
Frequently Asked Questions
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What Can be Treated?
Reiki has had a positive affect on all forms of illness and negative conditions. This includes minor things like head or stomach aches, bee stings, colds, flu, tension and anxiety as well as serious illness like heart disease, cancer, leukemia, etc. The side effects of regular medical treatments have also been reduced or eliminated. This includes the negative effects of chemotherapy, post operative pain and depression as well as improving the healing rate and reducing the time needed to stay in the hospital. Reiki always helps and in some cases people have experienced complete healings which have been confirmed by medical tests before and after the Reiki treatments. However, while some have experienced miracles, they cannot be guaranteed. Stress reduction with some improvement in ones physical and psychological condition are what most experience.
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Where does Reiki Energy Come From?
Reiki energy is a subtle energy. It is different than electricity or chemical energy or other kinds of physical energy. Reiki energy comes from the Higher Power, which exists on a higher dimension than the physical world we are familiar with. When viewed clairvoyantly, Reiki energy appears to come down from above and to enter the top of the practitioners head after which if flows through the body and out the hands. It appears to flow this way because of our perspective. However, the true source of Reiki energy is within ourselves. This does not mean that we use our personal energy when we do Reiki, but that the energy is coming from a transcendental part of ourselves that is connected to an infinite supply of healing energy.
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What Does a Reiki Treatment Feel Like?
What one experiences during a Reiki treatment varies somewhat from person to person. However, feelings of deep relaxation are usually felt by all. In addition, many feel a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and surrounds them. As the Reiki energy encourages one to let go of all tension, anxiety, fear or other negative feelings a state of peace and well-being is experienced. Some drift off to sleep or report floating outside their bodies or have visions and other mystical experiences. At the end of the treatment, one feels refreshed with a more positive, balanced outlook.
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Are There any Side Effects?
Most of the time a person will feel relaxed and uplifted by a Reiki treatment. However, sometimes a person will have what is called a healing crisis. As a person’s vibration goes up, toxins that have been stored in the body will be released into the blood stream to be filtered by the liver and kidneys and removed from the system. When this happens, sometimes a person can get a headache or stomach ache or feel weak. If this happens, it is a good idea to drink more water, eat lighter meals and get more rest. The body is cleansing as part of the healing process so this is a good sign.
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Is it Safe for Pregnant Women & Babies?
Since Reiki is guided by the Higher Power, the energy naturally responds to the unique condition of the client or student and adjusts accordingly. Reiki can only do good. Many pregnant women have received Reiki with great benefit to both themselves and their unborn child. It has also been used during childbirth to support comfort and calm.
Babies and young children especially love Reiki. The energy is gentle, soothing, and always flows in just the right amount. I began giving Reiki to my daughter when she was two years old, shortly after I became certified. Any time she’s had a fever or wasn’t feeling well, a short Reiki session has helped her bounce back quickly—and she is rarely sick. It’s been such a powerful, nurturing tool for supporting her health naturally.
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How Often Should I Receive a Reiki Treatment?
The frequency of Reiki treatments varies from person to person and depends on your individual needs, goals, and current state of well-being. Some people benefit from weekly sessions—especially during times of stress, transition, or healing—while others may find that occasional sessions help them maintain balance and alignment.
Trust your body and intuition; they’ll often guide you toward the right rhythm. During our first session, we can also talk about what frequency may best support you based on what you're experiencing.
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What’s the Difference Between Usui, Holy Fire®, and Karuna Reiki®?
All three are forms of Reiki, which means they channel spiritually guided life energy for healing and well-being—but they each have their own unique energy qualities and approaches:
Usui Reiki
This is the original Reiki system developed by Mikao Usui in Japan in the early 1900s. It forms the foundation of modern Reiki practice and focuses on self-healing, spiritual development, and hands-on healing through specific hand placements. Usui Reiki is known for its gentle, steady energy and deep relaxation.Holy Fire® Reiki
Introduced by the International Center for Reiki Training (ICRT), Holy Fire® Reiki builds on the traditional Usui system but adds a more refined and powerful energy. Holy Fire® energy is often described as feeling very pure, deeply healing, and having a sense of loving intelligence. It works directly with your spirit and consciousness, often creating lasting healing and guidance. It can heal at the core level and continues working even after the session ends.Karuna Reiki®
Also developed by the ICRT, Karuna Reiki® is considered a more advanced form of Reiki and is typically practiced by those already trained in Usui Reiki. “Karuna” means “compassionate action,” and this energy is deeply focused on releasing trauma, emotional wounds, and subconscious blocks. Many people experience Karuna Reiki as having a nurturing, supportive, and deeply transformative energy.Each system complements the others beautifully. In my practice, I am trained in all three and intuitively blend the energies to best support each client’s unique needs.
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What’s the Difference Between In-Person and Distance Reiki?
Reiki works beyond time and space, so distance sessions are just as effective as in-person treatments. I connect with your energy remotely and guide the session just as I would if you were in the room. Many clients find remote sessions especially helpful for convenience, flexibility, or when physical rest is needed.
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Is Reiki a Religion?
No, Although Reiki energy is spiritual in nature, Reiki is not a religion. It is a form of energy healing that can be used by anyone, regardless of their religious beliefs.