What Is Reiki? A Guide to Energy Healing
Understanding Reiki: The Basics
Reiki is a non-invasive technique that partners with the body’s energy to promote relaxation, balance, and overall well-being. At Nu Wave Acupuncture, Reiki is offered alongside acupuncture and other ancient, holistic therapies to support patients in their health journey to sync their body, mind and spirit. While acupuncture uses precise points on the body to redirect the flow of qi (vital energy), Reiki focuses on channeling energy through the use of hovering hands or light touch, providing a safe, gentle, relaxing experience for deep energetic healing.
Reiki, which originated in Japan in the early 1900s, is based on the belief that ‘ki’, or Qi, (Japanese for life force energy) flows through all living beings. When life force energy is blocked or deficient, the body is susceptible to fatigue, stress, and illness. Reiki aims to clear the flow of the body's natural energy to promote vitality and longevity.
Reiki is especially beneficial for those experiencing:
Chronic anxiety or stress
Emotional trauma or stress
Sleep disruptions
Fatigue
Energy imbalance
Feeling ‘stuck’ in your healing journey
What to Expect During a Reiki Session
During a Reiki session, a trained, experienced Reiki Practitioner gently places their hands on or slightly above specific areas of the client's body that correspond to chakra energy centers head to toe. The session activates the body’s natural healing response and brings these energetic centers back into harmony to relieve pain and release stagnant energy. At Nu Wave Acupuncture, Melissa Urso incorporates crystals in her sessions for a grounded, relaxing experience.
During the session, clients lie on the treatment table, fully clothed, in a quiet and relaxing environment. Sessions typically last 45 to 60 minutes. Light pressure or touch alongside hovering the hands above the body is utilized head to toe. Melissa may also provide intuitive messages that may come through for clients to help further guide them in their healing journey. Reiki sessions are often meditative, allowing clients to enter a state of deep relaxation, often leading to a sense of emotional and physical clarity. Reiki is a safe and gentle therapy suitable for people of all ages.
What to Expect After a Reiki Session
After a Reiki session, it is common for clients to continue to feel the effects following their treatment session. Many clients leave their sessions with a sense of clarity and emotional freedom. Some clients may also feel deeply relaxed or drowsy, and this is a normal response to energy rebalancing. Others may feel a surge in energy or a clear mind as energy begins to flow through the body. An emotional release is also a normal response.
Clients may also notice a stronger connection to their intuition and emotional needs, as well as an increase in body awareness and improved sleep alongside decreased stress levels. Reiki tends to work subtly after each session; therefore, it is recommended to remain hydrated, allow time for rest, and avoid overwhelming stimuli when possible. We recommend weekly sessions for 3 to 5 sessions to allow gradual healing over time that lasts. Soft movement, meditation, journaling, and other relaxing habits are a great way to help the mind and body enhance the healing process throughout your Reiki journey. Once things have settled, monthly maintenance sessions are recommended to maintain well being.
How Reiki Complements Acupuncture
Reiki and Acupuncture share a common belief: that energy flow, or Qi, is central and essential to human health. Acupuncture focuses on accessing energy flow using thin needles while Reiki focuses on accessing the energy flow of the body using little to no touch. When utilized together in your healing journey, these treatments can enhance results, offering physical and emotional healing over time as you get closer to your health goals.
At Nu Wave Acupuncture, Reiki sessions can be booked individually or can be included in a broader treatment plan! We typically recommend weekly sessions when first starting for best results.
