What is Reiki?

Reiki (pronounced RAY-kee) is a Japanese energy healing practice developed in the early 20th century by Mikao Usui. The word itself combines two Japanese concepts: rei, meaning universal or spiritual, and ki, meaning life energy — the same concept known as chi in Chinese medicine and prana in Ayurvedic tradition.

In a session, a practitioner uses light touch or hands held just above the body to support the flow of energy through a client. The goal is not to diagnose or treat any specific condition, but to encourage a state of deep relaxation in which the body's own natural capacity for rest and recovery can do its work.

The Usui tradition, which is what I practice, is the most widely taught lineage of Reiki in the Western world. Practitioners train through a series of levels, receiving both instruction and a process called "attunement" at each stage.

During a session, you'll lie fully clothed on a comfortable table. I'll place my hands lightly on or just above different areas of your body, following a traditional sequence that moves from head to feet. The touch is gentle; nothing is manipulated or adjusted, and nothing will surprise you. 

If at any point you'd prefer I not touch a particular area, or you'd rather I work hands-off entirely, just say so before we begin or at any point during the session. The reiki will still work without touch, don't worry!

I start and end each reiki session with non-religious prayers, calls for spiritual guidance, meditations, or blessings, so you may hear me speaking softly or moving about the room.  Feel free to open your eyes or ask what I'm doing or why - I'm happy to explain.

I also generally play soft music during a session and I burn palo santo before and after.  If you'd rather I skip either of those, please let me know.  This is your hour and I will follow your lead.

Most people find the session deeply relaxing. Some drift into a light sleep. Others notice warmth, tingling, or a pleasant sense of heaviness in different areas. Some feel very little physically, and that's just as valid; the absence of dramatic sensation doesn't mean nothing is happening.

Sessions last 60 minutes. You're welcome to be quiet the whole time, ask questions before or after, or anything in between.