Reiki (RAY-kee) is an ancient Japanese energy medicine technique for stress reduction and relaxation. Over the course of our lives, our life force energy (or ki, chi, qi, or prana) can become insufficient and/or imbalanced due to stress, trauma, or injury. The belief is that over time, this can manifest in physical, mental and emotional ways. I use the example of a stream. It flows smoothly until rocks block its natural flow. Keep adding rocks, and the stream struggles to flow easily, if at all. Reiki helps to remove those blocks so that energy flow is optimal. Energy craves balance and flow. When balance is achieved, the body’s natural healing mechanisms are supported.

What else should I know about Reiki?

The beauty of Reiki is that it requires no specific beliefs or spiritual background. Reiki is nondenominational; you can practice any (or no) religion and still benefit from Reiki. Reiki can help to address issues at the physical, mental, emotional, and even the spiritual level without having to pinpoint or discuss it with the Reiki practitioner. Reiki promotes the body’s ability to return itself to an overall balanced state of well-being. Reiki can do no harm and supports the body’s own healing. Reiki is simultaneously relaxing and energizing, depending on the needs of the individual body.