“There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”
~Albert Einstein
General Information About Reiki
Reiki is an ancient Eastern form of healing, energy work in which hands are placed by lightly touching the body or just off the body. Reiki channels universal life force energy with positive intention. It is used to promote balance and healing and is deeply relaxing and rejuvenating. The term comes from the Japanese words “rei,” meaning universal, and “ki,” which means vital life force energy that flows through all living things. As an abundant, gentle spiritual energy, Reiki is not associated with any specific religion or nationality. By promoting the harmonious distribution of energy, Reiki is an excellent form of preventive medicine and is also referred to as a form of energy medicine.
Although Reiki has recently become more mainstream in the United States, reiki energy itself is thousands of years old and has Japanese and Buddhist roots. Reiki is based on the Eastern belief that energy supports the body's innate healing abilities. Reiki is used all over the world in places including many prominent hospitals, including Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Children's Memorial Hospital (Chicago), Northwestern University, John Hopkins Hospital, and Harvard University. There have been no cases of harm reported in any research studies or 100 years of industry experience.
The intention of Reiki is to create deep relaxation, balance and fortify energy, promote healing and a positive sense of well-being, and alleviate pain, fatigue and other symptoms you may be experiencing. Since Reiki works on the entire self, it can help heal people physically, emotionally, psychologically (mentally), and spiritually. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), Reiki is used for relaxation, stress reduction and relief from pain, fatigue and other symptoms, in order to improve overall health and well-being.
Reiki Research
Many institutions across the world are researching Reiki, including Cleveland Clinic, Yale, the University of London, and the military. Here is a listing of some published clinical trials developed to explore and quantify the numerous benefits of Reiki: Click Here.
The Center for Reiki Research (CRR) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to Reiki research: https://centerforreikiresearch.com.
What is Distant (Remote) Reiki?
Currently, most Reiki sessions are being conducted via distant (remote) Reiki, which means the recipient is at home, preferably lying down someplace comfortable, during their session. Distant Reiki sessions work just as well as in-person sessions because energy is not limited by distance.
Distance Reiki works according to an ancient principle called the Hermetic Law of Similarity, which states that we are all connected; we are all made of energy and part of a larger whole. Invoking this law during a distance Reiki session allows the Reiki practitioner to connect with the energy field of the recipient. Distance is only a physical limitation; therefore, sessions can be done without clients being physically present.
For many people, distant Reiki may be preferred because you can be in the comfort of your own home and not have to drive to another location for treatment. Also, it is often easier to focus on the experience and the energy without having the Reiki practitioner in the same room as you. After Reiki sessions, you will probably be very relaxed and may want to take a nap or simply take it easy and drink a lot of water.
Common reasons for seeking energy medicine treatments include the following:
- Anxiety or depression (and other mood disorders)
- Stress and stress-related conditions
- Insomnia
- Chronic pain
- Cancer
- Fatigue
- Recovery from illness, such as COVID-19
- Hyperactivity
- Healing after injuries and / or surgery
- Autoimmune diseases
- Unexplained / mysterious health issues
- Feeling out of balance or disconnected
A Reiki treatment may do the following:
- Accelerate general healing
- Create a peaceful, deep state of relaxation
- Increase feelings of general well-being, such as happiness, empowerment and ease
- Help to relieve pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and / or other symptoms
- Stimulate the body’s immune system
- Stimulate healing after injury or surgery
- Support the well-being of a person receiving traditional medical treatment that are debilitating (e.g., chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, kidney dialysis)
- Increase energy
- Dissolve energy blockages and tension
- Increase the vibrational frequency on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels
- Detoxify the body
What might you experience during a Reiki session?
- Buzzing or tingling
- A localized feeling of warmth or cold
- Localized pressure
- Stomach growling
- Heaviness or weightlessness
- Color or visions in their mind’s eye
- Sudden release of emotion / bursts of emotion
- Muscular twitching / spasms in the extremities
When you are experiencing energy work, you may experience a wide variety of sensations, emotions, memories, visions, etc. during your session. Some of these sensations may include a feeling of warm, tingling and/or general well-being and relaxation.
Reiki can have many positive physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual benefits. While these experiences are usually pleasant, sometimes they are indicative of working through and moving out energetically stored trauma and/or blocks. In either case, this process will ultimately enhance your well-being. It is fine if you fall asleep during the session; however, you may experience more insight if you are awake.
What might you experience after a Reiki session?
- A general sense of well-being
- Relaxation and contentment
- Reduction of pain, anxiety, and fatigue
- Feelings of connectedness
- Lowered heart rate and blood pressure
- Tiredness
- Improved sleep
- Changes in thinking
- Sudden clarity of mind
- Enhanced intuitive abilities
- Feeling a sense of purpose / meaning
- Vivid dreams
- Disorientation
- Spontaneous problem resolution
- Relief from muscular tension
- Strengthened immunity
- Muscular twitching / spasms
If possible, it is best not to go directly back to work after a session, as you probably will feel very relaxed. Energy work from a Reiki session can continue working in your body for up to two days; therefore, it is best to limit your consumption of alcohol, recreational drugs, caffeine, and processed sugar for a few days after your treatment.
Here are some videos further explaining Reiki and testimonials from people who experienced Reiki for the first time: Click Here.
Chakras
In Sanskrit, the word “chakra” means “disk” or “wheel,” refers to the spinning energy centers in your body. Each of the seven chakras corresponds to certain nerve bundles and major organs. For more than 4,000 years, the seven chakras have been recognized as an energetic system that regulates our physical, emotional, psychological (mental) and spiritual well-being. When we balance and clear our chakras, via Reiki or other energy work, we are helping to restore our natural order; we feel safe, loved, joyful, confident, and aware of our higher purpose. Further explore the nature of chakras and conduct your own self-evaluation of your energy field here.
Session Length and Format
Sessions are either 60 minutes or 90 minutes in length. For your first treatment, a 90-minute session is recommended; otherwise the initial session will last 75 minutes. The first 10-15 minutes of your first session will be used for intake.
For standard sessions, the first five minutes and last five to ten minutes of the session take place over the phone. The first five minutes of the session are used to discuss intentions for the session, and the last five to ten minutes are used to debrief and discuss the experience.
I will call you at the time of your session. If you would like to remain on the phone for the duration of the session, that is also an option; however, many people find it more relaxing to talk after the session.
Be sure to wear comfortable clothing that will not restrict your relaxation during the treatment.
Reiki does not replace traditional medical or therapeutic treatments.
Reiki complements all other types of medical and therapeutic treatments and can increase the efficacy of other types of healing. Reiki treatment should not be used as a substitute for prescribed medication or medical treatment with a physician, practitioner or psychotherapist. The Reiki practitioner does not prescribe medical treatments or pharmaceuticals or perform any spinal manipulations or massage.
Payment
Unfortunately, Reiki sessions are not currently covered by insurance. Payment is accepted in the form of cash, check, or credit card or Zelle at the time of the session. Payments can also be made through the secure Client Portal.
About the Reiki Practitioner, Renee McGowan
I am a trained Reiki Master Therapist and Reiki Master Teacher. I also do spiritual energy healing and am trained in Hara Line (lifeline) Repair. The Hara Line is the vital line of energy that runs through the core of one’s body, where all the chakras connect to send and receive the universal life force energy. I provide Reiki training / classes for people who would like to learn to channel Reiki for themselves as well.
In addition to being a Reiki Master and Reiki Master Teacher, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a private practice in Downers Grove, IL. I provide psychotherapy to adolescents (ages 12 and up), adults, couples, and families. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Notre Dame and my Master’s Degree from the University of Chicago. I am also certified to work as a School Social Worker in Illinois (K-12). For additional information about my background, visit my "About Me" page.
There is a reason you are reading this; schedule your first Reiki session today!
I look forward to working with you!