I am a yoga teacher and have had yoga in my life since childhood. As a result, working with the energy of the body is familiar to me, though this wasn't what started my journey to reiki.

Western medicine was a life saver for my very premature son. We reached a point where they could offer nothing more and no reason could be found for the infections, so after the 4th admittance to hospital in 4 months I was desperate and branched out and found the most amazing homeopath and energy healer.

Following that positive interaction and outcome, I started exploring further the power of alternative therapies and approaches to medicine.

Now, years later, I see reiki as an extension of my yoga practice as it mirrors the yogic systems of Prana (Life Force) and chakras.

Reiki, as defined by the Oxford English dictionary, is a healing technique based on the principle that the therapist can channel energy into the patient by means of touch, to activate the natural healing processes of the patient's body and restore physical and emotional well-being.

The Japanese word 'reiki' literally translates as universal life force energy.

The reiki system of healing was developed by Mikao Usui in the early 20th century. It is a non-invasive, complementary therapy that has been taught and used in the UK since the late 1900s, although Eastern medicine has for thousands of years worked with this energy, recognising its flow through all living things.

Reiki supports orthodox medicine or can be used alone but is not a replacement for traditional medication or treatments.

From the UK Reiki Federation

Reiki is a form of biofield energy therapy. It works with the energy field that surrounds the body of the client (via hands on or light touch from the practitioner); Reiki's goal is to direct energy to the client which supports the clients own healing response.

Reiki is classified as a complimentary therapy, and therefore works alongside conventional medicine with any condition. It can benefit people of all ages and can help with physical or emotional issues.

'Reiki therapy is useful for relieving pain, decreasing anxiety/depression and improving quality of life in several conditions.'*

*Billot, M et al. (2019), 'Reiki therapy for pain, anxiety and quality of life,'
BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care, 9, pp.434-438

Reiki is given to people fully clothed, sitting down or lying on a treatment couch.

I place my hands on the client's shoulders, under the head and the ankles during the treatment. Occasionally I will ask the client if they are happy for me to place my hands in another location where I feel something needs additional attention. But this is always with prior consent.

At the end of each session, I provide the opportunity to discuss any sensations that have arisen during the process. I believe that what is felt, seen and heard by the client and by me can be most revealing.