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What is Reiki, Does Reiki Work, Reiki Benefits

Updated: Apr 3


Reiki Flower
Reiki Lotus Flower

What is Reiki, Does it work, Reiki benefits. In recent years more and more people have been turning to alternative or holistic forms of healing that are in sync with balancing the body immediately and are cohesive in maintaining immunity and even getting to the source of the problem. Many people are disillusioned by standard medical practices that more often than not, treat the symptoms rather than the cause, prescribing more medications that can do more harm than good or invasive treatments or surgeries that can be very expensive as well, providing little or no improvement. But not to worry, western medicine is coming along. Not only are there more hospitals ( Johns Hopkins for one ) and clinics offering Reiki but I have personally taught Reiki to Doctors, Nurses and other healthcare workers who recognize the benefits of Reiki. Things are changing.

Enter Reiki. What is Reiki? Reiki is a rediscovered form of very ancient energy healing of Eastern medical origin. We now know through modern science and quantum physics, all things are made of energy, including people. Simply put, Reiki works with this energy creating balance in mind, body, emotions, and Spirit. As a natural result of this balance, the subject is left feeling relaxed, peaceful and in most cases, completely free of pain. Whether you are dealing with physical pain or disease, mental or emotional issues such as depression, grief, and anxiety Reiki will help. Many people ask, is Reiki a religion? Spiritually it is uplifting and expansive but it is important to note that Reiki is not a religion, so it may be practiced and enjoyed regardless of your religious beliefs or none at all. Some people come to me not knowing exactly what’s wrong with them. They just feel out of balance. Again Reiki restores this balance where it is needed.

What happens during a Reiki session? In my Reiki sessions, I first do a brief consultation. In that way, I can determine what issue or problem they’d like me to address and answer any questions they may have. I then take them to my treatment room which is visually pleasing and comfy. There they will then lay face up on my massage table fully clothed, shoes on or off is optional. Reiki is not a massage, it’s much better! How is Reiki different from massage? Remember, Reiki works in healing not only the physical but the mental, emotional, and spiritual as well. Don’t get me wrong, I love massages and get them periodically but the two are completely different. Back to the Reiki session, I will play some soothing music in the background to help them relax and dim the room. Then I begin to move my hands over the subject’s body, (without touching them) sensing their energy and finding blockages in specific energy points. I then release these blockages. I am also an Intuitive, so at the same time, I’m picking up valuable information from the subject's body’s energetic system that I will impart to them at the end of the session to further help them in their healing journey.

So you might ask, what does a Reiki session feel like? My subjects tend to go into an almost hypnotic state, not asleep, not quite fully awake but they do remain aware. Occasionally, they can go into a light or deep sleep, this can depend on how physically tired they are. Many report feeling warmth and or pleasant tingling sensations, some feel nothing at all but overwhelming peace and relaxation. Others see visions or colors but not everyone, it just depends on the individual. When they get up, they all feel rejuvenated, relaxed and a marked decrease or freedom from any pain, be it emotional or physical. I then share with them any information I picked up during their session. This is often quite enlightening for them and aids them on their healing journey.

So now, the big question is, how long does Reiki last? That’s almost an impossible question to answer. I’d say anywhere from two days to two months to permanently. It really depends on how far that individual was out of balance in the first place. For chronic issues that have been around for years, it’s going to take more than one session to get lasting effects. If you have a new issue that’s say less than a year old, it probably won’t take more than one to three sessions to see lasting results. However, I’m speaking in generalities. It really depends on the individual and the source of the issue. All of which I address in the first session.

Another question I get asked is, what should I wear to my Reiki session? I always tell them to dress comfortably and to wear non - restrictive clothing. I want the subject to be as comfortable as possible, so shoes on or off is up to you but you will remain fully clothed throughout the session.

So there you have it, the answers to the most common questions I get asked about Reiki. I hope this has been helpful to you and if you have any additional questions please feel free to contact me.


Love and Light,


Katherine McBride, C.P.C.

Reiki Master / Teacher

Karuna Reiki® Master / Teacher

Certified Life Coach

Cell: 714.321.8259



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