Frequently asked questions

How does Reiki work?

Through the hand positions of a full body Reiki treatment, which cover the major energy centres (chakras) and key meridians, there is a movement of blocked energy which provides a calming effect of over active energies, which help to restore the delicate balance of the body's energy system. It is important to remember that the energy comes from the Universal life force energy that surrounds us all, and not from the practitioner facilitating this.

Reiki will always work for not only your highest good, but also for the highest good of the practitioner, although this may not always be in accordance with either expectations. Sometimes the effects are too subtle to be apparent, especially for those who are relatively healthy or otherwise not showing any outward symptoms of dis-ease. Reiki does not take the place of conventional medicine.

What does a full Reiki treatment involve?

The Healer has the ability act as a channel for Reiki to the receiver. A Reiki treatment is often described as a 'laying on of hands' although it is not necessary for the practitioner to actually touch you. As a non intrusive therapy, you can remain fully clothed throughout the treatment (you may be asked to jewellery or other items, which may interfere with the energy flow).

Whilst Reiki can be given to you in any comfortable position, it is usual to lay on a healing couch. Healing energy is then drawn through the practitioner via a variety of structured hand positions to both front and the back of your body.

During a treatment it is recommended that you wear warm but loose fitting clothing for your own comfort. If you prefer the treatment to be hands off you should always advise your Reiki healer before the treatment begins, as contrary to popular belief not all are psychic.

What conditions will Reiki Treat?

The energy of Reiki can be used to great effect in many ways. Whether one is suffering from stress or tension, and the many symptoms associated with this. Reiki can also be beneficial to in minor and chronic conditions. It is also a valuable first aid tool. In some cases Reiki has reduced the required dosage of certain prescription drugs. This has been particularly noted in the case of diabetics and their insulin requirements. For your own Safety always consult a GP for an acute or infectious condition, and problems of urgent concern.

The beneficial effects of Reiki occur on so many levels, such as the improved quality of relationships at home or work. Reiki is a gentle energy, which may be used safely by all ages, including the newborn, pregnant mothers, surgical patients, the frail and the elderly, regardless of their state of health. Reiki can enhance everyday life, and regular sessions help to ward-off illness, fatigue anther negative issues.

Reiki can accelerate the healing of physical problems, balance the emotions, and free us from restrictive mental attitudes. How many times do you find yourself saying you don't have time for anything else in your life, then wonder what it's are for? Ask yourself, is this because you don't find time for yourself. Or because of a heavy schedule that requires you to put everyone else before your own needs. Have you to buried your own thoughts and emotions inside because you can't face the thought of dragging up the past? Remember what is in the past is just that 'in the past'. Reiki can help you move on and create a more positive environment for yourself and others around you.

Reiki can allow us to respond more calmly to all events, and build on a more resourceful state of being. Reiki encourages and supports positive personal change such as improving diet, exercise, leisure time and time management generally.

If you have any doubt regarding any condition, consult your General Practitioner immediately. It can not be emphasised enough that Reiki should be viewed as a complementary therapy to any prescribed treatments not a substitute.

This is my first Treatment what should I expect before receiving a Reiki Treatment?

Prior to your first treatment, you will have the opportunity to ask questions and to find out more about Reiki. There will then be a consultation in which you will be given the opportunity to describe any worries or symptoms, that you feel may be significant, and since Reiki works on mental and emotional in addition to the physical levels. In keeping with all healing practice discretion and confidentiality is guaranteed.

Please note any information from your discussions with the healer are regarded as highly confidential and will not be discussed without your permission to any outside individuals.

Please note that unless medically qualified a Reiki practitioner is unable to make any clinical diagnosis or perform medical treatment.

What can I do before receiving a Reiki Treatment?

As will be mentioned through out this information Reiki is only used for the higher good. The only thing required is that the receiver should be ready to embrace the Reiki system whole heartedly.

Preparation for a Reiki treatment is not always necessary. Reiki can be very useful during a first aid treatment so it is not always possible to prepare for every eventuality. However, if the time permits both the receiver and giver can prepare for a Reiki treatment in advance. Reiki can by very useful in releasing the toxins accumulated within the body and therefore by drinking plenty of water and trying a fairly toxin free diet for a few days prior to treatment would go some way towards making a commitment to inwardly aid the bodies healing processes. Avoid stimulants such as tea coffee cola where possible and if you are a smoker try to lighten the load on your lungs for a short time.

Immediately before a treatment it would be a courtesy on behalf of both giver and receiver to bathe or shower and wear fresh clothing. There are countless other cleansing preparations that could be mentioned but good general hygiene is considered as a sign of respect toward each individual, as well as making us feel clean and refreshed.

Something else to consider before receiving Reiki, is your body temperature may lower, so if you are cold before a Reiki treat you should mention this prior to treatment so that the temperature can be adjusted to suit.

What will I experience during a treatment?

A session is usually carried out with the client lying down or sitting, in a comfortable and peaceful environment with no need to remove any clothing. The practitioner places their hands gently, in a series of positions, on or over the body. Your treatment will usually last around 1 hour.

During the treatment, Reiki may be felt as a flow of energy and you may experience any one of a number of sensations, from warmth to a feeling of coolness, from mild tingling sensations to sometimes nothing at all! This does not mean that you have not been drawing Reiki energy. Every experience in life is unique and personal as Rei is flowing to the recipient regardless of whether or not it is felt.

The client's system automatically draws in only as much Reiki as is needed, using it in whatever way is most appropriate for them. Most recipients experience a very pleasant feeling, often described as one of total relaxation which in turn eases stress, and has a calming effect. Sensations of heat, tingling, or the movement of energy are often felt as blocked energy is released, passed along meridian pathways and exit through opened chakras. Treatment is more effectively enhanced if one is responsive to the needs of their body and is able to rest quietly for a while afterwards. The beneficial effects may be felt for several days, such as an increased awareness of ones spirituality, a sense of personal power or a release of perhaps long buried emotion.

It is advisable to drink plenty of water before and after a treatment to help detox the body.

What will I experience after a Reiki treatment?

You may experience a detoxification lasting several days, so it is advisable to drink plenty of water. Whilst some conditions will respond to a single treatment, there are others (for instance those of chronic or long term nature) which may require a succession of treatments, usually at weekly intervals, before significant improvements are realised. Ask yourself beforehand " what do I really want to gain from Reiki healing?" Of course, virtually every recipient of Reiki will experience some degree of benefit.

There are no guarantees with Reiki that what worked for one or more persons will necessarily work for everyone. This is because every person is a unique individual and as such will receive a unique experience.

Try it for yourself and see. At the very least you will experience a relaxing and calming effect which can not harm you.

Can Reiki do harm?

Under no condition's can Reiki energy do any harm. Animals and plants will also benefit from Reiki. Reiki is a non-invasive therapy that can be used without fear of side effects or overdose. It may be used with confidence alongside conventional medication or natural remedies because it acts in a complementary way.

How often should I have a treatment?

Although even one Reiki session can make a difference, it is usually more effective to have a course of regular treatments. This will vary depending on the needs of the individual. A treatment plan can be discussed, and can be reviewed subject to your own requirements. Nothing is written in stone and any arrangements can be changed as necessary.

How much does it cost?

One of the traditions of REIKI is that of exchange. It is widely accepted that Dr Usui, the founder of Reiki initiated this tradition to ensure that the receivers played an active part in their own healing processes.

It was noticed in the past that when some people received treatment, after a period of time they were showing no signs of recovery, which developed the view that if you are given something for nothing you place little or no value upon that thing. Therefore the exchange of gifts, services or payment continues to be encouraged by the system to show a commitment by the receiver to change and a renewed self-consciousness, in return for the gift of healing energy.

Charges depend on individual circumstances, length of treatment and the location of the treatment. Charges from £20 per session. However as every condition and person is different and I will be happy to discuss your needs personally if you require more information.

Can anyone learn Reiki?

Yes, Reiki is such a simple system that even children can learn it. Today Reiki continues to be taught by Reiki Masters who have been trained in the traditions passed down from master to student. . These days anyone can learn to give Reiki healing. However to be able to receive Reiki, students must go through a special procedure whereby the Reiki Master 'attunes' them to the Reiki energy.

Once attuned to Reiki energy regular self treatments are an excellent way of boosting the immune system. It should be remembered that Reiki is primarily a method for self development through regular self treatment.

If you are seriously considering learning Reiki I will be pleased to ask my teacher to contact you if you leave your contact details.

* Can Reiki be scientifically proven ? *

Reiki cannot be measured, that is quantified or qualified. You cannot determine its wavelength (for instance), spectroscopically or with any other measuring instrument. You cannot deliver 100 Usui's of Reiki as you would 100 lux of light, or 100 watts of electricity!

What can be measured to varying degrees is the relative interaction of Reiki energy with a living system, however that of course is subjective.

Changes in haemoglobin and hematocrit levels have been measured during Reiki healing, these are presented in the book "Healing Research" by Dr. D J Benor.

Science is also accepting the fact that the human energy field exists and some research has been conducted in this field.

Changes in the energy field may also be observed using Kirlian photography. The two pictures below show a Reiki master's fingertip before and after giving Reiki.

This text has been taken directly from the Raven Reiki WebPages see acknowledgements at the end of this site for contact address.