Reiki

Reiki is a combination of two Japanese words. Rei means "universal power" and Ki means "life force energy". Practitioners of Reiki believe that life force energy flows through all living things and is part of everyone's body, mind, emotions, and spirit. When a person's life force energy is low, they usually feel sick or stressed. However, when a person's energy is at the right level, they feel happier and healthier. Read on to learn more about Reiki.

What is it?

Reiki is a safe and natural healing technique that has helped some people to relax, lower stress and feel better in general. Practitioners who offer Reiki treatments have received training that is aimed at improving "the flow of life force energy".

What does a Reiki treatment involve?

• Anyone, at any age can receive Reiki.
• You don't need to remove any clothes during a treatment.
• Usually, you will lie on a bed or table, either face up or down. You may sit in a chair.
• The Reiki practitioner most often places his/her hands on the top of your head, forehead, neck, upper chest, lower chest, abdomen, knees and feet.
• Music may be played during your treatment.
• You will not have to do anything.

Who can offer Reiki?

Reiki practitioners receive a certificate when they complete level I, II, or III. There is no license to practice Reiki.

What happens during a Reiki treatment and what are the possible effects?

1. "Reiki seems to affect perception of pain" (how much you are aware of your pain, and how much you feel it) and enhances the body's relaxation response.
2. There may be positive changes in some of the measures of the immune system after a Reiki treatment.

Often a person talks about a deep level of relaxation after a Reiki treatment.

You are likely to feel:

• Comfortable and warm
• Emotional- some people may cry during a session as emotions are sometimes released
• Calm- your heart rate and breathing may slow down as you feel more relaxed
• Relaxed and peaceful
• Sleepy and may fall asleep during the treatment

What does Reiki cost?

The average cost for a Reiki treatment is $65 to $90 per hour. Some practitioners may offer free clinics.

Talk to your health care provider about whether using Reiki might help you. Reiki can NEVER be used in place of your medical treatment.

Recent Medical Studies:

Reiki as a clinical intervention in oncology nursing practice. Bossi LM, Ott MJ, DeCristofaro S.

The empowering nature of Reiki as a complementary therapy. Nield-Anderson L, Ameling A.

Reiki as a rehabilitative nursing intervention for pain management: a case study. Pocotte SL, Salvador D.

Reiki: a starting point for integrative medicine. Schiller R.

Written and reviewed by the CYWH Staff at Children's Hospital Boston

Updated: 5/17/2011

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