Reiki is an energy healing practice from Japan that utilises the spiritual energy of the Universe to stimulate energetic centres in the body, and promote healing of the body and mind. The term Reiki comes from the Japanese words for spirit (rei) 靈 and energy (ki) 氣 The spiritual energy of Reiki could be described as the life force energy that enlivens every living being, exists beyond the concepts of time and space, and is pure unconditional love. The Japanese founder of Reiki - Mikao Usui, beautifully described Reiki in this way... "Reiki is love, love is wholeness, wholeness is balance, balance is wellbeing, wellbeing is freedom from disease."

Distance Reiki is a type of healing session that is conducted when a Reiki Practitioner and the recipient of Reiki can't be together in person. There are many situations where Distance Reiki may be more helpful than an in-person session. For example the recipient may be in hospital or may live in another country. Because the spiritual energy of Reiki exists beyond the concepts of time and space, it can be shared with the intention of offering compassionate healing across any distance and is still very effective. If you choose to receive Distance Reiki it is recommended that you find a quiet place to relax or sleep for the duration of your session.

Receiving Reiki activates the body's relaxation response and stimulates it's natural ability to heal. Because it is so relaxing, the mind also experiences peace and stillness. In this state our ability to view things from a wider perspective is activated and personal insights can occur. Spiritually speaking, Reiki offers life force energy to the body's energy centres and pathways to clear and balance blockages. This has a positive effect on both the physical body and the mind. Being surrounded in Reiki's energy of unconditional love is also very comforting. Reiki also fosters a connection to our spiritual side, increasing awareness of the interconnectivity between our body, mind and spirit, and enhancing intuition. It's important to note that Reiki does not claim to 'cure' anything. It's a complementary therapy that combines beautifully with conventional therapies and treatments, but it should never replace them.

At the physical level, receiving Reiki settles the body into the relaxation response and stimulates it's natural ability to heal. The deeply relaxing state that is induced during Reiki also calms the mind. At the spiritual level, Reiki energy flows through the practitioner into the recipient and clears blocked energy (ki). With the energy pathways cleared of blockages energy can flow freely throughout the body, nourishing all areas and restoring health and wellbeing. What happens during a Reiki Healing session? Reiki treatments are non-invasive and you will remain fully clothed. You may choose to have a hands-on (light touch) or hands-off (no touch) Reiki session. Before your session the Reiki practitioner will have a chat to you about why you're there and answer any of your questions. During the session you will rest comfortably on a massage table or chair while the Reiki practitioner channels Reiki energy through their hands and body. The practitioner will rest their hands lightly upon your body as Reiki energy flows through them and into your energy pathways and centres. If hands-off (no touch) has been requested or if a body part can't be touched for any reason, the Reiki practitioner will hold their hands above the body as Reiki flows where needed. Your Reiki practitioner will typically remain silent during your session, allowing you to fully relax into the experience, however if you need to speak to the practitioner at any time this is fine, it won't interrupt the flow of Reiki. After the session you'll be given a glass of water and the opportunity to discuss any questions you may have about your experience.

Reiki treatments are non-invasive and you will remain fully clothed. You may choose to have a hands-on (light touch) or hands-off (no touch) Reiki session. Before your session the Reiki practitioner will have a chat to you about why you're there and answer any of your questions. During the session you will rest comfortably on a massage table or chair while the Reiki practitioner channels Reiki energy through their hands and body. The practitioner will rest their hands lightly upon your body as Reiki energy flows through them and into your energy pathways and centres. If hands-off (no touch) has been requested or if a body part can't be touched for any reason, the Reiki practitioner will hold their hands above the body as Reiki flows where needed. Your Reiki practitioner will typically remain silent during your session, allowing you to fully relax into the experience, however if you need to speak to the practitioner at any time this is fine, it won't interrupt the flow of Reiki. After the session you'll be given a glass of water and the opportunity to discuss any questions you may have about your experience.

Everyone experiences Reiki differently, and it may even feel different each time you go. The most common experience is that of deep relaxation and many people do fall asleep. Some people also feel sensations such as warmth, coolness, tingling, pulsing, or a feeling of expansion. Some people see beautiful colours and patterns in their mind's eye, or receive intuitive messages. And some people experience an emotional release. These are all very normal experiences during Reiki, but if you are uncomfortable please let your practitioner know. Some people may experience a healing response in the day or two after their session. This could look like a headache, runny nose, feeling tired, emotional or having vivid dreams. To minimise the effects of this you're encouraged to stay hydrated, take it easy, and be kind to yourself after your Reiki sessions.

Yes! Reiki encourages deep relaxation and is a beautiful gift for both mother and baby. If the mother has reached the stage where she's no longer supposed to sleep on her back, then she may rest on her side with a bolster supporting her knees or relax comfortably on a chair for her Reiki session.

Because Reiki simultaneously acts upon the body, mind and spirit, it is very difficult to predict how many sessions are required for healing. The true meaning of healing is "a return to wholeness". The rate at which this happens depends on many factors including the mindset we bring to our healing journey and what we are personally dealing with (past, present and future), therefore it will be different for everybody. It's generally agreed that for best results and to maintain healing momentum, it's ideal to have regular Reiki sessions. To kickstart healing it's often recommended to have a few Reiki sessions close together, before gradually spacing your sessions further apart for maintenance.

There is nothing special you need to do before your Reiki session, but to encourage deeper relaxation it's recommended to avoid caffeine and wear comfortable clothing.