If you follow MSY or attend classes at the studio, you’ve probably seen or heard the “reiki” quite a bit. Perhaps you’ve been curious about it but are hesitant to try it. Or maybe you’ve even experienced it and are still curious! You might even wonder whether you can learn how to use reiki. So I’ve asked our resident reiki master (and my personal reiki practitioner), Jen Sunderlin, to shed a little more light on reiki: what it is, how it works, and why we need it – now more than ever.
Gracious as always, Jen agreed. And here is her response . . .
What is Reiki?
Reiki is a holistic healing practice that works on every layer of your body and aids the powerful healing ability we all possess by helping us align with healing energy. In Japanese, Rei means “universal” and ki means “life energy.” Reiki connects us with the universal life energy that is found in all living things! The Usui System of Reiki healing applies this energy through light touch, moving it to assist in correcting any imbalances.
How Does It Work?
Quantum physics shows all matter has a vibration and our intentions can affect this field of vibration. If energy is not flowing smoothly in the body it can create blockage or stagnation in certain areas. This blockage can create a physical response in the body that translates as pain or ailment. It can also show up mentally, emotionally, or spiritually.
A Reiki practitioner uses intention and hand positions to channel energy that shifts vibrations in the body in order to bring balance and harmony to your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being!
Why Do We Need It?
Life is moving so fast most days! That makes it easy to overlook or ignore pain, inflammation, soreness or other messages your body might be trying to send you. In addition to physical symptoms, these messages could also come in the form of anxiety, depression, anger, a frantic feeling or just a general disconnect you might feel in your everyday life. Ignored or unnoticed for too long, your body’s warning signs can manifest into bigger problems, including autoimmune and other chronic disease.
What Happens In a Reiki Session?
When you arrive for a reiki session, you will lie down, fully clothed, on a massage table. The practitioner will guide you into relaxation and then begin to move quietly around you, directing reiki energy to balance the chakras (your main energy hubs) and cleanse your aura. She might lightly place her hands your head, joints, and feet, depending on where she is intuitively guided. Whatever else happens is up to the universal reiki energy!
What Will I Feel During a Reiki Session?
Other than the placement of the practioner’s hands, you might not feel anything. If you are sufficiently relaxed, your breathing might slow and deepen, your blood pressure might lower, and emotional calming or releasing might occur. You might fall asleep! Many people report seeing light or colors. Some feel heat or cold from the practitioner’s hands. Some experience a relief from pain. Everyone’s experience is different, and you might experience different sensations with different practitioners. Sometimes the effects are cumulative as well, so that each time you receive reiki, the benefits and sensations increase as your body becomes more accepting of and attuned to reiki energy.
When Can I Try It?
Main Street Yoga offers a donation-based “Rest & Recharge Open House” on the first Friday of every month from 5pm til 7pm. Just walk in during those times to experience a reiki session! This is a great introduction to receiving reiki with each session lasting approximately 20 minutes. We also offer Tarot readings and the AromaTouch hand technique (an aromatherapy hand massage).
What If I Want a Private Session?
I offer private reiki sessions at Main Street Yoga ranging from 30 – 90 minutes. Visit https://squareup.com/store/illumination-healing-llc to see my full range of offerings. You can email me at illuminationhealing8@gmail.com with questions or to schedule.
Can I Learn How to Do It?
Yes! If you find you love Reiki and would like to learn more about this energy healing, I’m teaching Illuminated Reiki Level 1 on Saturday, September 22nd! In this training you’ll learn the history of reiki, about the chakras, types of meditations to enhance your intuition, hand positions used during a session. You’ll be attuned to the reiki energy, enabling you to practice on yourself, your pets, your family and friends. You’ll receive a guide to take home, and more! Joining together with a group of others to learn this healing art is a healing experience in itself!
I hope you’ll join me for one or all of these opportunities to experience the gentle, universal reiki energy! If you have any questions, please email me at illuminationhealing8@gmail.com. I’d love to assist in bringing you harmony and illumination of your entire being!
Much Love,
Jen