Reiki - Overview

Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of stress reduction. It is a Japanese technique used to increase relaxation and therefore promote healing. Dr. Mikao Usui rediscovered it in the early 1900s though it has been practised for centuries. It is based on the concept that an 'unseen life energy' flows through us. If this energy is low then we are more likely to become sick or stressed. If it is high then we are more able to be happy and healthy. Reiki can work effectively in conjunction with other medical or therapeutic techniques and may help to relieve side effects and promote healing. American hospitals are beginning to integrate reiki within treatments provided on the wards with good results (see 'Reiki in Hospitals' pp76-86 in Brand W. (1998), Reiki for a New Millennium, USA , Vision Publications, ISBN 1-886785-02-3)

For more information on reiki, visit the following web pages: www.reiki.org or www.reikifed.co.uk where you will find articles about the therapy along with recommended reading.

For further information about reiki treatments in Carlisle please contact info@cumbriatherapies.com or call us on 01228 409093.

How it may help
It is based on the concept that an 'unseen life energy' flows through us. If this energy is low then we are more likely to become sick or stressed. If it is high then we are more able to be happy and healthy. Reiki can work effectively in conjunction with other medical or therapeutic techniques and may help to relieve side effects and promote healing.

Contraindications
There are no real contraindications for Reiki however, as with all therapies, our therapists will take a full case history to try and ensure that we provide a safe, complete service to our clients.

 
A typical session
Reiki is administered by the 'laying on of hands' or by the practitioner positioning hands just above the body. You remain fully clothed throughout and the sensation can be one of profound relaxation, temperature variations, tactile sensations or none of these. The balancing experience may begin a cleansing process on all levels - physical as well as emotional.

The first session takes about 1.5 hours as we need to take a case history and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you might have before you have a reiki treatment.  Subsequent sessions tend to last about an hour.

The treatment take place with you lying on a couch fully clothed. To the sound of gentle music, you relax, rest and for some people sleep, while the reiki practitioner uses various hand positions either in contact with your body or just above the body to allow you to rebalance your energy. 

Cost / Number of sessions
The frequency and number of sessions required will depend on the reason for attending.  Some people may require up to five sessions before feeling balanced again while others may only need two or three.  Some people find that once they have reached this level they like to maintain it by attending for a reiki treatment every 4-6 weeks.

Initial Reiki sessions tend to last for 80-90minutes to include taking a case history. Subsequent sessions last about an hour. 

* Please note for Marion: if reiki is combined with hypnotherapy then sessions are charged as for hypnotherapy at £50/hr.