Question 1

What is reiki?

Accepted Answer

Reiki is an energy healing modality that promotes both healing and relaxation. Originating from Japan, reiki translates to “universal life force energy”. Reiki is primarily channeled through the practitioner’s palms of the hands and the energy flows into the client’s energy field, chakras, aura, and/or physical body. Reiki energy flows where it is needed for healing, not necessarily where it is desired, so clients may come in seeking healing for a physical injury but find they receive healing for an emotional, mental, or other physical injury. They always receive the healing for their highest good, and often walk away with new knowledge about the linkages between physical, mental, emotional and/or spiritual ailments or imbalances.

Question 2

What can reiki help me with?

Accepted Answer

Reiki can help shift patterns of thought or behavior, remove feelings of stuckness or stagnancy, rebalance systems, unblock stuck energy, promote physical, mental, and spiritual health. It can help all your systems run more smoothly or in a more integrated way. I have worked with people to find healing and relaxation who are suffering from chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety, depression, migraines, vertigo, pregnancy complications, surgery recovery, auto-immune disorders,  challenging relationship dynamics or thought patterns, a desire for transformation, and much more. Note that while reiki can help all beings, I currently only work with adults aged 18+. If you aren’t sure if reiki will help or just want to talk things through first, you are welcome to contact me before booking!

Question 3

What does a typical reiki session look like?

Accepted Answer

First, we will talk briefly about what brought you in and anything you’d like to share that you think reiki may assist with. Then you lay down on the massage table fully clothed except for your shoes and jacket. I will move through a sequence of hand placements and small movements either on or hovering above your body, while channeling reiki energy. Focus is typically placed on the energy centers between the crown of your head and root of your spine though can also extend to arms and legs, as requested or as the energy calls. You do not need to “do” anything in order to receive reiki. Some clients may treat the session as a meditation and gently clear their minds of thoughts, while others simply lie still and keep an open mind. At the end of the session, you are welcome to share what came up for you, verbally process, or ask questions.

Question 4

What can I expect to feel or experience in a typical reiki session?

Accepted Answer

Since reiki energy flows for your highest good, no two sessions are exactly alike. Most people feel deeply relaxed during and after the session. Some even fall asleep during the session which is not a problem since the energy will continue to flow regardless of whether you are consciously aware of it or not. People may feel heat or chill in parts of the body, or tingling, buzzing, or pulsing sensations as the energy moves through them. You may have emotions come up as stuck energy, emotions or memories are released. I strive to create a safe space, free of judgment, where you can experience and release those emotions or sensations as they arise.

Question 5

I’m not comfortable with physical touch. Does reiki require touch to work?

Accepted Answer

No, reiki can be provided with or without touch. If you prefer a fully or partially no-touch session, simply indicate that when booking the session or when you arrive. We will always discuss this at the start of the session. If you have no preference, the session may incorporate light touch which looks like the palms of my hands gently resting on different parts of your body such as heart, crown, or abdomen. There is no massage-like tissue manipulation in reiki.

Question 6

If reiki is a Japanese healing energy, why is it practiced outside Japan or by non-Japanese practitioners?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Mikao Usui discovered reiki on Mount Kurama in Japan in 1922. He established a school of reiki and taught over 2,000 students with the philosophy that “Reiki can never and will never belong to just one person, or one organization. Reiki is the spiritual heritage of all of humanity.” Though Dr. Mikao Usui passed away only 4 years after discovering reiki, the Reiki Masters he trained went on to teach others who began to share reiki outside of Japan. Ms. Hawayo Takata, who lived in Hawaii but was trained in reiki in Tokyo, is credited with bringing reiki to the U.S. after becoming a Master Practitioner in 1940.

During and after the Allied Occupation of Japan (1945-1952), the U.S. influenced the creation of laws that sought to regulate traditional practices and businesses more broadly. In efforts to remain unregulated and uninfluenced by colonizer authority, reiki went largely underground in Japan by the 1950s. The school and organization that Dr. Mikao Usui founded (Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai) became a closed and somewhat secret society. Today, Gakkai member and Japanese reiki master Hiroshi Doi is working to spread the knowledge and use of reiki around the world and to revitalize it in Japan once again.

Since the Gakkai is not set up to receive donations, I donate a portion of all proceeds to Japanese nonprofit projects focused on human health and wellbeing. I also contribute to Real Rent Duwamish, as Reiki Rain operates on unceded Duwamish land.

Question 7

How do distance/Zoom reiki sessions work?

Accepted Answer

Reiki energy is uninhibited by time and space. In my experience, sessions held over Zoom have resulted in client transformations that are equally powerful, lasting, and impactful as those resulting from in-person sessions.

We will start the session on Zoom with a verbal check-in where you can share what is alive for you and calling for reiki energy healing. Then you will find a comfortable position in your space, ideally lying down in comfortable clothing, and I will spend the majority of our session channeling reiki healing energy for you. Once that work has reached a close, typically with ~10 minutes left in the session, you will return to your computer/phone for a debrief to share experiences, feedback, questions, etc. I am also happy to make referrals or share any insights that came to me throughout the session.

Question 8

How do I know if I should come for just one session or multiple?

Accepted Answer

Some clients come to resolve specific issues or during a crisis, while others come regularly as a strategy to stay clear, healthy, and spiritually aligned. While there is no wrong way to experience reiki, I suggest planning on participating in at least 2-3 sessions to start off. Reiki is a powerful but subtle energy, so while some people experience positive change during and after just one session, others take more time to consciously realize the impacts of the work.

Question 9

After a session, is there any integration support provided?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a 15-minute integration call is available to all first-time clients after their first session; simply email or ask me at the end of our session to schedule it. I also offer additional 30-minute Integration Calls for all clients which you can book through the My Services page. Though I will create a sacred container of reiki for us, this time will primarily be spent in conversation, discussing what has come up for you since the last session, any challenges or barriers in your integration, any referrals you might need, or anything else that is on your mind or heart. Please note that I am not a licensed psychotherapist or doctor so cannot provide medical advice or mental health counseling.

Question 10

Can you describe the accessibility of the space?

Accepted Answer

My studio is located in an older building largely occupied by counseling and massage therapists. There is a ramp entrance to the building, and my studio is located on the ground floor with zero steps or door jams between the front door, reiki studio, and bathroom. The front door does not have an auto-open feature, so please inform me if you need help opening the door or accessing the building. Two (unfortunately) gendered, multi-stall restrooms are available to the left as soon as you enter the building. It is a generally very quiet space and the temperature is well-regulated. I do not guarantee a scent-free environment; I typically use an essential oil diffuser in the space but please indicate when booking if you prefer I avoid scents, in which case, I will air out the room before your session. You may also request when booking that I wear a mask during our session. Clients typically spend the majority of the session lying face-up, fully clothed on a massage table that is approximately 32" tall, 73" long, and 28" wide with a 400-pound capacity. If you prefer or require a session to be held on cushions on the floor instead, or in another configuration that best suits your needs, please let me know in advance. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me with any questions, concerns, or feedback.

Question 11

What are your COVID-19 policies?

Accepted Answer

All high-touch surfaces are disinfected and all linens are changed between clients. Weather permitting, the room is ventilated between clients via the open window and cross-ventilation. While masks are optional, you can indicate when booking if you prefer that I wear a mask throughout the session. Please let me know if you have any questions or hesitations. Your safety and comfort are my priority.