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How does Reiki differ from other "energy work"?

Although there are other differences, there are two major differences between Reiki and other "energy work":

The practitioner is not giving her energy to heal; Instead, she simply acts as a conduit for the Universal Energy (Ki). One of the greatest benefits of this difference is that the practitioner's personal energy and issues do not interfere with the healing process.

Reiki can be performed on the self. I do not know of another healing modality that allows for fully effective self-application.
Is Reiki a religion?

No, Reiki is not a religion, nor is it affiliated with any particular belief system.

How does Reiki work?

Reiki is all about balance. It works on the mental, emotional and spiritual bodies as well as the physical. In Western medicine we often treat the symptom rather than the cause of the dis-ease in our bodies. Reiki is very Eastern in its approach to healing; Most of our physical ills - especially those that reoccur over time - have a root cause in an emotional, mental or spiritual block in our body. By helping the body's energy to realign itself properly, Reiki releases these "knots", freeing us of the physical effects caused by them. This can be very subtle, and is often not as "immediate" as taking a pill. However, the effects are often more long-lasting.

Does Reiki work for everyone?

Reiki can and does work for everyone. However, it should be noted that Reiki is not an "instant fix" and does not force healing upon the person receiving it. If someone has a long-term illness due to an emotional issue (s)he is not willing to release, no amount of Reiki - or any other healing method, in my opinion - will work. Some issues may take longer to be healed, depending upon the extent of the issue and how willing you are to release what is causing it. Reiki does not require your belief, but if you do not truly wish to be healed, it will abide by your intent for yourself.

What should I expect when receiving Reiki?

The Reiki practitioner or Master will ask you to remove your shoes and get comfortable. She will then place her hands along your body in a specific pattern to maximize the benefit of the Reiki energy.

People have varied experiences when receiving Reiki. Right away you may notice that the practitioner's hands grow hot: This is the flow of Reiki energy. You may experience an overall feeling of well being and relaxation, or you may feel nothing at all. Reiki is a subtle art, and the effects may not manifest themselves immediately or with simply one session. Because the flow of energy is directly related to the overall balance of the person receiving Reiki, some people may find themselves having a strong emotional reaction. It is not uncommon to burst out laughing or crying, or to experience physical sensations or vivid memories during a session.

What is an attunement vs. a session?

An "attunement" is the process by which a person becomes able to give Reiki. Once you have been "attuned", you are a Reiki practitioner. When receiving Reiki for healing purposes, it is generally referred to as a "session".

What is remote or absentee healing?

Remote healing - sometimes also called distant or absentee healing - is the ability to heal someone without touching them, whether across the room or across the world.

The information contained above is intended for general reference purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or a medical exam. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment. Medical information changes rapidly and while Community Bridges Integrated Healthcare and its content providers make efforts to update the content on the site, some information may be out of date. No health information on Community Bridges Integrated Healthcare site, including information about herbal therapies and other dietary supplements, is regulated or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and therefore the information should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the supervision of a medical doctor.