By Terra Rafael (formerly Terra Palmarini Richardson),
Reiki Master, Ayurvedic Practitioner, Midwife

What is Reiki?

Reiki is a form for channeling Universal Healing Energy (chi or prana or God's healing force) originally developed by Dr Mikao Usui of Japan.  Reiki energy is not from the person giving the treatment-in fact, when treating someone the practitioner also receives healing energy.  The proper amount of healing energy is directed by Higher Intelligence to the areas of the person's body and psyche in need of healing. It is safe for everyone-including sick, well,  or injured people, pregnant women, children, and elders. Sessions can be in person or  at a distance.

What would Reiki be helpful for?

Reiki can help with physical, emotional and mental healing of diverse kinds. Everyone I've treated has found immediate benefit in the relaxing and renewing effects of a session.  People have found help through my Reiki sessions for : body aches & pains; headache; sinus congestion; breaking unhealthy habits;  low immune system; tension; releasing unhealthy relationship patterns; exhaustion; childbirth support & recovery for mom and baby; lack of sleep; jet lag; broken bones; recovery from accidents; grief; Ayurvedic diagnosis of low prana; healing emotional trauma; breaking unhealthy emotional patterns; post surgery recovery; recovery from illnesses; and support with chronic disease control.   Simple problems may be remedied in one session, with more serious or chronic problems benefiting from more sessions. 

What is a Reiki session like?

When the receiver arrives we spend some time talking about the intention for this healing session.  For an initial visit, more information about the general health of the receiver is helpful. 

Then the receiver lies down on her/his back, fully clothed, supported comfortably by cushions and covered with a blanket if desired. The room is quiet with subdued lighting.  Healing chants are available, if desired, as an adjunct to the Reiki healing energy.  I spend a few moments grounding and invoking the Reiki energy and the guidance of Higher Intelligence for healing of the receiver.  Then I gently lay my hands on the person's body, starting with the head region and moving downward. (For those uncomfortable with direct laying on of hands I can also send Reiki into their energy field without touching them. ) I stay in an area until it no longer draws Reiki energy from my hands.   Very little talking happens during the hands-on part of the session.  Sometimes I am guided to gently blow, massage or tap an area of the body to assist in the process of healing. Specific bodily areas may be emphasized according to need. I end with my hands again on the receiver's  heart, signaling the end of the session. Any information I see or hear during the session is shared before the person leaves my healing space.

The hands-on part of the session usually lasts about 45 minutes with a full session scheduled for about 1 hour.  Initial sessions may take 1 ½ hour, to include the intake information.  My Reiki practice is open for new receivers at this time, with referrals available when I become filled.

How do you send Reiki?

Channeling Reiki is the result of initiation by a Reiki Master.  This initiation has been passed down through the lineage from Dr. Usui as a way that the energetic channels of the practitioner are opened up to allow for the full flow of Reiki when invoked by the practitioner. 

There are different levels of Reiki initiation:  Reiki I is for physical healing ; Reiki II for protection & purification, mental  & emotional  healing and distance healing;  Master level for teaching & initiating others.  Other Reiki classes are available for those initiated at level II to expand on techniques, especially for those practicing professionally.  I am a practicing Reiki Master with regular classes and individual initiations available by appointment.  It is often good for those with chronic concerns and their close family & friends to become initiated  at Level I so that they can give themselves & receive Reiki everyday.