Therapy appointments are no longer available at BodyWork Therapies due to relocation interstate.  However, the massage supplies side of the business is still open.  Please contact us at info@bodyworktherapies.com.au or place your order as usual through the website.  Thank you.

What is Reiki?

Reiki is a system of natural healing that was rediscovered in the late 19th Century by Dr Mikao Usui. Reiki, pronounced ‘Ray-Key’, is Japanese for Universal Life Energy and is a technique that can be used for improving health, reducing stress and aiding relaxation. It works by balancing the body’s energies, so promoting health and well-being. Reiki treats the whole person – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually – and is completely safe. It can help to improve the effectiveness of all types of treatments, including conventional medicine and other complementary therapies, and has no contra-indications. Reiki is both powerful and gentle. It has been in use for over 3000 years and is not limited by age, sex, beliefs or need. Reiki energy will go wherever it is needed in the body to restore its natural balance and requires no direction from the practitioner. Great benefit can be obtained in the form of pain and stress reduction and increased relaxation. Reiki is not associated with any religion or religious beliefs.

How long does a Reiki treatment take?

A Reiki treatment can be booked for either 30 minutes or an 1 hour and is very relaxing. You would normally lie down, but you can also have Reiki whilst sitting in a chair if you would prefer. It is advisable to wear comfortable, loose clothing so that you can lie down comfortably and you will only be asked to remove your shoes.

Most Reiki practitioners will have candles and/or incense burning and will have background music playing – all of which help to create a soothing, relaxed atmosphere.

What happens during a Reiki treatment?

The actual treatment consists of the practitioner placing their hands very lightly at certain points on the body. These will be explained to you beforehand and you can say if you are particularly sensitive in any area (feet are high on this list!) and would prefer the practitioner to ‘hover’ rather than touch. The treatment starts with you lying on your back and the practitioner commences the hand placements at your head.  Don’t worry if you find yourself drifting off or falling asleep – this is very common and means its working!  Don’t get up as soon as the treatment is finished as you may feel a bit light-headed – especially if the practitioner has just woken you up. Take a few moments to ‘gather’ yourself and then sit up slowly – you have been totally relaxed for at least 30 minutes, so you want to make the most of it. If you start rushing around immediately after your treatment, you’ll lose some of the benefit.

Reiki will continue to work with you for 24 hours after your treatment and also acts as a detox for the body. It’s a good idea to drink plenty of water during this time, as it will help to flush the toxins from your body. Your practitioner will always offer you water after a treatment.

What happens at my first Reiki session?

At your first session your practitioner is likely to take some basic personal details (name, address, telephone number etc), but will never ask for a detailed medical history. You may wish to discuss your reasons for having a Reiki treatment, but this is entirely up to you and you will not be pressed to provide any information that you would prefer not to discuss. It goes without saying that anything you do discuss with your practitioner is regarded as confidential and your practitioner will not discuss your details with anyone else.

Why do people have Reiki? How many treatments should I book?

People have Reiki for all sorts of reasons but it is important to remember that, as with any therapy – alternative or otherwise – we can never guarantee a ‘cure’. What we can promise is that the Reiki will work towards balancing your body’s energies and you will feel the beneficial effects of this. Our current way of life often includes too much stress and too little relaxation – combine this with a poor diet, alcohol and smoking and it’s no wonder that your body’s energies are out of balance. This results in all sorts of minor ailments and feelings of ‘not being 100%’ emotionally and/or physically. If this continues for a long period then it can result in a more chronic problem. Reiki helps to restore the balance and, in doing so, aids healing. If you have a particular problem – physical or emotional – you may find that 3 or 4 sessions at weekly intervals will be enough. If it is a more chronic condition or problem then 3 or 4 sessions on consecutive days would be advisable as the Reiki will build each time and be more powerful. However, you may find that having one session every month or so is all you need. It’s entirely up to you and I would suggest that you make that decision after your first treatment when you have experienced Reiki for yourself.