Blame it on our stressful lifestyle but Reiki is on the rise. As we struggle to find equilibrium between technology packed days in the office and sleepless nights at home, it seems we’re turning to holistic therapies for help. Reiki might be one of the most misunderstood of all these therapies but to try it is to love it. Fans swear by its restorative and energy boosting powers, which explains why we’re starting to see it make it’s way to the top of treatment menus all over the country. We sent holistic health first timer, Rebecca Hoffnung, to experience Reiki for herself and to report back on her findings. Could it really be the antidote to the pressures of modern life?
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1 Reiki for beginners
I can barely pronounce it let alone tell you what it is, but I’m a sucker for trying new treatments so Reiki, here I come. According to my Reiki healer Michael Barthaund from The Lifehouse Spa & Hotel in Essex, Reiki is ‘an ancient healing art, that was re-discovered in 100 years ago.’ He describes it as a simple hands on healing technique, that helps to restore balance, harmony and wellbeing to the recipient. Michael, there’s nothing I don’t love about everything you’ve just said. As I lay down (face up, clothes on FYI) it feels like the start of a massage only instead of aromatic oil being poured all over me, a set of quantum chakra balancing disks are placed across my chest and legs. What’s that you say? Oh yes, quantum chakra balancing disks are widely used in Reiki to harmonise and balance individual energies. I wasn’t too sure what this meant but I felt instantly relaxed – a feeling which continued to overwhelm me as the treatment continued.
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2 How will Reiki make me feel?
As Michael held his hands over my shoulders and began moving them over my body, I could feel myself slowly melting into what can only be described as a state of deep, uninterrupted relaxation. ‘Most of my clients experience Reiki in their own way,’ explained Michael, ‘but I think if you asked them, most would probably agree they feel very balanced, incredibly peaceful and relaxed both during and also after a treatment.’ I can vouch for that. At times I felt a warming heat from his hands as he moved from one area of my body to another but for the most part I was drifting off into a semi conscious sleep. Heaven, and so much more relaxing than a massage. I knew he was there but I was quite unaware of what he was doing to me. I just know it felt ridiculously soothing. At the end of the treatment I was surprised to feel as invigorated as I did relaxed, and my mind felt clearer than it had in weeks.
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3 Is Reiki right for me?
Now, I wouldn’t exactly describe myself as spiritual but there’s no denying I felt a certain mind, body, spirit connection through-out. It’s not uncommon for people to feel emotional after such a powerful therapy, especially if they’ve been struggling to let go of grief, heartache or other emotional trauma. This trauma can lead to energetic blocks in the body which, if left to build up over long periods of time can cause physical ailments or intense fatigue. ‘Reiki energy is always soothing, gentle and calming making it a comforting way to deal with any of these builds ups,’ explained Michael. My advice? Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. Even if you don’t feel the effects as powerfully as I did, there’s no doubt you’ll still leaved feeling utterly chilled and restored. Did I mention you’ll also have the best night sleep of your life after your treatment?
FAQs
What is Reiki and how does the treatment work?
Reiki is an ancient healing art that uses a simple hands-on technique to restore balance, harmony and wellbeing. During a session, you remain fully clothed while the practitioner moves their hands over your body, sometimes using quantum chakra balancing disks to harmonise your energy. The focus is on relaxation and energy flow rather than massage or oils.
How will you feel during and after a Reiki session?
Most people feel deeply relaxed, balanced and peaceful during and after a Reiki treatment. You may experience a soothing warmth, drift into a semi-conscious state or feel as if you are melting into relaxation. Many report feeling both invigorated and mentally clear, with some enjoying their best sleep in weeks afterwards.
Can Reiki help with emotional stress or trauma?
Yes, Reiki can be comforting if you are dealing with grief, heartache or emotional trauma. Emotional difficulties can lead to energetic blocks and even physical symptoms or fatigue over time. Reiki’s gentle energy aims to soothe and restore, providing relief from these energetic build-ups and supporting emotional wellbeing.
What should you expect during your first Reiki session?
In your first Reiki session, you will be asked to lie down fully clothed, often face up, while the practitioner places their hands over various areas of your body. You might notice tools like quantum chakra balancing disks placed on your chest or legs, which are used to balance your energies. The session is quiet and calming, with no massage oils or strong manual techniques involved.
Do you have to be spiritual to benefit from Reiki?
You do not need to consider yourself spiritual to enjoy the relaxing and restorative effects of Reiki. Many clients, regardless of their beliefs, notice a sense of mind, body and spirit connection as well as significant relaxation. The treatment is accessible and beneficial for anyone seeking relief from life’s pressures.