UK Reiki Federation -

The UK Reiki Federation

About Reiki

There are many books, papers and working groups around the world contributing to such definitions and descriptors. The following FAQ should therefore be regarded as 'Work in Progress':

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

What is Reiki?
What are the Benefits?
What Happens During A Session?
How Often do I Need to Have a Treatment?
Safety
Can anyone learn Reiki?
The attunement / initiation
What are the symbols?
More about Reiki - some helpful links

What is Reiki?

The practice of Reiki is an original method of healing, developed by Mikao Usui in Japan early in the 20th century, which is activated by intention. Reiki’s natural healing energy works on every level, not just the physical, and promotes the body’s regenerative self healing ability.

The Japanese word Reiki means ‘Universal Energy’. Eastern medicine has always recognised and worked with this energy, which flows through all living things and is vital to well-being. Known as ‘ki’ in Japan, ‘chi’ in China and ‘prana’ in India. Acupuncture, T’ai chi and Yoga are also based on the free-flow of this energy in a person.

Reiki is a non-invasive therapy whose purpose is to treat holistically and to restore homeostasis.

Note: Reiki is being used in various settings including private practice, complementary therapy centres, GP surgeries, hospitals, hospices, cancer support groups, post-operative recovery, drug rehabilitation, prisons, HIV/AIDS centres, and in the care of the elderly. (See Reiki Pioneers)

What are the Benefits?

The energy of Reiki can be used to great effect in many ways. Whether one is suffering from stress or tension, and the many symptoms associated with this, or wishing to improve the quality of relationships at home or work, the beneficial effects of Reiki occur on many levels. Reiki can accelerate the healing of physical problems, balance the emotions, and free us from restrictive mental attitudes. It may also provide a closer connection with inner wisdom.

Reiki encourages and supports positive personal change such as improving the diet, having more rest, exercise or leisure time, and may reduce the need for alcohol and tobacco. Reiki can allow us to respond more calmly to all events, and build on a more resourceful state of being. Reiki is a gentle energy and may be used safely by all ages, including the newborn, pregnant mothers, surgical patients, the frail and the elderly, regardless of their state of health. Reiki can enhance everyday life, and regular sessions help to ward-off illness and fatigue.

Reiki is a non-invasive therapy that can be used without fear of any side-effects or overdose. It may be used with confidence alongside conventional medication or natural remedies because it acts in a complementary way.

What Happens During A Session?

A session is usually carried out with the client lying down or sitting, in a comfortable and peaceful environment. There is no need to remove any clothing. The practitioner places their hands gently, in a series of positions, on or over the body. The client's system automatically draws in only as much Reiki as is needed, using it in whatever way is most appropriate at the time. Reiki may be felt as a flow of energy, mild tingling, warmth, coolness, other sensations, or nothing at all. Reiki is deeply relaxing, eases stress, and has a calming effect. Treatment is enhanced if one can rest for a while afterwards and drink plenty of water to help the body detox. Be responsive to the needs of your body, eg resting if tired, and allow the energy to continue its work after the session ends. The beneficial effects may be felt for several days.

How Often do I Need to Have a Treatment?

Although even one Reiki session can make a difference, it is usually more effective to have a course of regular treatments. This may be weekly, fortnightly or monthly depending on the needs of the individual. A treatment plan will be discussed with you, and reviewed as necessary. This will always be subject to your own preferences, and can be changed at any time according to progress.

Safety

Reiki does not take the place of conventional medicine. Always consult a GP for an acute or infectious condition, and problems of urgent concern. Reiki is a complementary therapy that works effectively alongside orthodox healthcare, so expanding treatment options.

Can anyone learn Reiki?

The ability to channel Reiki cannot be learnt from a book or by instruction. To be able to receive Reiki, students go through a special initiation which 'attunes' them to the Reiki energy. Over time this connection is improved through practice, and by actually using the Reiki energy on themselves - typical known as 'self treatment'. It is considered essential to treat oneself with Reiki, and indeed many people use it exclusively for reasons of personal development, healthcare and stress-management.

The attunement / initiation

An initiation / attunement can only be performed by a Reiki Master (teacher). It is felt that this process harmonises a person with the Reiki energy so they can receive and pass it on to others. This process is not exclusive, anyone can be attuned / initiated to Reiki regardless of their spiritual or religious beliefs. Additional stages of attunements / initiations and the use of the Reiki symbols, further enhance the practitioner's ability to utilise the Reiki energy, focusing it for specific purposes.

What are the symbols?

The Reiki symbols are devices used by Reiki practitioners who have been attuned to use them, to focus their intent for specific uses and are an integral part of the attunement / initiation process. The Reiki symbols are held to be dear and sacrosanct and may vary across the different styles of Reiki.

Source: National Consultation Study Groups

More about Reiki
(some helpful links)