Healing Hands Cumbria
Healing Hands Cumbria Lake View

Reiki

Reiki is an increasingly popular form of complementary medicine that can offer you deep physical and mental relaxation. I have had sceptical clients come for a taster treatment who were surprised and delighted by how much better they felt at the end of a session. Half an hour is enough to feel the benefit, so why indulge your curiosity and try it out?

Reiki Practitioners aim to live by the Reiki precepts shown on the right. I am not always successful, but it feels good to have something to aim for that is simple, and will benefit everyone.

I attend shares at West Cumbria Reiki Circle and Moreton Manor, and I am a member of the Reiki Guild.  I volunteer at the Eden Valley Hospice on Family Days and at the Neuro Wellbeing Clinic, alongside other Reiki practitioners.
The Reiki Guild Reiki Healthcare Research

Reiki FAQs

What does a Reiki session feel like to receive?

You will sit or lie down in a comfortable position, with pillows and a warm blanket. You can ask to receive Reiki 'on the body' or 'off the body'. Having it on the body, is like a 'laying on of hands' and can feel very comforting as the effect of the Reiki energy can make the practitioners hands feel warm even if they are not. You may feel that you are wrapped in a safe warm cocoon, or you may feel more alert yet relaxed and any symptoms of pain recede. If you ever get cold or uncomfortable, please let your practitioner know so they can see to your comfort.

It is usual to close your eyes when receiving Reiki as this helps you relax.

How does Reiki work?

Reiki is a healing energy provided by the Universe. The practitioner enters a calm state and offers themselves as a channel. The client then receives as much or as little Reiki as their own body and energy systems find helpful. I have heard it likened to the practitioner being a straw through which the client can draw Reiki for their own benefit. The practitioner also benefits from this process. If you love Reiki, you may decide to be attuned to it yourself as this is simple and easy to do.

What are the benefits of Reiki?

Reiki is very relaxing, can reduce symptoms of pain and anxiety, which will promote your body's own natural healing, and works well in combination with both conventional Western medicine, and also other holistic medicines. I know several wonderful practitioners who combine reiki with massage.  

Are there any contraindications for Reiki?

No. 

How long does a Reiki session take?

 You can try a 20- 30 minute taster session. Regulars might come for an hour session - which could include a 10 minute chat, 45 mins of Reiki, and 5 minutes transition before you leave.

Is there any scientific research into the benefits of Reiki?

Yes, there is quite a lot.  For example, you can have a look here.
I felt very safe in Katja’s hands during the session. She was careful to check that I was warm and comfortable. Beforehand, she asked if I would mind her singing during the session. I was interested as I know William Lee Rand uses chanting to enhance his Reiki. Katja was very clear that it was my session so I should choose what I was comfortable with. I found the singing made me feel very ‘held’. It was very gentle and unobtrusive and seemed an interesting thing to explore, given the power of sound vibration in healing. Katja gave Reiki to the whole body, during the session, but she focused on areas to which she was most drawn. I found her to be very intuitive, being drawn to areas of my body I might have expected. The level of pressure felt perfect for ‘on body’ Reiki. During the session I felt very relaxed which is quite unusual, and I felt my shoulders and my hip release tension. Before the session I had felt a bit fragile and like my heart needed support. Afterwards, I felt much more centred and able to step out into the world. Katja is very caring and is entirely focused on the wellbeing of her client.  

R. R.