Frequently Asked Questions:

Yes. Life, even on our smoothest days, has moments of imbalance. One of Reiki's gifts is that it can gently encourage a person’s system back toward its unique balance. So whether healthy and desiring to stay that way or addressing any health issue, Reiki has the potential to benefit anyone! The list of benefits is long and diverse because each of us experiences imbalance differently, and the imbalances change as we navigate our days. So, after a Reiki treatment, one person may notice improved sleep patterns. Another suffering from joint discomfort may see less pain. An artist may note increased creativity. A teen may feel less anxious and disconnected. A parent may feel less overwhelmed. A business owner may note more clarity…and the list goes on.

 In our conventional medical system, which I have been proud to be part of for over 30 years, our focus is sending an intervention to counter a specific problem. Reiki, however, does not target specific symptoms, conditions, or diseases directly – rather, it brings balance to our system, body, mind, and spirit. Being in a state of calm, and balance is incredibly restorative and from this state, we can more easily tap into our own innate resources which help to facilitate natural healing. Reiki may be used in combination with many medical interventions and may strengthen the benefits received from these interventions. Over the years, a myriad of patients, and clients have shared with me that they feel Reiki has played an important part in their healing process. A few common examples include Someone going through cancer treatment noting they tolerate the treatment with fewer side effects, someone suffering from arthritis noticing less pain joint with movement. Someone else notices they are feeling less anxious and overwhelmed by a newly diagnosed acute or chronic illness. 

Yes. Reiki can be safely practiced in any situation and there are no known medical contraindications. Reiki is now welcomed in many well-established hospital institutions, including Concord Hospital here in New Hampshire, where I am honored to be a part of a team of Reiki practitioners, who are helping to meet the needs of the patients being cared for at Concord Hospital.

During a Reiki treatment you are fully clothed. I do recommend wearing comfortable clothing and ask that shoes be removed before getting onto the Reiki table. I recommend no heavy meals just prior to your Reiki treatment. Most people once comfortably positioned on the table choose to close their eyes, however, if you prefer to have them open that is completely fine too.

The majority of my clients prefer to receive their treatment lying down on the Reiki table. However, if one has difficulty accessing the table or the stairs to my second floor where my Reiki home studio is, there is the option of sitting in a comfortable chair on the first floor for the treatment. Once comfortable, Reiki is facilitated through light touch or hands above the body. I use a series of hand positions as taught by founder Mikao Usui starting at one’s head and ending at the feet. Many people enjoy quiet music during the treatment but there is always the option of silence if that is preferred. I usually do not converse during the treatment. However, as each client gets comfortable, and settles in I remind them that this is ‘their time’, and therefore if there is anything needed to make the Reiki experience more comfortable do not hesitate to let me know. This might be a request for an extra pillow or bolster, to have the temperature of the room warmer or cooler, the need to use the bathroom, or to sit up for a drink of water…never worry about disrupting the Reiki session, being comfortable and at ease will support your ability to relax. To indicate the treatment session is over I ring a chime, and I leave time for you to share any observations or ask questions you might have. I offer a bottle of water before leaving and encourage you to drink water throughout the day following the treatment.

 Some fairly common observations include: feeling subtle static energy running through parts of your body, an increased sense of warmth/heat in the body, a little shaking or twitching within the body. When our bodies begin to relax, the parasympathetic nervous system (aka the Rest and Digest system) begins to be activated. One may notice tummy gurgles, deep sighs, increased swallowing, and breathing may feel more fluid and at ease, heart rate starts to decrease and blood pressure normalizes. It is not at all uncommon for someone to drift in and out of pleasant sleep. It is incredibly restorative for us to spend time in the parasympathetic nervous system. When we feel calm and balanced, self-healing is optimized. 

No. During a Reiki treatment, I will support the movement of this energy through your body but not manipulate it in any way. A Reiki treatment is therapeutic, not diagnostic as some energy healing modalities are such as Qi Gong, or acupuncture. The Reiki practitioner acts simply as a channel for the Ki (energy) to move through, and then your body will decide the amount of energy it would like to draw, and where within your body it needs to go. Reiki gently encourages you to find your own unique balance.