What is reiki?
Reiki is a gentle hands-on Japanese healing technique that channels universal life force energy through the practitioner to promote balance across the body, mind and spirit. It works by gently clearing energetic blockages, easing stress and emotional tension and activating your body’s natural healing response.
Clients often describe it as deeply calming, nurturing and grounding—a safe space to reconnect with themselves and find inner peace.
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Origin
Developed by Mikao Usui in the early 20th century in Japan.Name Meaning
Rei: Universal or Spiritual Wisdom
Ki: Life energy (same as “chi” in Chinese or “prana” in Sanskrit)
Together, Reiki means “spiritually guided life force energy.” -
The Reiki practitioner channels life force energy through their hands, placing them on or just above the client’s body. The energy flows to areas of imbalance, supporting the body’s natural healing processes.
It can assist with:
Stress reduction
Relaxation
Emotional healing
Pain relief
Spiritual development
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Clients lie down fully clothed in a calm, meditative space.
Sensations may include:Warmth
Tingling
Deep relaxation
Some clients experience emotional release, visions, or simply a deep sense of peace.
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Reiki is not a religion (though spiritual in nature) and it is not a replacement for medical treatment. It is a complementary therapy.
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Reduced stress and anxiety
Relief from pain and tension
Faster recovery from surgery or illness
Better sleep and mental clarity
Deepened spiritual connection
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Chakras are energy centres in the body that regulate the flow of life force energy.
There are seven main chakras, each linked to physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of your being—from your sense of safety to your ability to love, express, and connect to higher consciousness.During a Reiki session, practitioners often focus on these chakras using hand positions that align with each one.
The Chakras: Imbalances and In-Balance States
Root Chakra
Location: Base of the spine
Element: EarthWhen imbalanced:
Emotional: Anxiety, fear, insecurity
Mental: Scattered focus, disconnection
Physical: Fatigue, lower back pain, leg/feet issues
In balance:
Emotional: Feels safe and grounded
Mental: Present and resilient
Physical: Stable energy, strong immunity
General feeling: At home in your body and in life
Sacral Chakra
Location: Lower abdomen, below the navel
Element: WaterWhen imbalanced:
Emotional: Emotional instability, intimacy issues
Mental: Creative blocks, obsessive thoughts
Physical: Reproductive or urinary issues
In balance:
Emotional: Emotionally expressive, open to pleasure
Mental: Creative and adaptable
Physical: Healthy reproductive system
General feeling: Embraces change with joy
Solar Plexus Chakra
Location: Upper abdomen/stomach
Element: FireWhen imbalanced:
Emotional: Low self-esteem, anger
Mental: Indecisiveness, overthinking
Physical: Digestive issues, chronic fatigue
In balance:
Emotional: Confident, self-motivated
Mental: Purpose-driven, clear decision-making
Physical: Strong digestion and core energy
General feeling: Empowered and purposeful
Heart Chakra
Location: Centre of the chest
Element: AirWhen imbalanced:
Emotional: Jealousy, codependency
Mental: Difficulty trusting, grief
Physical: Heart/lung issues, poor circulation
In balance:
Emotional: Compassionate, forgiving
Mental: Emotionally intelligent
Physical: Open chest and healthy lungs
General feeling: Radiates love and harmony
Throat Chakra
Location: Throat
Element: Ether (space)When imbalanced:
Emotional: Shyness, fear of speaking
Mental: Poor communication
Physical: Thyroid issues, sore throat
In balance:
Emotional: Honest and expressive
Mental: Clear communicator, good listener
Physical: Healthy throat and voice
General feeling: Speaks truth with clarity
Third Eye Chakra
Location: Forehead, between the eyebrows
Element: LightWhen imbalanced:
Emotional: Feeling stuck, paranoia
Mental: Confusion, nightmares
Physical: Headaches, sleep issues
In balance:
Emotional: Insightful and introspective
Mental: Intuitive and visionary
Physical: Sharp senses, restful sleep
General feeling: Deep trust in inner wisdom
Crown Chakra
Location: Top of the head
Element: Cosmic energy/consciousnessWhen imbalanced:
Emotional: Disconnected, apathetic
Mental: Spiritual cynicism, mental fog
Physical: Chronic exhaustion, light/sound sensitivity
In balance:
Emotional: Peaceful and connected
Mental: Clear awareness, higher thinking
General feeling: Feels one with the universe
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Even without illness, Reiki offers powerful support for your emotional, spiritual and mental wellbeing.
Deep Stress Relief
Encourages a parasympathetic (rest and digest) state, calming the nervous system.
Mental Clarity
Releases mental chatter, supporting decision-making and creativity.
Emotional Maintenance
Clears subtle emotional or energetic patterns before they become issues.
Energetic Tune-Up
Like a massage for your energy, Reiki increases vitality and prevents stagnation.
Spiritual Growth
Deepens mindfulness, expands intuition and strengthens your connection to your higher self.
Better Sleep and Recovery
Boosts rest and performance, even for athletes and creatives.
Preventative Wellness
Keeps your energy field clear and balanced, helping prevent future health challenges.
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After your Reiki session, you may experience a range of physical, emotional or energetic shifts. Everyone responds differently. There is no “right” way to feel. Some common experiences include:
A deep sense of peace and relaxation
Emotional release (tears, laughter, clarity)
Feeling lighter or more grounded
Temporary fatigue or the need for extra rest
Vivid dreams or heightened intuition
These sensations are a natural part of your energy body rebalancing and releasing what is no longer needed. You may continue to integrate the session over the hours and days that follow.
To support your process:
Drink plenty of water
Allow space for quiet reflection if possible
Trust what arises without judgement
Be gentle with yourself
You are invited to honour what you feel and to know that your body and soul are working together in your highest support. Should anything arise that feels intense or confusing, you are always welcome to reach out.
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Reiki is a gentle, non-invasive energy healing practice that supports the body’s natural ability to heal itself. It is not a substitute for medical or psychological diagnosis or treatment.
The services provided through Align with Love are intended for personal growth, relaxation, spiritual well-being and to enhance and strengthen the body’s natural healing ability. Reiki practitioners do not diagnose conditions, prescribe medications or interfere with the treatment plans of medical professionals.
By receiving a session, you acknowledge that you understand and accept this disclaimer.