Reiki is a form of alternative therapy often referred to as energy healing and is said to involve the transfer of universal energy from the practitioner's palms to their patient.The word "Reiki" comes from the Japanese words "rei" (meaning "universal") and "ki" (meaning "life energy"). Reiki is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy. In a Reiki session, the practitioner places their hands either directly on you or just above you to bring about healing. The belief is that the practitioner is able to stimulate your body's natural healing abilities.

Reiki is believed to have originated in Japan in the late 19th or early 20th century. It was developed by Mikao Usui, who was a Buddhist scholar and teacher. The term "Reiki" is derived from two Japanese words: "rei," which translates roughly as "divine" or "universal," and "ki," which means "life energy."According to the tradition, Mikao Usui experienced a spiritual awakening during a meditation retreat on Mount Kurama near Kyoto, Japan. This led him to develop the system of healing that he later named "Reiki." He began practicing and teaching this system of healing in Japan, and it eventually spread to the Western world.While Reiki has its roots in Usui's teachings, it has since evolved into various forms and practices. Today, it's commonly practiced in many countries around the world, and is used as a form of complementary therapy in conjunction with conventional medical treatments.

During a Reiki session, you usually lie down on a massage table fully clothed. Sessions can also be performed with the patient sitting comfortably in a chair. It typically involves the practitioner placing their hands lightly on or just above your body in a series of locations, but there is no pressure applied like in massage therapy.

Here's a typical outline for a Reiki session:

Preparation: The Reiki practitioner will first explain the process to you, answer any questions you may have, and help you feel comfortable. The environment is often peaceful, with dimmed lights and relaxing music to enhance the calming effect.

Reiki Practice: The practitioner will then place their hands lightly on or near your body, usually starting at your head and working their way down to your feet. The specific hand positions can vary, but each position is held for several minutes. The belief is that the practitioner's hands are conduits for the Reiki energy, which they direct into the client to facilitate healing and balance.

Transfer of Energy: The practitioner is thought to channel energy into the patient in order to restore or balance the body's energy fields. Some people report feeling warmth or tingling sensations from the practitioner's hands.

Closure: Once the Reiki session is complete, the practitioner will usually allow you to rest for a few minutes to adjust before slowly sitting up. They may ask about your experiences during the session and provide space for you to share any thoughts or feelings that came up.

Post-session Guidance: The practitioner may offer guidance for self-care after the session, such as drinking plenty of water to help your body flush out any released toxins.

Each Reiki session typically lasts between 60 to 90 minutes, although the length can vary based on the practitioner's assessment of the client's needs. It's important to note that individual experiences with Reiki can vary widely. Some people report feeling relaxed and revitalized after a session, while others may not notice any immediate effects. As with any complementary therapy, it's important to discuss with your healthcare provider before starting Reiki or any other new treatment regimen.

Yes, Reiki can be used on animals. Many Reiki practitioners offer services for pets and other animals, and some animal shelters and veterinary clinics also use Reiki as a complementary therapy.

Animals, like humans, are believed to have a life force energy that flows through them, and Reiki aims to help balance this energy. Proponents of animal Reiki suggest that it can help reduce stress and anxiety, support healing from injury or illness, and provide comfort to animals who are aging or nearing the end of life.

An animal Reiki session usually involves the practitioner placing their hands lightly on the animal or holding their hands a few inches from the animal's body, similar to how Reiki is performed on humans. However, the approach can be modified depending on the animal's comfort and behavior. For example, some animals may not feel comfortable being touched by a stranger, so a hands-off or distant approach might be used.