FAQ
Explore our frequently asked questions to discover more about Reiki Healing, Reiki Classes and Learning to Meditate. If you have any other questions please contact me.
Reiki Healing
What is Reiki?
Reiki is an energy healing practice from Japan that utilises the spiritual energy of the Universe to stimulate energetic centres in the body, and promote healing of the body and mind. The term Reiki comes from the Japanese words for spirit (rei) 靈 and energy (ki) 氣 The spiritual energy of Reiki could be described as the life force energy that enlivens every living being, exists beyond the concepts of time and space, and is pure unconditional love. The Japanese founder of Reiki - Mikao Usui, beautifully described Reiki in this way... "Reiki is love, love is wholeness, wholeness is balance, balance is wellbeing, wellbeing is freedom from disease."
What is Distance Reiki?
Distance Reiki is a type of healing session that is conducted when a Reiki Practitioner and the recipient of Reiki can't be together in person. There are many situations where Distance Reiki may be more helpful than an in-person session. For example the recipient may be in hospital or may live in another country. Because the spiritual energy of Reiki exists beyond the concepts of time and space, it can be shared with the intention of offering compassionate healing across any distance and is still very effective. If you choose to receive Distance Reiki it is recommended that you find a quiet place to relax or sleep for the duration of your session.
How can Reiki help people?
Receiving Reiki activates the body's relaxation response and stimulates it's natural ability to heal. Because it is so relaxing, the mind also experiences peace and stillness. In this state our ability to view things from a wider perspective is activated and personal insights can occur. Spiritually speaking, Reiki offers life force energy to the body's energy centres and pathways to clear and balance blockages. This has a positive effect on both the physical body and the mind. Being surrounded in Reiki's energy of unconditional love is also very comforting. Reiki also fosters a connection to our spiritual side, increasing awareness of the interconnectivity between our body, mind and spirit, and enhancing intuition. It's important to note that Reiki does not claim to 'cure' anything. It's a complementary therapy that combines beautifully with conventional therapies and treatments, but it should never replace them.
How does Reiki work?
At the physical level, receiving Reiki settles the body into the relaxation response and stimulates it's natural ability to heal. The deeply relaxing state that is induced during Reiki also calms the mind. At the spiritual level, Reiki energy flows through the practitioner into the recipient and clears blocked energy (ki). With the energy pathways cleared of blockages energy can flow freely throughout the body, nourishing all areas and restoring health and wellbeing. What happens during a Reiki Healing session? Reiki treatments are non-invasive and you will remain fully clothed. You may choose to have a hands-on (light touch) or hands-off (no touch) Reiki session. Before your session the Reiki practitioner will have a chat to you about why you're there and answer any of your questions. During the session you will rest comfortably on a massage table or chair while the Reiki practitioner channels Reiki energy through their hands and body. The practitioner will rest their hands lightly upon your body as Reiki energy flows through them and into your energy pathways and centres. If hands-off (no touch) has been requested or if a body part can't be touched for any reason, the Reiki practitioner will hold their hands above the body as Reiki flows where needed. Your Reiki practitioner will typically remain silent during your session, allowing you to fully relax into the experience, however if you need to speak to the practitioner at any time this is fine, it won't interrupt the flow of Reiki. After the session you'll be given a glass of water and the opportunity to discuss any questions you may have about your experience.
What happens during a Reiki Healing session?
Reiki treatments are non-invasive and you will remain fully clothed. You may choose to have a hands-on (light touch) or hands-off (no touch) Reiki session. Before your session the Reiki practitioner will have a chat to you about why you're there and answer any of your questions. During the session you will rest comfortably on a massage table or chair while the Reiki practitioner channels Reiki energy through their hands and body. The practitioner will rest their hands lightly upon your body as Reiki energy flows through them and into your energy pathways and centres. If hands-off (no touch) has been requested or if a body part can't be touched for any reason, the Reiki practitioner will hold their hands above the body as Reiki flows where needed. Your Reiki practitioner will typically remain silent during your session, allowing you to fully relax into the experience, however if you need to speak to the practitioner at any time this is fine, it won't interrupt the flow of Reiki. After the session you'll be given a glass of water and the opportunity to discuss any questions you may have about your experience.
What does a Reiki Healing session feel like?
Everyone experiences Reiki differently, and it may even feel different each time you go. The most common experience is that of deep relaxation and many people do fall asleep. Some people also feel sensations such as warmth, coolness, tingling, pulsing, or a feeling of expansion. Some people see beautiful colours and patterns in their mind's eye, or receive intuitive messages. And some people experience an emotional release. These are all very normal experiences during Reiki, but if you are uncomfortable please let your practitioner know. Some people may experience a healing response in the day or two after their session. This could look like a headache, runny nose, feeling tired, emotional or having vivid dreams. To minimise the effects of this you're encouraged to stay hydrated, take it easy, and be kind to yourself after your Reiki sessions.
Can I have Reiki while pregnant?
Yes! Reiki encourages deep relaxation and is a beautiful gift for both mother and baby. If the mother has reached the stage where she's no longer supposed to sleep on her back, then she may rest on her side with a bolster supporting her knees or relax comfortably on a chair for her Reiki session.
How many Reiki Healing sessions will I need?
Because Reiki simultaneously acts upon the body, mind and spirit, it is very difficult to predict how many sessions are required for healing. The true meaning of healing is "a return to wholeness". The rate at which this happens depends on many factors including the mindset we bring to our healing journey and what we are personally dealing with (past, present and future), therefore it will be different for everybody. It's generally agreed that for best results and to maintain healing momentum, it's ideal to have regular Reiki sessions. To kickstart healing it's often recommended to have a few Reiki sessions close together, before gradually spacing your sessions further apart for maintenance.
How should I prepare for my Reiki Healing session?
There is nothing special you need to do before your Reiki session, but to encourage deeper relaxation it's recommended to avoid caffeine and wear comfortable clothing.
Reiki Classes
What kind of Reiki do you teach?
I'm a certified Reiki Master Teacher in both Usui Reiki Ryoho and Usui Shiki Ryoho, and have completed Okuden level in Jikiden Reiki. I have a lot of curiosity and a deep interest in Reiki, so training in all these styles has given me the opportunity to experience a wide range of Reiki perspectives and techniques. I proudly teach Usui Reiki Ryoho, respectfully honouring its Japanese origins, which emphasises Reiki as both a spiritual practice for self-healing and a healing art for offering healing to others. Explaining the purpose of Usui Reiki Ryoho, the Japanese founder of Reiki - Mikao Usui said... "You heal yourself, and the diseases of others, and increase your own happiness and that of others. That is the mission of the Usui Reiki Ryoho."
What is your Reiki lineage?
I proudly teach in the Usui Reiki Ryoho lineage. As a student of mine you will also inherit this lineage that traces it's roots back to Reiki's Japanese founder, Mikao Usui through the Reiki Initiation Ceremony at your Reiki Classes. MIKAO USUI Founder of Usui Reiki Ryoho | KANICHI TAKETOMI 3rd President of Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai | KIMIKO KOYAMA 6th President of Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai | HIROSHI DOI Member of Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai | FRANS STIENE Reiki Master Teacher of Usui Reiki Ryoho | CHARISSE JOY Reiki Master Teacher of Usui Reiki Ryoho
What are your Reiki qualifications?
I'm a certified Reiki Master Teacher in both Usui Reiki Ryoho and Usui Shiki Ryoho, and have completed Okuden level in Jikiden Reiki. Training in all these styles has given me the opportunity to experience a wide range of Reiki perspectives. I'm a proud member of Reiki NZ inc and my Reiki classes meet their teaching guidelines. I'm also a certified Meditation Teacher and member of the International Meditation Teachers and Therapists Association.
Who can learn Reiki?
There is no prior knowledge or training needed to attend your first Reiki class. Anyone who is curious about Reiki can attend a Reiki class to learn about the history of Reiki, the core principles, its founding practices and how to offer Reiki healing to yourself, family and friends.
What is the Reiki Student Portal
This special area of the website is dedicated to my Reiki Students. The Student Portal is filled with exclusive Reiki services, special discounts and opportunities, Japanese Reiki techniques, video tutorials, downloadable documents and much more!
What should I do to prepare for a Reiki class?
In preparation for your Reiki class it's recommended that you read and become familiar with the Reiki manual provided to you. To prepare yourself energetically and to enhance your Reiki Initiation you might like to: • Receive Reiki healing in the lead up to your Reiki training. • Develop an attitude of gratitude. • Eat a variety of fruit and vegetables. • Drink plenty of water. • Exercise regularly. • Refrain from excess caffeine, nicotine and alcohol. • Get adequate sleep. • Engage in self-care activities that fulfil you. • Spend time connecting to nature. • Connect to your spiritual side with prayer or meditation. • Release all expectations and embrace the experience with a wide open heart and mind.
What is a Reiki Initiation?
The Reiki Initiation is a spiritual blessing given to Reiki students many times during Reiki classes. The purpose of the ceremony is to offer students an “initial" heightened experience of their inner light, so they may remember their spiritual essence. This transformational ritual formally welcomes the student into a community of other compassionate Reiki practitioners, and illuminates the path to enlightenment.
What level of Reiki training is needed to practice Reiki professionally?
To become a professional Reiki Practitioner who offers Reiki healing to people other than friends and family, practitioners must have completed Okuden Reiki Level 2. To teach Reiki to others, practitioners must have completed Shinpiden Reiki Level 3. Sometimes Level 3 is split into 3a (becoming a Reiki Master but not yet able to teach) and 3b (becoming a Reiki Master Teacher who is now able to teach others).
How long should I wait before taking the next level in Reiki training?
I recommend not rushing through your Reiki training. Take time to really notice and enjoy your personal development and transformation between classes! In this way you'll show up to your next class better prepared both intellectually and energetically. The general guidance is to allow at least 3 months between taking Shoden Reiki Level 1 and Okuden Reiki Level 2, giving you time to fully absorb the teachings and practice the techniques. The time between taking Okuden Reiki Level 2 and Shinpiden Reiki Level 3 is likely to be a little longer as you deepen your experience with each of the Reiki Symbols and Sounds, practice with more advanced healing techniques and prepare yourself energetically for the "mystery teachings" taught in Shinpiden Reiki Level 3.
Meditation
What kind of meditation do you teach?
There are a range of meditation styles and it's important to find a style that suits you and meets your reasons for practicing. Some meditations are very still and internally focussed, others use an external focus, and others involve movement of the body. I'll work with you to find a style that suits you and your goals, so you can create a solid practice and look forward to your time in meditation.
Can I learn to meditate online?
Yes, I offer an online meditation course full of video tutorials in a range of meditation styles so you can try out different kinds of meditations to discover what you enjoy and will stick with!
I've never meditated before, can you help me?
There was a time in my life when I was also new to meditation, and I remember feeling nervous about how to even begin. Since seeing the benefits of my own personal meditation practice, I've trained to become a certified Meditation Teacher so I can share this with others in need. I enjoy helping beginners to develop a practice that fits into their lifestyle and meets their needs, so I encourage you to book a lesson with me today!
How long should I meditate for?
Any meditation is better than no meditation, so I encourage you to start small and achievable before increasing your time in meditation. Beginning with a few short but focussed minutes is a great way to start, then consider adding a minute every day to gradually extend your practice as you get the hang of it. A twice daily 20-30 minute meditation is ideal, but in the beginning simply do what you can. Frequency is more important than duration. Having a daily practice (or twice daily practice!) even if it's short, will help your body to learn how to quickly settle into that calm, aware state we find in meditation.
