Reiki was developed by Mikao Usui in Japan early in the 20th century. Although the teachings of Reiki are relatively new to the West, the origins of healing touch go back thousands of years.
Reiki is both a healing modality as well as a spiritual path.
Reiki
'Peace in Oneself, peace in the World.'
Thich Nhat Hanh
What is Reiki?
The Japanese word Reiki means ‘Universal Life Energy’. Eastern medicine has always recognised, and worked with this energy; it flows through all living things and is essential to wellbeing. Known as ‘ki’ in Japan, ‘chi’ in China and ‘prana’ in India, this vital energy can be activated for the purpose of healing and bringing balance
and harmony to the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of us.
​
The practitioner acts as a channel for the Reiki which the recipient automatically draws to where it is needed, activating the body’s natural ability to heal itself and restore homeostasis.
​
Reiki is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that may be used safely alongside both holistic and allopathic healthcare expanding treatment options.
What Happens During a Treatment
During a Reiki treatment you will lie or sit in a comfortable position as the practitioner places their hands gently on or over the body allowing the Reiki energy to flow to you.
​
There is no pressure, making it ideal for treating the elderly, pregnant women and those recovering from surgery.
You do not need to remove any clothing as the energy passes easily through all materials including plaster casts.
What are the Benefits?
Reiki is a healing process that anyone can benefit from. A treatment affects each individual in a very personal way. Benefits reported by clients include: healing, immunity boosting, stress release, energy amplification, toxicity and emotional release, an increase in awareness and creativity, relaxation and a peaceful sense of wellbeing on all levels. It is a great tonic and if you are well Reiki will help you stay that way!
​
Part of Reiki’s growing popularity is that it does not impose a set of beliefs and can therefore be used by people of any background and faith. Reiki is now being used in various settings including private practice, complementary therapy centres, GP surgeries, hospitals, hospices, cancer support groups, post-operative recovery, drug rehabilitation centre, prisons, HIV/AIDS centres and in the care of the elderly.
How often?
Even one Reiki session can make a difference, however a course of regular treatments may be more effective. These may be weekly, fortnightly or less often, depending on the needs of the individual. A treatment plan will be discussed with you and reviewed as necessary; always subject to your own preference and can be changed at any time according to progress.
The Science Behind Reiki
Independent research by Dr. Robert Becker & Dr. John Zimmerman during the 1980’s investigated what happens whilst people practice therapies like Reiki. They found that not only do the brain wave patterns of practitioner & receiver become synchronized in the alpha state, characteristic of deep relaxation and meditation, but they pulse in unison with the earth’s magnetic field, known as the Schumann Resonance. During these moments, the bio magnetic field of the practitioners’ hands is at least 1000 times greater than normal, and not as a result of internal body current.
​
Toni Bunnell (1997) suggests that the linking of energy fields between practitioner and earth allows the practitioner to draw on the ‘infinite energy source’ or ‘universal energy field’ via the Schumann Resonance. Prof. Paul Davies & Dr. John Gribben in The Matter Myth (1991), discusses the quantum physics view of a ‘living universe’ in which everything is connected in a ‘living web of interdependence’. All of this supports the subjective experience of ‘oneness’ and ‘expanded consciousness’ related by those who regularly receive or self-treat with Reiki.
​
Zimmerman (1990) in the USA and Seto (1992) in Japan further investigated the pulsating bio magnetic field that is emitted from the hands of energy practitioners whilst they work. They discovered that the pulses are in the same frequencies as brain waves, & sweep up & down from 0.3-30 Hz, focusing mostly in 7-8 Hz, alpha state.
​
Independent medical research has shown that this range of frequencies will stimulate healing in the body, with specific frequencies being suitable for different tissues. For example, 2 Hz encourages nerve regeneration, 7Hz bone growth, 10Hz ligament mending, and 15 Hz capillary formation. Physiotherapy equipment based on these principles has been designed to aid soft tissue regeneration, and ultra sound technology is commonly used to clear clogged arteries and disintegrate kidney stones. Tamisha Sabrina – UK Reiki Federation.
About the UK Reiki Federation
Founded in 1999 with the aim of setting standards of good practice for Reiki in the UK, the UK Reiki Federation is an independent association and a national umbrella organisation for education, training and guidance.
​
As part of its involvement in promoting best practice and professional conduct, the Federation is working with other Reiki organisation towards Voluntary Self Regulation and creation of a single register of Professional Practitioners.
Client Testimonials:
'When receiving Reiki from Leo Maria after a knee operation, I felt a lot of heat around that area. I was so relaxed I fell asleep. The treatment left me with a feeling of deep calm and cleared the pain in my knee. Receiving distance Reiki during lockdown was a life-saver! To be honest I really didn't think it could work but during the treatments I could feel the heat in different parts of my body as I usually would during a hands-on treatment at the clinic. I experienced pain in my arm and lower back which was alleviated by the Reiki and it was almost miraculous how different I felt in myself after the treatments. The Reiki also brought me an inner calmness which was reassuring during the dark times.'
Ann H, Stylist
​
'Leo is an accomplished Reiki practitioner who effortlessly creates a relaxed, calming & comfortable atmosphere. She has an instinctive sensitivity for where to channel the Reiki and I often experience a palpable exchange of energies, revealing quite pertinent insights at times. As a singer and performer I undoubtedly benefit from the specific focus around the head and neck, I would heartily recommend a Reiki session with Leo.
Paul S, Opera Singer
​
'I received Reiki from Leo when I was in hospital being treated for septicaemia. After the Reiki, which was the most incredible feeling, every aspect of my mind and body felt better. I really believe it helped speed my recovery.'
Richard W, Retired Carpenter
​
'My Reiki treatment with Leo left me feeling relaxed yet energized! I experienced both warmth and a coolness which felt very healing. The whole experience was undemanding and very comfortable. The next morning I felt refreshed, having had a really good night’s sleep.'
Lynda S, Lecturer
​
'Since having Reiki with Leo I have found myself much more relaxed, calm and more able to cope with the stressful world that we live in. Even after my first treatment I found myself having a better night’s sleep than I have for ages.'
Adam B, Osteopath
​
'Hi, Leo, thank you very much for seeing me. After the treatment I had a great day, went for a walk in Richmond and felt much more optimistic. Today I feel OK, calmer and more self contained. I look forward to another session – I think you are a very special Practitioner.'
Mrs Alexander, Teacher
​
'Thanks Leo for a beautifully relaxing treatment. I was pretty stressed when I saw you and felt so much better after the Reiki – calmer, more grounded and with a sense of general wellbeing.'
Lorraine M, Life Coach
​
'The ultimate stress buster! The Reiki also relieved a stabbing pain that I’d had on the outside of my left foot for some months. Quite amazing! Thank you.'
Malcolm H, Designer
​
'Prior to my exams I had several Reiki treatments with Leo after which I felt quite different and noticed a definite shift in my energy. It helped me stay balanced and keep a calm head during my exam week.'
Robert A. Music Student
​
'I tried Reiki for the first time a few weeks ago, mainly for stress relief and ‘letting go’ of the past. I literally felt blocked and stuck. After about the third session with Leo I found I felt lighter and more positive than I had in years. In fact, I can’t remember ever feeling so peaceful. It feels so great to have released so much negativity and tension from my body, I definitely will return to see Leo for ‘tune ups’ now and then when needed.'
Anne A, Company Director
​
'I am thrilled with how I feel - very well and without the panicky feeling, also less sciatic pain. I can’t thank you enough for the wonderful treatment I received from you.'
Helen N, Retired Technician
​
​
'Hi, Leo, thank you very much for seeing me. I had a great day yesterday - went for a walk in Richmond and felt much more optimistic. Today I feel calmer and a little more self contained. I look forward to another session - I think you are a very special therapist.'
Patricia A, Teacher
​
'Conocí a Leo hace seis años, y desde entonces, he recibido Reiki de ella. Sus terapias han sido siempre revitalizantes y relajantes. Al margen de sus sesiones de Reiki, siempre me ha dado consejos relacionados con la nutrición y el bienestar. Gracias a ella he incorporado hábitos que me han hecho sentir mejor en mi dia a dia. Conocer a Leo fue un punto de inflexión en mi vida.'
Miguel T, Profesor de Español
​
​