Reiki is a Japanese technique based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and causes us to be alive. When our "life force energy" is blocked or stagnant we are likely to get sick or feel stress. When it is flowing freely then it is easier to be happy and healthy.

Reiki is most often translated as "universal life force energy" and is pronounced "Ray Key". It is a combination of two Japanese words - Rei which means "Spirit or Universal" and Ki which is "life force energy".

The ability to perform Reiki is transferred from a teacher to the student by an "attunement" during a Reiki class. It allows the student to tap into an unlimited supply of "life force energy" to improve his or her health and to enhance their quality of life. Once attuned, a practitioner can channel Reiki through their hands. The Reiki practitioner's hands may feel hot, or cold or sometimes they will twitch or vibrate. This is the effect of Reiki flowing through their hands. The person receiving Reiki will feel relaxed and sometimes sleepy as the energy reduces stress and promotes healing.

Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit and creates many beneficial effects including relaxation and feelings of peace, security and well-being. It will work in conjunction with all other medical and therapeutic techniques to help relieve side effects and promote recovery from illness, accidents and surgery.

Reiki Sessions
A Reiki treatment or session takes from thirty minutes to an hour. Treatments can be given in a chair or lying on a massage table. If you are having a treatment lying down you will be asked to remove your shoes. You do not remove your clothes and you can ask to have a blanket or light covering over you during the session. If you are unable to either get up on a table or lie on your back for at least 40 minutes you can ask to receive Reiki while sitting in a chair.

The first time you receive Reiki it is recommended you have at least three sessions within seven days. This allows the body to assimilate quickly to the process of clearing toxins. After that you can arrange with the Reiki practitioner to have sessions weekly or monthly or whenever you feel a need for one.

If you have a long term problem then it is recommended you learn Reiki so you can treat yourself daily.

Reiki Classes
Reiki is passed on from teacher to student during a Reiki class that also teaches you hand positions to use during treatments on yourself and others. Reiki has been successfully taught to thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds around the world. Everyone is able to be attuned to Reiki. It does not depend on one's intellectual capacity, learning ability or spiritual development.

Reiki is taught in a series of levels. Beginners start at 1st Level (Reiki One). There are three levels of Reiki and once you have completed a 1st Level class you can discuss with your Reiki Teacher when it is suitable to continue to the next level. A Reiki class ensures that you will be able to channel Reiki through your hands for the rest of your life.