Reiki Healer & Life Coach - FAQ

Answers to all of your questions about holistic healing

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Creating a safe, affirming space where you can reconnect with your authentic self and feel at home in your own energy.

Welcome to my FAQ!

I'm a certified Reiki Master Teacher (Usui lineage) and ICF-accredited life coach blending energy healing with transformative coaching. This comprehensive FAQ addresses your most common questions.

Click any question to expand.

Reiki Healing Basics

What exactly is Reiki?

Reiki (ray-key) is a Japanese energy healing technique developed by Mikao Usui in 1922. "Rei" means universal/higher power, "Ki" means life force energy—practitioners channel this energy through their hands to promote balance, relaxation, and self-healing.

Used worldwide in hospitals, spas, wellness centers, and private practice for stress relief, emotional balance, and physical wellness support.

How does Reiki energy work?

The practitioner serves as a conduit. Universal life force energy flows through their crown chakra, down their arms, and out their hands into your biofield/energy field. The energy intelligently targets where needed most—physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual levels.

No physical pressure, massage, or manipulation involved. Works fully clothed and effective through distance healing.

What happens during a typical session?

Complete session flow:

  1. Intake (5-10 min): Discuss goals, current challenges, medical history
  2. Preparation: Dim lights, soft music, essential oils optional
  3. Positioning: Lie fully clothed on massage table (face up, then prone if needed)
  4. Hand positions (12-20 total, 3-7 minutes each):
    • Head/eyes/temples
    • Throat/thyroid
    • Heart/chest
    • Solar plexus/abdomen
    • Sacral/lower abdomen
    • Knees/legs
    • Feet/ankles
  5. Closing (5 min): Grounding, discussion of sensations/experiences

Total duration: 60-90 minutes. Many fall asleep—completely normal!

What sensations do people commonly feel?

Physical sensations:

  • Warmth/heat (most common)
  • Tingling/pulsing/vibrations
  • Coolness (less common)
  • Magnetic pull/push sensations

Emotional/mental:

  • Deep peace/relaxation
  • Emotional release (tears, laughter)
  • Memories surfacing
  • Clarity/insights

Visual/spiritual:

  • Colors, lights, visions
  • Feeling of floating/expansion
  • Connection to higher self/guides

Nothing at all: Many feel "just peaceful." Benefits accumulate over time (better sleep, mood, clarity).

Is Reiki safe for everyone?

Completely safe and non-invasive for all ages and conditions:

  • Pregnancy/prenatal (supports mother/baby)
  • Infants/children (energy automatically adjusts)
  • Elderly/senior care
  • Chronic illness management
  • Post-surgery recovery
  • Mental health support (anxiety, depression, PTSD)
  • Palliative/end-of-life care

Never interferes with medications, medical treatments, or other healing modalities.

Do I need to believe in Reiki or energy work?

No belief required! Numerous studies demonstrate measurable physiological benefits regardless of expectation or skepticism:

  • Reduced cortisol (stress hormone)
  • Lower heart rate/blood pressure
  • Pain reduction
  • Improved HRV (heart rate variability)

Energy flows like gravity—works whether you understand it or not. Perfect for skeptics wanting stress relief.

How is Reiki different from massage?
Aspect Reiki Massage
Touch Light/non-invasive Deep tissue/pressure
Clothing Fully clothed Undressed
Focus Energy field Muscles/tissue
Sensations Warmth, tingling Physical relief
Training Energy channeling Anatomy/physiology

Both excellent—Reiki works alongside bodywork beautifully.

Reiki Advanced Topics

Can Reiki support serious medical conditions?

Supportive for hundreds of conditions (never replaces medical care):

  • Cancer: Eases chemo/radiation side effects, nausea, pain, fatigue
  • Autoimmune: MS, fibromyalgia, lupus symptom relief
  • Chronic pain: Arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraines
  • Heart conditions: Stress reduction, blood pressure support
  • Neurological: Parkinson's, stroke recovery
  • Mental health: PTSD, depression, bipolar support

Important: Always complementary to medical treatment.

What is distance Reiki and how does it work?

Level II+ advanced technique using sacred symbols that transcend time/space:

  • Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen symbol connects beyond physical distance
  • Works via photo, name, intention, or visualization
  • Perfect for surgery support, global clients, pets, past events
  • Process: Practitioner visualizes recipient, draws symbol, channels 15-60 minutes

Equally effective as hands-on—energy ignores physical separation.

Can anyone learn Reiki? What are the levels?

Absolutely anyone can learn! No prior experience, spiritual beliefs, or special gifts required.

Four progressive levels:

  1. Reiki I: Self-healing + hands-on others (weekend class + practice)
  2. Reiki II: 3 sacred symbols + distance healing (1 day)
  3. Reiki III/Advanced: Aura work, mental/emotional healing (1-2 days)
  4. Reiki Master: Teach/attune others (21+ days training)

Learning via sacred attunement—direct energy transmission from teacher.

Does Reiki work on animals, plants, situations?

Animals love Reiki!

  • Hold pet or let them come to you
  • Anxious pets calm instantly
  • Post-surgery recovery accelerates
  • Behavioral issues improve

Plants: Documented studies show faster growth rates Food: Enhances nutritional value Spaces: Clears stagnant energy in homes/offices Situations: Send to meetings, exams, relationships

Complete chakra system explanation

7 Main Energy Centers aligned with spine:

Chakra Location Color Functions Imbalances
Root Base spine Red Safety, survival, money Fear, financial stress
Sacral Lower belly Orange Creativity, sexuality Blocked creativity, intimacy issues
Solar Plexus Upper stomach Yellow Confidence, power Low self-esteem, control issues
Heart Chest center Green Love, compassion Heartbreak, trust issues
Throat Throat Blue Communication Suppressed voice, lies
Third Eye Forehead Indigo Intuition, vision Confusion, poor boundaries
Crown Top head Violet Spiritual connection Disconnection, depression

Reiki clears, balances, and energizes all chakras systematically.

What are the traditional Reiki symbols?

Learned in Reiki II+ (sacred, not shared publicly):

  1. Cho Ku Rei (Power symbol): Amplifies energy, protection, quick boost
  2. Sei He Ki (Mental/emotional): Healing trauma, addictions, habits
  3. Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen (Distance): Time/space transcendence
  4. Dai Ko Myo (Master): Highest frequency, soul-level healing

Activation: Drawn in air with intention or chanted 3x. Enhance but never replace basic hand positions.

How frequently should someone receive Reiki?

Depends on goals and condition:

  • Stress relief/maintenance: Weekly or bi-weekly
  • Emotional clearing: 4-6 consecutive weekly sessions
  • Chronic physical conditions: Weekly initially, then monthly
  • Acute situations: 3x/week for 2 weeks
  • Wellness/spiritual growth: Monthly

Body wisdom guides optimal frequency—many feel when they need more.

What is a Reiki healing crisis?

Temporary intensification of symptoms (24-72 hours post-session):

  • Fatigue, headache, flu-like feelings
  • Emotional releases (crying, anger)
  • Vivid dreams/memories surfacing

Normal and beneficial—body releasing toxins/blockages. Support: Water, rest, light foods, grounding walks.

Coaching Deep Dive

Most common client goals and breakthroughs

Career:

  • Promotion/raise negotiations
  • Career pivots/transitions
  • Leadership presence/confidence
  • Work-life boundary mastery

Relationships:

  • Healthy boundary setting
  • Conflict communication
  • Attracting ideal partners
  • Ending toxic patterns

Personal:

  • Confidence/self-worth
  • Habit mastery (exercise, productivity)
  • Emotional regulation
  • Purpose/clarity discovery
Core coaching methodologies and tools

Frameworks:

  • GROW model: Goals, Reality, Options, Will
  • Wheel of Life: Balance assessment
  • SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound
  • NLP techniques: Reframing, anchoring, future pacing

Between-session tools:

  • Journal prompts
  • Visualization recordings
  • Accountability partners
  • Progress trackers
How is coaching kept completely confidential?

Professional standards:

  • ICF Code of Ethics compliance
  • Session notes destroyed post-session (no permanent records)
  • Secure platforms (encrypted video, password protected materials)

Legal exceptions (rare):

  • Imminent harm to self/others
  • Child/elder abuse mandated reporting
  • Court subpoena

Your privacy is sacred.

How do coaches measure client success and progress?

Multi-dimensional tracking:

  • Goal attainment (SMART metrics)
  • Behavioral indicators (new habits formed)
  • Self-reported scales (fulfillment 1-10, confidence levels)
  • Qualitative shifts (testimonials, "Aha!" moments)
  • Long-term sustainability (6-month follow-ups)

Success = client-defined fulfillment and growth.

Why is virtual coaching equally effective?

Research confirms video coaching matches in-person:

  • Full visual/nonverbal cues via camera
  • Screen sharing for exercises/models
  • Global access to best-fit coaches
  • Comfort of home environment
  • Recording option for review

Many prefer virtual—same powerful results.

What makes a great coaching relationship?

Client factors:

  • Openness to feedback
  • Willingness to stretch comfort zone
  • Homework commitment
  • Self-reflection capacity

Coach qualities:

  • Deep listening
  • Intuitive insight
  • Tool mastery
  • Unconditional support

Chemistry matters—free consults help assess fit.

Integrated Reiki + Coaching

Why combine Reiki healing with life coaching?

Powerful synergy:

  1. Reiki first: Clears subconscious blocks, releases stored emotions
  2. Coaching second: Installs new empowered beliefs/patterns
  3. Result: Accelerated transformation (2-3x faster)

Common sequence:

  • 30min Reiki energy work
  • 5min integration
  • 25min coaching debrief/strategy

Perfect for: Highly sensitive people, spiritual entrepreneurs, deep workers.

How do energy blocks show up in coaching?

Physical signs:

  • Chronic tension/pain
  • Fatigue despite sleep
  • Digestive issues under stress

Emotional patterns:

  • Self-sabotage loops
  • Unexplained resistance
  • Emotional triggers

Mental blocks:

  • Negative self-talk
  • Perfectionism/procrastination
  • "I don't know" responses

Reiki reveals and releases what talk therapy misses.

What conditions benefit most from combined approach?

Top applications:

  • Burnout recovery: Energy restoration + boundary coaching
  • Anxiety management: Nervous system regulation + coping strategies
  • Grief processing: Emotional release + meaning-making
  • Spiritual awakening: Grounding energy + purpose coaching
  • Imposter syndrome: Worthiness healing + confidence building
  • Life transitions: Clearing fear + visioning future
How does the combined approach work for spiritual development?

Three-phase journey:

  1. Energy clearing (Reiki): Remove old programming
  2. Intuitive development (Coaching): Trust inner guidance
  3. Purpose activation (Integration): Aligned action in world

Supports: Lightworkers, empaths, spiritual entrepreneurs stepping into purpose.

Practical Information

How should I prepare for Reiki sessions?

Before:

  • Eat lightly (avoid heavy meals)
  • Wear comfortable, layered clothing
  • Remove shoes, jewelry
  • Bring water bottle, eye mask, blanket

Mindset:

  • Set clear intention
  • Release expectations
  • Open to receive

During: Simply breathe and relax.

How to prepare optimally for coaching sessions?

Pre-session homework (15-30 min):

  1. Wins list: 3 things going well
  2. Challenges: Top priority issue
  3. Questions: What you want clarity on
  4. Energy check-in: 1-10 scale

Ideal environment:

  • Quiet, comfortable space
  • No distractions/pets
  • Good lighting/camera angle
  • Notebook/journal ready
What is normal after combined Reiki + coaching sessions?

24-48 hours post-session:

  • Deep fatigue (rest!)
  • Emotional waves (journal)
  • Vivid dreams/memories
  • Sudden insights/clarity
  • Physical detox (headache, runny nose)

Integration practices:

  • Hydration (2-3L water)
  • Grounding foods (root vegetables)
  • Nature time
  • Light stretching/yoga
How can I maximize benefits between sessions?

Daily practices (5-15 min):

  • Reiki self-treatment: Hands on heart/solar plexus
  • Journaling: Capture insights
  • Breathwork: 4-7-8 breathing
  • Grounding: Barefoot outside
  • Coaching homework: Action steps

Weekly: Review progress, adjust goals.

What questions should new clients ask?

Reiki-specific:

  • "What lineage/tradition do you practice?"
  • "How do you handle emotional releases?"
  • "What's your experience with my condition?"

Coaching-specific:

  • "What's your coaching philosophy?"
  • "What results have similar clients achieved?"
  • "How do you handle resistance?"

Combined:

  • "How do you integrate the modalities?"
  • "What's the biggest transformation you've seen?"
Group Reiki circles and coaching workshops?

Reiki shares:

  • 90min group energy exchange
  • Each receives/gives mini-sessions
  • Community, practice, connection

Coaching workshops:

  • 6-week themed programs
  • Laser coaching demonstrations
  • Group accountability
  • Breakthrough experiences

Both build community and accelerate learning.

Research & Science

Scientific evidence supporting Reiki effectiveness

Peer-reviewed studies:

  • 2014 Meta-analysis (57 studies): Significant pain reduction (effect size 0.57)
  • Johns Hopkins (2010): 40% anxiety reduction post-session
  • VA Hospitals: PTSD symptoms decreased 30-50%
  • Harvard (2017): Improved surgical outcomes, shorter stays

Physiological markers:

  • Reduced cortisol 20-40%
  • Lower heart rate 10-15 bpm
  • Increased HRV (stress resilience)
  • Immune markers improve
Research on life coaching outcomes

ICF Global Studies:

  • 80% improved work performance
  • 73% better relationships
  • 70% health improvements
  • 68% improved self-confidence

ROI Research:

  • Executive coaching: $7.90 return per $1 invested
  • Average client improvement: 85th percentile (vs. peers)

Methodology: Pre/post assessments, 6-12 month follow-ups.

Biofield science behind energy healing

Medical recognition:

  • NIH: "Biofield therapies" established category
  • NIH NCCIH funds research
  • 800+ hospitals offer Reiki

Measurement:

  • Kirlian photography (energy field)
  • Gas Discharge Visualization
  • HeartMath HRV coherence
  • EEG brainwave entrainment

Quantum physics correlation: Observer effect, entanglement.

Philosophy & Beliefs

Is Reiki religious or tied to any faith?

Spiritual but non-religious:

  • No dogma, conversion, worship
  • Universal life force (works for all faiths)
  • Compatible with Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, atheism
  • Five spiritual precepts (non-religious): Just for today—don't anger, worry, be grateful, work honestly, be kind

Interfaith friendly—energy transcends belief systems.

How does this work fit with conventional medicine?

Perfect complement:

  • Johns Hopkins, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic offer Reiki
  • Complementary (not alternative)
  • Reduces medication needs (stress-related)
  • Improves treatment compliance
  • Cost-effective wellness

Doctors increasingly refer for stress, pain, sleep.

Common myths about energy healing and coaching

Reiki myths:

  • ❌ "It's just relaxation"
  • ❌ "You need to be spiritual"
  • ❌ "Woo-woo nonsense"
  • ✅ Science-backed stress reduction

Coaching myths:

  • ❌ "Advice giving"
  • ❌ "Only for executives"
  • ❌ "Quick fixes"
  • ✅ Thought partnership for anyone
How does this work support spiritual but not religious people?

Secular spirituality:

  • Energy as natural force (like gravity)
  • Self-healing intelligence (your body knows)
  • Universal connection (interconnectedness)
  • Personal growth (without dogma)

Agnostic-friendly—results speak louder than beliefs.

Getting Started

Next steps for curious newcomers

Three paths:

  1. Start with Reiki: Experience energy directly
  2. Start with coaching: Gain practical clarity
  3. Combined intro: See the synergy

Either way delivers value—trust your intuition.

Frequently missed but important questions

Top 10 overlooked:

  1. "Can I receive Reiki daily?" → Yes, self-practice!
  2. "Does it work while sleeping?" → Perfect for bedtime
  3. "Virtual as good as in-person?" → Equally effective
  4. "Will I cry?" → Possible, always safe
  5. "Christian-friendly?" → Absolutely
  6. "Works on pets?" → They love it
  7. "What if I'm skeptical?" → Benefits anyway
  8. "Integration time needed?" → 24-48hrs normal
  9. "Can I learn both?" → Many do!
  10. "Group options?" → Community shares available
Contact me today!