Reiki is a Japanese technique of channelling energy where it should go in the body. Usually, Reiki involves a gentle “hands-on” approach on different parts of the body. I prefer the “hands-off” approach. Why? Reiki is energy work, and it flows just as effectively when hands are placed slightly above the body as when they rest lightly on the body.
For some people, touch can be calming and grounding. But for others—especially those with sensitive nervous systems or delicate auras, or trauma —hands-off Reiki can actually be more comfortable.
From my own hands-on Reiki session, I could not relax. I felt as if my nerve endings were jumping, banging against the cell walls of my body, trying to escape in panic. My body could not accept or process the healing. Several years later, I was offered “hands-off” Reiki and, the second practitioner’s hands hovered far above my auric field (approximately 10 inches from my body), and I could breathe deeply, let go, and truly accept the healing. She kept saying, “Does that hurt?” “Is there too much pressure?” I now use these phrases in my practice as well. At the time, I thought it was weird: a) that my body reacted to touch — without being physically touched; and b) that someone actually understood I could feel things in my body and did not ridicule me for being “overly sensitive” or having “too large of a boundary”.
This isn’t strange or weird — it is simply the way my energy responds best. Reiki adapts to you. The energy flows where it is needed most. This is why I practice hands-off Reiki. Another reason I prefer to practice hands-off Reiki is so that my energy is not transferred to you.
When you arrive for your session, we will talk about your comfort level beforehand, so you can feel safe and supported in your healing experience.