You knew aboutmindfulness, acupuncture and cupping, but what is Reiki…exactly?
And does it even work?
The wordreikiis made of two Japanesekanjicharacters.Reimeans spiritual or sacred whilekitranslates to energy.
Verywell Mind / Getty Images
Here’s what you oughta know before booking a Reiki appointment for your mental health.
How Reiki Healing Works
To better understand Reiki, lets first look at what energy healing is.
When a client seeks healing, their intention to receive this energy initiates their own healing process.
Next, I get the client comfortable on a massage table.
They stay fully clothed.
I provide blankets and bolster for comfort.
I always offer my clients the option for hands-on or hover above, says Betts.
She works along their chakra system from crown to root.
Your mind is able to quieten.
All of which can help improve onesself-confidence.
It May Enhance Intuition
We are all much more than our bodies.
Reiki enhancesintuitionby connecting an individual back to their highest self, says Fiore.
Reiki helps remind the soul of its bigness, allowing intuition to flow more freely.
It May Stimulate Creativity
Children at play are in a wonderful state ofcreativity.
“Just like exercise, benefits increase with regular sessions.
It’s a cumulative therapy.
Go with your gut on how often you need it.
You know yourself best, she advises.
Brynna Connor, a board-certified family medicine physician.
Reiki is a non-invasive and gentle modality.
Its widely regarded as safe for most individuals, including pregnant women, children, and the elderly.
Brandy Zachary, DC, IFMCP.
There is limited data about Reiki.
Any ailment should always be discussed with a physician as Reiki is an adjunctive treatment, agreesDr.
Sulagna Misra,MD, BCMAS.
While Reiki is generally safe, certain individuals should exercise caution or avoid it altogether.
Reiki is a non-invasive and gentle modality.
Its widely regarded as safe for most individuals, including pregnant women, children, and the elderly.
Communication is crucial for trust, which is essential for any relationship between the healer and the client.
Trust helps with this immensely, says Fiore.
Also, note that a trained practitioner will never begin a session before getting your consent.
However, Reiki healing is just a form of energy therapy.
I’ve personally received and provided virtual Reiki.
It is just as effective, says Berry.
However, she adds, I prefer the experience of an in-person session.
It’s like the difference between remote versus in-person therapy.
Having that designated safe space where you know you’ll be uninterrupted creates a deeper sense of peace.
22(4), 10511057.
Salles LF, Vannucci L, Salles A, Silva MJP.The effect of Reiki on blood hypertension.
2014;27(5):479-84.
Bowden D, Goddard L, Gruzelier J.
A randomised controlled single-blind trial of the efficacy of reiki at benefitting mood and well-being.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med.
2017;31(2):80-89.
