Reiki is a complementary wellness therapy intended to treat physical, emotional, and mental diseases. Practitioners use a technique similar to the laying on of hands to channel “healing energy” to willing, clothed clients.
Reiki was developed in early 20th century Japan.
Translated, the meaning of Reiki is ‘universal life force,’ very roughly, rei=’god’ and ki=’energy.’ It has been taught that anyone can gain access to this energy by means of an attunement process delivered by a Reiki Master. It teachings stress the importance of the Practitioner’s intention and adherence to life principles of Reiki (such as letting go of anger, worry, and practicing unconditional love and scrupulous honesty), while others claim that the energy is drawn by the recipient’s injury to activate or enhance the natural healing processes. Reiki teaches that the healing energy goes where it is needed, making any need for diagnosis unnecessary. Reiki harms neither the practitioner nor the recipient in any way. Studies show that it induces a measurable relaxation response in most individuals.
There are three levels of intense training to prepare the professional practitioner to perform Reiki treatments for advanced situations; Reiki on the physically or mentally ill, long distance Reiki, and time travel Reiki. It is one thing to perform Reiki for relaxation and another to provide comfort and palliative care. 99% of Reiki should be face to face, hands on work with a certified practitioner who allows sensations of ease, comfort and independence in treatment.
According to tradition, Practitioners may be paid for their work, as their training from Reiki Masters costs money. Reiki founders sincerely believed that people valued services more when they paid for them, however, Practitioners are known for their charity in rehabilitation, hospitals, and hospice.
I have observed a trend in “Reiki Con-Artists” who operate over the internet, also selling love potions, charms, crystals, fortunes, past life regressions, and over-dependence on Reiki for life choices, which may or may not have therapeutic properties. While I don’t disparage the Reiki skills of any colleague, I do encourage caution against promises which seem too good to be true and urge caution against credit card and identity fraud.
As a psychotherapist in private practice in Bethlehem, PA, Gail-Elaine Tinker, M.S. uses Reiki adjacent to positive talk therapy for the treatment of many depressive and anxious conditions. It had also shown effectiveness with chronic pain, grief, and insomnia sufferers. She uses it cautiously with trauma victims; however a few people have made enormous therapeutic breakthroughs due to it.
She is mal-practice insured separately as a Psychotherapist and Reiki Master, therefore, she treats and bills separately for treatments. Health insurance covers neither of these services. For further questions or scheduling, please contact me at 610-216-4319.
