Reiki
Caring for your Health Naturally with Reiki
Personalised care, using therapies most appropriate to your needs
Reiki is a gentle, non-invasive complementary therapy that many people choose as an opportunity to slow down, relax, and take time for themselves. Whether you are feeling the effects of everyday stress or simply looking to support your overall wellbeing, Reiki offers a calm and peaceful space where both body and mind can unwind. If you are looking for Reiki in Cork, each treatment is tailored to your individual needs and provided in a caring, professional environment that supports relaxation and wellbeing.
What is Reiki?
The word Reiki comes from two Japanese words: Rei, meaning universal, and Ki, meaning life energy. According to Reiki philosophy, Ki is the life force energy believed to flow through all living things. In Chinese medicine this energy is known as Qi, while in Indian traditions it is referred to as Prana. Many traditional Eastern practices, including Acupuncture, Tai Chi, Qigong and Yoga, are based on the concept of supporting the balanced flow of this energy.
I practise Usui Reiki, the system developed by Mikao Usui in Japan during the early twentieth century. At its heart, Reiki is traditionally regarded as both a therapeutic practice and a path of personal growth and self-development.
Reiki practitioners believe that when the flow of Ki is balanced, it supports harmony within the body, mind and spirit. Rather than the practitioner being the source of healing, Reiki is traditionally understood as a way of channelling universal life energy, allowing the recipient's own innate capacity for balance and wellbeing to be supported. In Reiki philosophy, the energy is believed to flow naturally to where it is needed most.
Although Reiki has its roots in traditional Eastern philosophy, many people today choose Reiki simply because they find it to be a gentle and deeply relaxing experience that complements their overall approach to health and wellbeing.
What happens during a Reiki Treatment
When you arrive, you will be welcomed into a calm and relaxing treatment room where we will begin with a brief consultation. This gives us an opportunity to discuss your expectations for the treatment and any relevant medical history. Together, we will also set a positive intention for your treatment, something you may choose to focus on quietly throughout the session. For some people, this is simply about being present and finding a sense of calm. If you wish, you are also welcome to choose an angel card, which some people find helpful in reflecting on their intention for the session.
Before we begin, you can choose whether you would prefer Reiki to be given through gentle hands-on contact or with my hands held just above your body. Both approaches are equally effective, and your comfort is always my priority.
You will then be invited to lie comfortably on the treatment couch, fully clothed, with blankets and bolsters provided to help you feel warm and supported. Soft background music creates a peaceful atmosphere, and I will gently guide you through a few moments of breathing and body awareness to help you settle into a state of deep relaxation.
Throughout the treatment, I work intuitively using a series of gentle hand positions on or above the body. I pay particular attention to the seven main chakras, traditionally regarded in Reiki as energy centres where the flow of energy can become out of balance. Allowing extra time where I feel it may be beneficial, I focus positive intention in accordance with Reiki philosophy while encouraging balance and the free flow of energy throughout the body.
Many people describe feeling warmth, tingling, seeing colours, experiencing emotions or a deep sense of peace and relaxation during a Reiki treatment, while others notice very little at the time. Every person's experience is unique.
A Reiki treatment usually lasts between 50 and 60 minutes. At the end of the session, I will gently guide you back to full awareness, and we will have time to talk about your experience, if you wish, while you enjoy a glass of water.
Taking the Benefits of Reiki Home
Everybody's experience of Reiki is unique. Many people leave feeling deeply relaxed, while others notice subtle emotional or physical changes over the hours or days that follow. You may feel more peaceful, sleep more deeply, become more aware of your emotions, or simply experience a greater sense of balance and clarity.
I encourage you to drink plenty of water, allow yourself time to rest if needed and be kind to yourself as you continue to process the treatment. If you have any questions afterwards, or would simply like to talk through your experience, I'm always just a phone call away.Big Ideas, Real Impact.
The Reiki Principles
At the heart of the Usui system of Reiki are five simple principles that guide everyday life. Introduced by Mikao Usui, these ethical and behavioural guidelines are often described as "the secret method of inviting happiness and the miraculous medicine for all illnesses." Rather than being rules to live by perfectly, they are gentle reminders that encourage us to pause, reflect and begin again whenever life feels out of balance.
Each principle begins with the words "Just for today", reminding us to focus on the present moment rather than striving for perfection. In many ways, they reflect the mindful practice of making small but meaningful changes in our thoughts, attitudes and actions, one day, or even one moment, at a time.
“Just for today, I will be kind to others”
Kindness is at the heart of Reiki. It encourages us to treat ourselves and those around us with compassion, understanding and respect. Often, the simplest acts of kindness begin with the people we see every day, creating stronger relationships and bringing greater warmth into our lives.
“Just for today, I will not worry”
This principle invites us to let go of unnecessary worry about the future and regrets from the past. Instead, it encourages us to place our attention on the present moment, trusting that life will unfold as it should and that each experience has something to teach us.
“Just for today, I will not be angry”
Anger and resentment can weigh heavily on both body and mind. This principle encourages forgiveness, patience and compassion, helping us to cultivate greater peace within ourselves and in our relationships with others.
“Just for today, I will be grateful”
Gratitude gently shifts our focus from what may be missing in our lives to appreciating what we already have. By recognising life's everyday blessings, we begin to foster a greater sense of contentment, abundance and joy.
“Just for today, I will do my work honestly”
This principle encourages us to live and work with honesty, integrity and respect. Being true to ourselves and acting with sincerity helps build trust, strengthens relationships and supports a life that is aligned with our values.
The Reiki Principles are not about achieving perfection. They are gentle reminders to return to ourselves with kindness whenever life feels challenging.
Even if it isn't” just for today”, perhaps it can begin with “just for this moment”.
Frequently asked Questions
Everybody experiences Reiki differently. Some people notice sensations of warmth, tingling, heaviness or even a feeling of floating. Others may see colours, experience an emotional release or simply enjoy a deep sense of calm and relaxation. Some people notice very little during the treatment itself, and that's perfectly normal too. There is no right or wrong experience, and every Reiki session is unique. What you experience in one treatment may be quite different from the next.
What does Reiki feel like?
There is no set number of Reiki treatments. Some people come for a single session to relax and unwind, while others choose regular treatments as part of their ongoing wellbeing routine. Together, we can discuss what feels most appropriate for your personal goals and individual needs. As a general guide, an initial course of three to four sessions often allows people to experience the full benefits of Reiki before deciding what is right for them going forward.
How many Reiki sessions will I need?
Can Reiki be combined with other complementary therapies?
Yes. Reiki works perfectly well alongside other complementary therapies such as reflexology, acupuncture and aromatherapy. Where appropriate, I can always help you choose the approach or combination of therapies that best supports your individual needs and well-being.
If you would like to experience Reiki in a calm, caring and professional environment, or simply have a question about whether it may be the right choice for you, I'd be delighted to help. Please get in touch to arrange an appointment or discuss how Reiki may support your wellbeing.