What is Reiki and How It Helps
My Reiki Story
I first heard about Reiki when I was going through Yoga Teacher Training. I was learning about all kinds of new concepts and the idea of our energy field was new to me. I was intrigued. So, when I saw a local yoga studio was offering Reiki, I signed up so I could learn more and experience it myself.
As the Reiki provider laid her hands on my shoulders, she said “wow, your right shoulder is completely hollow (of energy)”. This surprised me because I’d been having a lot of pain in the other shoulder, my left shoulder, for nearly a year. I’d been doing physical therapy, but it was still bothering me. She told me she was bringing in energy to fill my shoulder back up and removing an energy block so energy could move freely from left shoulder to right shoulder. I left the session thinking, that was weird.
As I drove home that night, I noticed that the skin on top of both of my shoulders felt hot. From that day on, I had no more pain in my left shoulder. That was 2 years ago.
In 2024, following a cancer diagnosis, surgery and chemoradiation treatment, I got trained to perform Reiki and have done daily Reiki sessions on myself to promote healing and recovery.
What is Reiki?
Reiki is a Japanese healing technique that uses gentle touch to promote relaxation, stress reduction and well-being. It is administered by placing hands gently on or hovering hands just above the body. It’s based on the idea that an unseen 'life force energy' flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. Reiki offers a way to balance that energy and the well-being of the recipient. Reiki does not have any religious affiliation, it is based on the power of human touch and intentional channeling of positive, healing energy.
Physiologically, getting the mind and body to relax through the gentle practice of Reiki activates the parasympathetic nervous system, putting the body into a state of “rest and restore”. This lets your body shift energy away from stress and anxiety and toward healing itself and restoring optimal functioning.
What’s a Reiki session is like?
A Reiki session is a deeply relaxing experience. First, your Reiki provider will talk to you about your goals and intentions for the session. Then, remaining fully clothed, you will either lay down on a massage table or sit in a chair and your Reiki provider will help you start to relax with gentle breathwork and/or guided meditation. Next, your provider will begin hand positions, either with light touch or hovering hands just above the body, to begin the flow of Reiki energy. The hand positions follow the Chakra energy system often starting at the top of the head and working down through neck, chest, abdomen, hips, legs and feet. Hand positions are typically held for 3-5 minutes each.
The goal of the session is to promote deep relaxation. Some people may fall asleep during their session and that’s ok. Most people feel really great after their session, feeling a deep sense of calm and peace.
How Reiki Can Help
Reiki can be helpful in many situations due to its ability to help move the mind and body out of fight or flight mode and into rest and restore mode. Reiki is never a substitute for professional medical care, but it can be an excellent adjunctive or complimentary care option. Reiki is especially helpful in situations where the nervous system is stressed, using the state of deep relaxation to calm the nervous system. Examples of why people seek Reiki include:
• Manage stress or anxiety
• Pain management
• Adjunct to professional medical care
• Prepare or recover from surgery
• Coping with a loss
• Sleep problems
• Support when feeling alone in dealing with hard situations
• Conditions caused by stress
Try Reiki for Yourself
Ready to give Reiki a try and experience the relaxation and benefits first-hand?
Look in your local community for Reiki providers or seek referrals from your local yoga studios.
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True North Yoga is a mobile wellness provider: offering yoga, meditation and reiki where you need it, when you need it. Providing wellness services at homes, offices and for events, True North Yoga serves the Minneapolis & St Paul MN metro area. Learn more and schedule your own custom on-site session at www.truenorthyogamn.com or contact Nikki at hello@truenorthyogamn.com.