Why Reiki?

Reiki is a very relaxing and nurturing treatment which works on a holistic level providing comfort physically, mentally and emotionally. Whether you need pain relief; mental calm or emotional release, Reiki works in whatever way is needed. It is gentle, sometimes subtle and yet I have found it works profoundly. You may experience an instant sense of peace and calm or the Reiki may manifest over the coming days as mental clarity and/or emotional stability and resilience. You may find difficult emotions releasing as the Reiki helps your body to re-balance and heal itself. You may also notice a change in on-going symptoms as the body starts to regulate itself and respond to the Reiki (it is always advisable to work with your GP when monitoring symptom control). Reiki goes to where it is needed and acts as deeply as is required. It is cumulative in its action: the more Reiki goes in, the greater its effect. So when working with chronic conditions, a course of treatment will be more noticeably beneficial over time compared to a one-off treatment. That said, you don't have to be unwell to receive Reiki. It's a useful maintenance tool for general well-being, too. Before and after the treatment we can discuss what has brought you to try Reiki and any observations from the treatment. Though, there is not really even any need to tell me what's concerning you, if you'd prefer not to, as Reiki will work whether you tell me or not. That is one of the great things about Reiki: it is non-intrusive. Concerns can remain private; there is no massage element to the treatment and the recipient remains clothed (beyond removing shoes). Blankets and pillows are provided for further comfort where needed.  

What happens?

An appointment can be anywhere between 35 to 75 minutes long depending on the age and requirements of the client so prices will vary accordingly (children usually require much less time for example). There will be a short consultation about the needs and expectations of the client before the treatment begins and to ensure any questions are answered or concerns reassured. The recipient usually lies on a treatment table while I place my hands, for a few minutes at a time, starting from the head and working down the body, on specific locations to help channel the Reiki in an evenly balanced way to help it get to where it is needed. This is usually done hands on but Reiki works hands off too, depending on which feels most comfortable for the client (for example, some people do not like their feet being touched). The client usually turns over to have both sides of the body treated but again this is down to preference and if the client is concerned about discomfort lying down we can arrange the treatment in a seated position. Reiki is really flexible in that way so we can maximise comfort at all times.

What does it feel like?

As Reiki is not a massage, there is minimal movement of the hands once in the Reiki positions and no manipulation. The sensations, during a treatment, vary but mostly people feel heat or tingling as the energy moves to where it is needed. Some clients report seeing colours or hearing music. Mostly a treatment feels relaxing and sometimes the recipient falls asleep, which is perfectly fine, and then wakes up feeling refreshed. Sometimes the Reiki will unblock stagnant energy or difficult emotions and the client may experience the release during the treatment or later on; it depends on how the Reiki has worked for them. This is fine, too, and shows the Reiki is helping to restore balance. Throughout the treatment, the client is in control of their comfort levels while my role is to facilitate the Reiki and support and reassure throughout. There is always the option to stop the treatment at any time which is something I think clients feel they can't do but they can. I myself have received treatments where I've needed to pause during the session for a few moments but not because the Reiki was doing anything wrong, on the contrary, it was just the size of the problem which was a little overwhelming. The Reiki helped but I appreciate that some times making our way back to balance can be a little daunting in itself: I'm here to help it not be.  

Why me?

I am currently a Reiki level 2 practitioner and a member of The Reiki Association. I have been practising since 2012 and working as a recognised public practitioner since 2017 with TRA and CNHC; their quality assurance also enables me to be recognised by the NHS for work with hospice and hospital patients.

I volunteer Reiki treatments at Star Throwers, a cancer charity in Wymondham, and worked as an editorial assistant for the Reiki Association magazine 'Touch' which gave me the opportunity to have articles published and the pleasure of interviewing some fascinating people around the world who use Reiki in a range of medical and non-medical areas.

Reiki has been a real gift to me and to be able to share that with loved ones, professionally and as part of End of Life care has been an honour I am grateful and humbled by being able to offer. From the first treatment I ever gave to the Reiki shares I attend each month and now working with Distance Reiki, I still marvel at the subtle yet profound ways in which Reiki works.