Reiki means 'Universal Life Energy' in Japanese, the country where this healing tradition emerged a little over 100 years ago. The 'Ki' is akin to 'chi' in traditional Chinese medicine and 'Prana' in the Yogic tradition. The practitioner is said to channel this energy, that pervades all living things, from an unlimited universal supply directly into the clients body by laying the hands in a series of set positions on the body. Your own body then directs the energy to where it is needed to invigorate the body's own natural healing process. With a more scientific western lens and understanding of physiology we can say that the activation of deep relaxation boosts the parasympathetic nervous system, your own body's rest and repair mode. This is the opposite of the sympathetic nervous system which governs your 'fight or flight' response. The two systems cannot be both switched on at the same time so by boosting relaxation to a deep level we switch of the tap of constant stress hormones and allow the hormone system to reset. Clients remain fully clothed and relax in a comfortable position throughout the treatment. This is usually lying on a massage table on back and front with a soft cosy blanket over. However if this is not possible or comfortable you can remain seated and we can make alterations as we go. Clients often fall asleep, or near sleep, and snore! It is also possible to feel some sensations like warmth or tingling in the area of direct treatment or in a different part of the body and often tummies start to gurgle. Occasionally the process allows the gentle release of emotional blocks which can bring up less pleasant feelings like restlessness or occasionally tears. This is usually reported to be a positive release but the process is always guided by the client and taken at a pace you feel comfortable with. Clients under 18 will need to be accompanied.
