reiki
probably the chillest complementary therapy out there.
hey friend!
I’m so glad you’re here.
Sundog Holistic was created to be a safe space for healing mind, body, and soul. I want to see you past your struggles, pain, and doubt.
Come as you are, and will be met where you’re at. No expectations, no pressure.
If your journey finds you here - I’m happy to help the light shine through again for you.
May you feel held, welcomed and safe to rest and heal.
what is reiki?
Reiki (ray-key) is an energy healing modality that involves channeling energy to the recipient to balance centres (or chakras) in the body for optimal energy flow.
Originating in 18th century Japan, Reiki practitioners have been attuned to channel universal life force energy and allow it to flow into the recipient and balance various systems in the body. Practitioners can trace their lineage back to Mikao Usui, the founder of Reiki.
Reiki allows the body & mind to relax and open to the innate healing abilities that everyone has. This allows the body to heal on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels as you release stagnant energy that you're ready to let go of.
Reiki is safe for everyone because it is balancing. Reiki is safe for all ages and stages of life (pregnancy, newborn, end stages of life, etc.)
You'll feel relaxed and balanced as you find your natural state of wellbeing.
what happens during a Reiki session?
Reiki sessions last about one hour. Upon arrival, I will ask you a few questions related to your intention for the session and give you a rundown of what to expect during it.
Reiki is not like massage or reflexology. Hands are lightly placed on or above the body without manipulation. Sessions are performed with the recipient fully clothed and laying down on a comfortable massage table or for a distance session, somewhere comfortable in your own home - wear something comfy!
You will be laying down on your back with a pillow and blanket (for comfort and any temperature fluctuations). The focus is on relaxation, so there will be light music, low lighting and calm energy (only the chillest vibes, promise).
Reiki works by using hands-above-body and gentle touch. I will use intuition to guide the energy to any centres that may need attention. All you need to do is allow yourself to relax and set the intention for healing.
Each session is different in terms of personal experience. Some recipients enter a meditative state and see colors, shapes or visions - others experience twitching, tingling sensations, sensation of floating, find their body warming or cooling or feel waves of energy/electricity running through the body. You might also fall asleep or process emotions during the session.
Please know, that all of the above is normal (and so is just feeling very relaxed and not experiencing much!) and a reiki treatment is a very relaxing, peaceful, restorative experience. A little light-headedness is normal.
The Reiki energy is still flowing no matter the experience.
Following the session you’ll feel peaceful, connected and positive.
benefits of reiki:
Relaxation for stress and insomnia
Relief from physical and emotional pain
Relief from depression, fear, and anxiety
Improves digestion
Spiritual connection
Establishing calm, bringing comfort and deep emotional healing
Supports self-acceptance and self-love
Removes negative energy and blocks from chakras (subtle energy centres)
Can be shared with animals, plants, as well as events
And so much more*
Reiki has been shown to help with many ailments and is used in hospitals, hospice, homes, treatment facilities and many other environments.
A few examples of Canadian health care facilities offering Reiki are:
Mt. Sinai Hospital’s Marvelle Koffler Breast Centre, Toronto, Ontario
Princess Margaret Hospital (University Health Network) Toronto, Ontario
Bruce House AIDS hospice (Ottawa, Ontario)
Sandy Hill Community Health Centre (Ottawa, Ontario)
Ottawa Integrated Cancer Centre (OICC) ‘(healingsourcereiki.com)
*Reiki is not a magical cure - it is meant to be used alongside other treatments that may be necessary for your care (western/eastern medicine, therapy, etc.) Many people experience relief in just one session, others find they need more time and support.
hey! did you know animals LOVE Reiki too? check out this page for information about animal Reiki!
FAQ:
Is there any scientific evidence available that Reiki helps?
Reiki is practiced in hundreds of hospitals in the US, and many Canadian hospitals as well. There have been several promising scientific studies completed and published on Reiki, and several others are underway.
Article: Yale Research Shows Reiki Treatment Helps Heart Attack Patients
Article: Reiki for Mind, Body, and Spirit Support of Cancer Patients (PDF)
For latest updates on Reiki research please visit https://centerforreikiresearch.org/
Is there anything that I should do after receiving Reiki?
I recommend water. Drink more water and get in water. Shower, bath, hot tub, swimming pool etc. Energy that is set in motion during your session will continue to organize. Water will help facilitate that process, and cleanse the body.
Is Reiki in conflict with any religions?
No. Reiki is a form of energy healing. We are energy beings.
Reiki does not require a belief system.
Do I need to do anything to prepare before a Reiki healing session?
Once you plan to make an appointment to receive Reiki, you have already acknowledged an intention about your healing. It can be helpful to reflect about what you would like to work on in a session. You will be lying down to receive the energy work, so if eating right before lying down may be uncomfortable, time your meal accordingly.
Please refrain from using strong scents and wear comfortable clothes.
How many sessions will it take to address my needs?
This can vary. Generally I recommend three-four sessions, 3 weeks apart, in order to both clear and integrate what is set in motion in an initial session. That said, everyone is unique, healing is not linear, and life is not evenly paced. Some people receive reiki treatments on a weekly basis when there are a lot of changes in their lives, and some are treated on an ‘as needed’ basis.
What if I am not sure if I believe in Reiki, will it still work?
Yes. Being open and curious is helpful in making connection to the changes that occur with the energy work! Most people new to Reiki are pleasantly surprised at how much they notice energy phenomenon during a session. The validation of energy sensation that can accompany the work - both during and post a session, helps us to be receptive to changes occurring.
If you’re feeling unsure - please know there is science to support reiki - you can read about it in this article from The Atlantic: Reiki Can’t Possibly Work. So Why Does It?