The word "Reiki" comes from two Japanese words 'Rei' and 'Ki', and means 'Universal Energy'. It refers to the energy that makes up all things in the universe...in other words, the energetic substance that quantum physicists talk about and study.

The word 'Rei' means universal.

The word 'Ki' means the same as 'Chi' in Chinese, 'Prana' in Sanskrit, and 'Ti' or 'Ki' in Hawaiian, and is the vital life force energy of all living things. As long as something is alive it has life energy circulating through it and surrounding it. When it dies, the life energy departs.   

Reiki 'the system' on the other hand, refers to a Japanese based technique created by Mikao Usui in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It has evolved as a technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing and wholeness.

Reiki for humans is successfully utilized as a supportive healing technique in medical settings such as hospitals, cancer centres, hospice programs, medical clinics, and private practices all over the country.

Reiki is lesser known as a holistic healing system for animals, but knowledge of Reiki is spreading since the very same principles apply. Thus, more human companions are seeking out Reiki for their beloved friends as a supportive healing technique to be used in combination with veterinary treatment.

Reiki Practitioners use intention, focus and meditation for the purpose of stress reduction and relaxation to promote healing. When humans or animals are stressed, sick or injured, you could say that energetically they are 'imbalanced'. Reiki energy goes to the centre of a problem, considers the whole being, and gently orchestrates the healing process.

Reiki Practitioners do NOT diagnose conditions, NOR do they prescribe, perform medical treatment, or interfere with the treatment of a licensed Medical Professional. Reiki Practitioners do NOT manipulate energy NOR control treatments. The participants, both human and animal, take and receive only the amount of energy they wish to accept.

• Complements conventional medical and alternative therapies
• Induces deep relaxation and promotes relief from stress
• Maintains health and well-being on the physical, mental and emotional levels
• Releases energy blockages
• Activates the body's immune system, facilitates detoxification in the body, and encourages the body's own healing process
• Increases energy and vitality
• Helps reduce pain and inflammation
• Accelerates healing from injury, illness or surgery
• Lessens the side-effects of other medical treatments
• Promotes healing of relationships and interactions with others
• Helps abused animals heal from past physical, mental or emotional trauma, and resultant behavioural problems
• Supports the grieving and dying process

Reiki for people is generally a hands-on healing technique with the person fully clothed. The Practitioner places their hands on the individual with the intention of facilitating healing, or often the hands are placed above the body, and the Reiki energy flows freely to the areas that require the healing energy. It is not the Practitioner's own energy that flows, but rather the 'Ki' or life energy that is present in all living things. The Practitioner thus does not 'direct' the energy to the 'proper' location, and the person receiving the treatment can accept as much or as little energy as they desire....and they always have 'free will' in the process.

The free and balanced flow of life force energy is necessary for maintaining good health. When the flow of 'Ki' energy is disrupted or blocked in any area, it causes diminished functioning. Reiki energy seeks to unblock areas that are not functioning properly, and restore the balance necessary for optimum health and well-being.

A person receiving Reiki energy most often experiences a feeling of deep relaxation and peace. They may also experience a feeling of heat or coolness, a sensation of moving energy, or a release on the physical or emotional level as blockages are cleared.

Since Life Force Energy is not bound by time and space, Distance Healing is also an option.

In my practice I incorporate Reiki, Therapeutic Touch and Intuitive Healing methods, as well as utilizing Aromatherapy, Sound, and Colour Therapy.