Reiki is a gentle, nurturing energy therapy that is given by laying hands on the body. Some therapists work above the body in the energy field, and some work on the body, with the subtle energy and chakra system. Both ways work to restore energy balance. The Reiki practitioner is a channel for the Reiki energy, which is a brilliant light energy that comes from the Divine. Reiki Masters have been attuned, or aligned with the energy by another Reiki Master in a ceremony or ritual, much like shamans are initiated by other shamans. Reiki is generally given in a massage-type environment. The client lies on a massage table, fully clothed. The Reiki practitioner starts the session by reading the client's energy, chakras, and subtle body. She says a prayer to bring in the client's spiritual guides, angels, and loved ones who have crossed over. She asks that the treatment be for the client's greatest and highest good. The practitioner scans the body with the hands, picking up any changes in the chakras and energy field. She can receive imprints, memories, words, or phrases from the spiritual guidance around her client. Emotions, thoughts, and other energies can be felt. Reiki works to balance imbalances in the field, chakras, and subtle body. The practitioner does not control where the energy goes, the energy has its own wisdom and moves to the places most in need of healing. Some practitioners use hand positions to cover the body from head to foot, and some practitioners stay in the same position for the whole treatment. A client may feel lightness, heaviness, magnetism, tingling, and may see colors, hear messages, or feel energy moving as the Reiki flows around them. Reiki increases the vibration of all the cells, so there may be more pain as the cells start to heal, which subsides before the treatment is over. Reiki practitioners are encouraged to clear themselves before treatments. Thoughts, emotions, and energies around the practitioner are cleared as Reiki is given, but it is always helpful to have a clear mind, body, and spirit for treatments. Most Reiki practitioners have a daily meditation, Reiki clearing, and exercise (like yoga) practice which keeps them clear of lower vibration energies. After a Reiki session, clients are encouraged to drink a lot of water, as the energy continues to move and balance over the next 48 hours. Have questions? Email me at IntuitiveReconnections@gmail.com.