Understanding Reiki
As humans, we crave order. We build routines, create systems, and lean into frameworks that help us make sense of the world. Whether it’s the rhythm of our morning coffee, the order of daily tasks, or the way we arrange our living space, we seek patterns, foundations, and meaning.
It’s no surprise that when it comes to healing, we want the same things. We want to know there’s a path. We want a sense of being held by something bigger than ourselves. We are often seeking answers.
That’s where Reiki and intuition enter.
Rooted in ancient wisdom and simple in practice, Reiki offers us a healing framework that is both gentle and profound. We are not here to fix something that’s broken. We are here to reconnect to the flow of energy that’s always been there, quietly sustaining us through the chaos.
Reiki is a spiritual healing practice that originated in Japan in the early 20th century. The word "Reiki" is derived from two Japanese words: "rei," meaning universal or spiritual, and "ki," meaning life force energy. It is based on the belief that there is a life force energy that flows through all living beings, and when this energy is low or blocked, it can lead to physical, emotional, or spiritual imbalances.
The founder of Reiki, Mikao Usui, developed the system of Reiki after a deep spiritual experience and personal quest for healing and enlightenment. He believed that anyone could connect to this universal life force energy and use it for healing themselves and others.
The belief that Reiki is accessible to everyone is something I hold close to my heart. My teaching embraces the full journey of Reiki 1 and Reiki 2, creating space for deep personal connection and energetic awakening. One of my deepest dreams is rooted in the knowing that we all carry this healing energy within us. By activating this energy, working with it, and embodying it, we contribute to a global shift toward compassion and a higher vibration.
Reiki is primarily practiced through the gentle laying on of hands, where the practitioner acts as a conduit for the universal energy to flow to the recipient. The energy is believed to flow to wherever it is needed most, supporting the body's natural healing processes and promoting balance and well-being. If touch is not comfortable, the hovering of hands over the body is just as effective.
Some key principles and concepts of Reiki include:
Universal life force energy: We believe in the existence of a universal life force energy that flows through all living things. It is this energy that is channeled during a Reiki session.
Energy centers (Chakras): Reiki recognizes the presence of energy centers or "chakras" within the body. These chakras are believed to be interconnected and influence the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of a person's well-being. Reiki aims to balance and harmonize these energy centers. Working with the chakras provides a foundation to understand our energy bodies. This is often where the information and answers are revealed.
Self-healing and self-development: Reiki emphasizes the importance of self-healing and personal growth. We are encouraged to practice Reiki on ourselves regularly to maintain our own energy balance and promote our well-being. I challenge all of my students to 30 days of self-Reiki. Here they begin to experience the profound impact that this connection to ourselves has. As a practitioner, I practice Reiki every day. I also receive Reiki from other practitioners on a monthly basis. This is how I maintain my energy and am able to hold space for my clients.
Intuition and guidance: We often rely on our intuition and guidance from the universal energy during sessions. We may receive insights, images, or messages that can provide additional support and understanding for the recipient. Information and answers are expanded as we tap into our intuition.
Reiki is known for its calming and relaxing effects. People often report feelings of peace, warmth, and comfort during a session. It is used to promote relaxation, reduce stress, alleviate pain, accelerate healing, and support overall well-being. Clients have shared that they feel lighter, more focused, free to create. Some clients fall asleep (best nap ever) and feel physical sensations of release. It is important to note that Reiki is not a substitute for medical or psychological treatment but can be used as a complementary therapy. I often work with those moving through surgery, seeing them before and after, during chemo, intensive therapy as a supportive enhancement to what they are moving through. My focus is that you feel heard and supported, along with some homework and direction.
You can learn more about my Reiki journey here.
Reiki is available in person or virtually. Yes, just like the energy of sound (radio waves) travels, so does the energy of healing. I have a studio in Gorham, Maine, and work worldwide virtually, where we meet on Zoom or via phone.
Reiki is accessible to anyone interested in learning and practicing it. You may desire this for your own life, to combine it with your current work or to open your own studio. I teach a day-long class for Reiki 1 and Reiki 2, combined. I also teach one-on-one at the Master/Teacher level. As your teacher, I will support you in bringing Reiki to your life and living from a place of being Reiki, rather than doing Reiki.
Join me for a Reiki Session, a Soul Conversation or to learn Reiki. I am here for you.
Hugs,
Sara
PS
Book a session here.
You will find Reiki 1&2, Master/Teacher info here.
More on Reiki from me below. :)
