What is Reiki?

At Mettitation, Reiki is a treatment we offer, either as a standalone treatment or as a combination with another of our healing modalities. But what is Reiki healing? Reiki is a Japanese energy treatment, which aids in relaxation, stress reduction and healing, both of a physical and emotional or mental nature.

During a Reiki treatment the practitioner intentionally connects to a balanced energy, sometimes called life-force, universal energy, Prana or Chi, and then guides that energy to work for the benefit of the recipient.

What does ‘Reiki’ mean?

Reiki is made up of two Japanese words - Rei, meaning universal spirit and Ki, meaning life force energy. Together, the meaning of Reiki can be translated as universal life force energy.

How to pronounce “Reiki”:

Reiki is pronounced as two syllables; Ray - Key.

What is Reiki good for?

Many clients want to know what is Reiki used for? so they may understand if the treatment would be of use to them. Reiki is a suitable treatment for anyone experiencing physical, mental or emotional symptoms of imbalance and/or discomfort.

At Mettitation we often work with clients who:

are experiencing physical discomfort or injury
are experiencing emotional, mental and/or physical distress from traumatic events
wish to release challenging emotions such as anger or sadness
feel they are stuck in repetitive cycles of behaviour or experience
are recovering from or wish to recover from addictive behaviour
are already committed to a path of health and balance and find treatments helpful and relaxing
are experiencing traumatic life events; such as cancer treatment and/or recovery, grief, ending of a relationship, loss of work or not knowing what life path to take
wish to undertake manifestation work

As you can see from this non-exhaustive list, Reiki is good for many things and can be intended to work in any way you wish. Reiki can do no harm, it can only be helpful.

How does Reiki Work?

Now we know some of things Reiki can be used for, let’s ask what is Reiki and how does it work?

On a spiritual level, it may be considered that this energy is of a divine nature or from God, and the practitioner is channeling this good energy to aid and heal the recipient.

But how does Reiki work scientifically? All things in this world are subject to energetic entrainment. This is the phenomenon where two vibrating bodies of energy lock into synchronisation. You will notice this with ticking clocks, people walking on the street, breathing near a loved one and the calming effect a happy dog has on your mood. This universal phenomenon is a good scientific explanation for the veracity of all energy work, as all things hold a vibrational frequency. By connecting to a balanced, high vibrational energy, the Reiki practitioner is then able to pass the benefits onto the recipient through the law of entrainment. By entraining to a healthy, balanced energy frequency the body and mind follows suit and realigns to a state of health and balance.

What is a Reiki session?

At Mettitation, a Reiki session or Reiki treatment is an allocated period of time, where either in person or via distance, your practitioner will connect to Reiki energy and intend that energy for your good and/or for your specific needs.

What to expect from Reiki:

During your Reiki session your practitioner will firstly discuss with you what you wish to achieve from your session. Your Reiki therapist may ask a number of questions to best try to ascertain where the energy of a specific imbalance may be. If you do not wish to answer questions or talk that is absolutely fine and the energy can be intended to work for your highest good.

You will then lie down comfortably and be guided to relax. Reiki is performed over your clothing and you do not need to be active in any way.

Your Reiki practitioner will then gently place their hands on you body, usually over the chakras or injured area. Reiki energy is transferred through the palms of the therapist and their hands will remain still in each placement.

At the end of your session you will be guided to return to awareness and sit up, after which your therapist may discuss with you anything they have felt and ask for any feedback or questions you may have.

Most sessions create a feeling of deep relaxation, though some experience a deep emotional healing which may result in feelings of sadness or crying. If this is the case for your treatment you will be guided through this and offered any support you may need.

Reiki sensations and what they mean:

During a treatment you may experience energy as colours, tingling, temperature and/or light. You may experience emotions as the energy works to balance your system. You may experience strong sensations in areas of blockages followed by relief.

All people experience Reiki energy differently and your therapist will assist you in allocating meaning where appropriate, after your treatment.

Occasionally you may experience strong feelings of discomfort during your treatment. You will be reminded at the beginning of your treatment that you can always ask for the session to stop or for the practitioner to bring grounding energy into the session if you are feeling uncomfortable or overwhelmed.

How does Reiki work long distance?

Reiki healing can be performed over distance or time, meaning that a practitioner can work into your past or if you are not physically present. Reiki distance healing works based on the law of Hermetic Law of Similarity; that we are all connected as energy, made up of a larger whole.

At Mettitation a Distance Reiki Healing Session works similarly to in person. Your therapist will call you, ideally via video call, to discuss your needs and make a plan for the intention of the Reiki energy. You will then disconnect, lie down and relax whilst the practitioner follows a similar format of treatment but without you being physically in the room. After your session the Reiki practitioner will speak to you again so you may discuss the treatment and any future work or sessions.

How much is a Reiki session?

At Mettitation Reiki sessions are:

$50 US for 60 minutes

$60 US for 90 minutes

$75 US for 120 minutes

How many Reiki sessions are needed?

Many clients feel better after just one Reiki treatment, but it may take a number of regular sessions to achieve your desired result. The amount of sessions you will need depends on many factors and can be discussed in a consultation or at your first Reiki session.

What is Reiki meditation?

The term Reiki meditation is usually used as an alternative to the term Reiki session. However, healing meditations will benefit from the addition of Reiki energy.

At Mettitation, we also teach and guide meditation practices to give clients usable tools to assist them in their healing. During most 2 hour Reiki sessions you will also receive either a guided meditation or tutoring on meditation techniques so you may be consistent in between treatments.

What is Usui Reiki?

Usui Reiki is the original teaching and lineage of Reiki healing. There are a number of similar Reiki practices to be found today, which have in some way evolved from the original practice. All healing modalities can be beneficial and another Reiki lineage may suit an individual.

At Mettitation, Sarah is a Usui Shakila Ryoho Reiki Master Teacher, meaning she can trace her lineage directly to Mr. Mikao Usui and is now qualified to pass that original teaching on.

Mika Usui channeled the knowledge of Reiki healing during a 21 day period of fasting and meditation in 1922. He felt Reiki energy for himself, received its benefits and became enlightened. He went on to use the healing on family members and then to create a learning facility, this organisation still exists.

How to do Reiki on yourself:

To perform Reiki on yourself is one of the most wonderful gifts Reiki bestows. Any person can perform Reiki by becoming attuned to Reiki energy. The first level of attunement is Reiki First Degree, after which you will be able to perform simple relaxation and healing Reiki treatments on yourself, your family and friends and animals.

How to do Reiki & how to learn Reiki:

Anyone can learn how to do Reiki.

At Mettitation, Sarah is a certified Reiki Master Teacher and offers attunements at First, Second and Master Degree levels.

At Reiki First Degree you will learn to work primarily on yourself.

At Reiki Second Degree you will learn to work with symbols, on paying clients and via distance.

At Master Level you will receive a further symbol to work with and receive extra learning.

Courses are generally two days long followed by a period of absorption where you are encouraged to perform self treatments every day for 30 days.

What is a Reiki attunement?

A Reiki attunement may be felt similarly to a short Reiki treatment; during your attunement your teacher will connect you to universal life force energy so you may work with Reiki energy throughout your life. You can never lose this ability once it is connected, though it becomes more focused and beneficial the more regularly you practice.

There are several attunements at each Reiki level and they are a pleasant experience for the recipient.

How many Reiki levels are there?

In the Usui Reiki lineage there are three levels; Reiki First Degree, Reiki Second Degree and Reiki Master Practitioner. You may then take a fourth course to become attuned as a Reiki Master Teacher and pass the teaching onto others.

How to use Reiki symbols:

At Reiki Second Degree and Reiki Master levels, students are given symbols to work with during their treatments. These symbols are considered to be sacred and not to be passed on in any other way than by your teacher at the appropriate level of study.

These symbols can be used for particular intentions and specific work and may give extra strength to a Reiki session.

What is a Reiki master?

The term Reiki Master is used freely and often to mean slightly different things. Under the Usui lineage, a Reiki Master is a person who has completed three levels of Reiki attunement and holds all symbols.

How to become a Reiki Master:

Anyone can become a Reiki Master by completing the three levels of attunement in the prescribed order. Some Master Teachers are flexible in their requirement for your progression through the levels; at Mettitation we believe it is important to maintain the efficacy of Reiki healing and Sarah lovingly guides students on a journey of mastery, with appropriate lengths of time of practice at each level. It is possible to reach Master level in a number of months but most students take a number of years. Students often find that they are in no rush to progress through the levels and each one calls to them at the appropriate time.

What is Reiki therapy - a summary…

Reiki therapy is a relaxing energy healing treatment that is suitable for all people, including those with existing conditions and pregnant people, of any age and belief system.

Reiki energy is inclusive and does not discriminate.

We welcome questions about Reiki sessions at Mettitation and are always happy to hear from you. Remember that Reiki experiences differ from person to person and session to session - even with the same therapist! The energy works for your highest good, along the path of least resistance, to realign to balance and health.

Learn more or Book Reiki