits of Reiki

  • Stress Reduction

    Promotes relaxation and helps alleviate stress and anxiety.

  • Emotional Healing

    Supports emotional balance, helping individuals release negative emotions and foster a positive mindset.

  • Physical Healing

    Assists in alleviating pain and discomfort from various physical ailments, including chronic conditions.

  • Improved Sleep

    Helps individuals relax, leading to better sleep quality and relief from insomnia.

  • Spiritual Growth

    Encourages personal and spiritual development, fostering a deeper connection to oneself and others.

  • Complementary Therapy

    Works harmoniously with other medical treatments to enhance recovery and alleviate side effects.

When I met William Rand

William Lee Rand is the founder and president of the International Center for Reiki Training (ICRT), the Center for Reiki Research, and the Reiki Membership Association.

He serves as the publisher and editor-in-chief of Reiki News Magazine and has authored several influential works, including "Reiki: The Healing Touch," "The Reiki Touch Kit," "Reiki for a New Millennium," "The Spirit of Reiki," and over 100 articles focused on the history, philosophy, and practice of Reiki. His extensive research into the origins and nature of Reiki culminated in the groundbreaking publication, "An Evidence-Based History of Reiki."

In 1989, William developed the Usui/Tibetan system of Reiki, which he originated. By 1995, he, along with some of his students, created the Karuna Reiki® system of healing. In January 2014,
he introduced the Holy Fire® system of Reiki, which was subsequently upgraded to Holy Fire® II in November 2015 and to Holy Fire® III in September 2018.

From 1997 to 2004, William placed World Peace Crystal Grids at both the North and South Poles and in Jerusalem. This initiative enables Reiki students globally to unite each month in channeling Reiki to these peace grids, fostering global harmony. To date, over 428,000 sets of World Peace Grid cards have been downloaded for use in this meditation.

William’s journey in Reiki began in 1981 when he received his Reiki I certification, followed by Reiki II in 1982 and his mastery in 1989. He has been trained at the Reiki Master level by six different masters, including three from Japan. His training in Reiki I and II was conducted by Bethel Phaigh Sensei, a master under Takata Sensei, and Chiyoko Yamaguchi Sensei, a Shinpi-den Reiki Master who studied under Hayashi Sensei.

Additionally, William possesses a robust background in metaphysics and has worked as a professional astrologer, hypnotherapist, past life regression therapist, and rebirther, holding certification in Neuro-Linguistic Programming.

Since 1989, William has devoted his life to the practice and teaching of Reiki, conducting classes worldwide. He advocates for all Reiki practitioners to collaborate harmoniously in promoting peace on Earth.

Last year, I had the incredible opportunity to meet William in Glastonbury, where we shared a remarkable Reiki session, and he led us in a beautiful meditation. Below are some pictures capturing our time together. I truly feel fortunate and blessed to maintain a connection with William.

FAQs

  • Reiki energy is a subtle energy. It is different than electricity or chemical energy or other kinds of physical energy. Reiki energy comes from the Higher Power, which exists on a higher dimension than the physical world we are familiar with. When viewed clairvoyantly, Reiki energy appears to come down from above and to enter the top of the practitioners head after which if flows through the body and out the hands. It appears to flow this way because of our perspective. However, the true source of Reiki energy is within ourselves. This does not mean that we use our personal energy when we do Reiki, but that the energy is coming from a transcendental part of ourselves that is connected to an infinite supply of healing energy.

  • In a standard treatment Reiki energy flows from the practitioners hands into the client. The client is usually laying on a massage table but treatments can also be given while the client is seated or even standing. The client remains fully clothed. The practitioner places her/his hands on or near the clients body in a series of hand positions. These include positions around the head and shoulders, the stomach, and feet. Other, more specific positions may be used based on the clients needs. Each position is held for three to ten minutes depending on how much Reiki the client needs at each position. The whole treatment usually lasts between 45 and 90 minutes.

  • Most of the time a person will feel relaxed and uplifted by a Reiki treatment. However, sometimes a person will have what is called a healing crisis. As a person’s vibration goes up, toxins that have been stored in the body will be released into the blood stream to be filtered by the liver and kidneys and removed from the system. When this happens, sometimes a person can get a headache or stomach ache or feel weak. If this happens, it is a good idea to drink more water, eat lighter meals and get more rest. The body is cleansing as part of the healing process so this is a good sign.

  • What one experiences during a Reiki treatment varies somewhat from person to person. However, feelings of deep relaxation are usually felt by all. In addition, many feel a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and surrounds them. As the Reiki energy encourages one to let go of all tension, anxiety, fear or other negative feelings a state of peace and well-being is experienced. Some drift off to sleep or report floating outside their bodies or have visions and other mystical experiences. At the end of the treatment, one feels refreshed with a more positive, balanced outlook.