SO… Reiki (pronounced RAY-KEE).

You’re probably wondering what it is. If you’ve heard of it, it might be because that’s what Jax Taylor did on the most recent season of Vanderpump Rules. I have to admit that I watch everything on BRAVO… I love it. But Jax and his reiki healer, Kelsey, weren’t the reason why this practice was on my radar. I actually became really interested in it after Drake was born and I was searching for ways to deal with some postpartum symptoms. Fast forward a few years later and there’s a part of me that wants to get trained in it.

Anyways – Reiki is a practice that focuses on channeling universal and spiritual energy for healing, self-improvement, and overall wellness. Reiki is not a religion and is not associated with any particular religion, but it is a spiritual practice and experience. Through the use of “healing hands” (i.e. the placement of a Reiki Master’s palms), universal energy is transferred to the client. 

A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and wellbeing. –www.reiki.org

Peace, security, and wellbeing. All good things. Because reiki is energy work, I thought I’d share how I feel about the power of energy.

Everyone has heard of the phrase good vibes, but I wholeheartedly believe in it. I think that everyone carries some type of energy with them that radiates out onto the people they’re around and can directly affect the situations they’re in.

For example, some of us may notice that good feeling we have when we’re around friends, family, the people we love… and I believe that feeling is more than just being happy to be around them. I think that many times when you’re hanging out with people you enjoy, it’s because they’re feeling good, too. I believe the energy that is in the space you’re sharing is sent out and surrounding you, which in turn provides those good vibe feelings that make your experience more enjoyable.

In the same way, I think that being around someone who carries more negative energy can easily bog you down. More often than not, when I’m around someone who is in a bad mood, it’s a bit more difficult for me to tap into those positive vibes. I have that same feeling when I’m not in the best mood myself. I honestly believe it affects both the behavior of my children and my overall attitude, making it a “when it rains, it pours” kind of day. I don’t think anyone enjoys being in a bad mood, but sometimes it is difficult to get away from that funky feeling.

With this being said, I don’t believe that things always have to be great, because that’s not reality. I don’t believe that people shouldn’t express their (negative) feelings, indulge in their emotions, or allow themselves be upset and vent. These things don’t make someone a negative person. I think addressing your feelings and talking about them is healthy, and when it’s done in the company of the right people I think it can be therapeutic – at least it is for me! All I know is that I feel best when I focus on my energy and take care of myself if I feel off, which is why reiki has been a useful tool for me.

Now, about the process.

I have had most of my sessions at a local yoga studio, and a typical appointment reminds me of one you would have at a spa. The environment is very relaxing. You lay on a massage table (fully-clothed, just to put that out there), salt lamps on, candles lit, meditation music playing in the background — can I just live here? Your reiki healer hovers their palms over your seven chakras and taps into your energy field to see where things are balanced or unbalanced. If there’s an imbalance, they will send healing energy to wherever it’s needed.

I treated myself to a reiki session in early July for my 28th birthday – it was my fourth time ever going. I’ve gone twice where I was intentionally looking for specific postpartum healing, but this time I just wanted to treat myself to the peace and restoration I’ve always felt after each session.

The session I booked was 30 minutes long. Once our time was up, I felt like I was in a haze. This happens every time. But not a bad, sick kind of feeling – I just felt very mindful and completely at peace. I felt open and ready to receive… in-tune with myself… I just felt right.

With all of this being said, I truly believe you have to go into your session with a completely open mind. If you go in thinking, “this isn’t going to do anything,” that’s exactly what will happen. Nothing. That was my exact mindset when I went to my first session in 2016, and my reiki healer knew the whole time. Even though I had a bad attitude about it, I still felt better when I left. It was weird. So I decided to give it another try a few months later. I went in with a different mindset and had a much better experience.

I think the thing that intrigues me most about reiki is that some people get trained in it so they can volunteer at hospitals and work with people who are suffering from cancer. I never knew this was a “thing,” but I think it’s a beautiful way to help others who are open to the idea or have experienced its benefits. This practice is obviously not supported by scientific research, but patients can use it as a “crutch” to pair with the medical treatments they’re receiving. Patients may find that it lowers stress levels, provides relaxation, and reduces pain.

So at this point, you’re probably thinking, “Girl, what in the crazy are you really talking about?” Reiki is not for everyone — including my husband who just nods and smiles when I tell him about it, haha. He supports me nonetheless, which is what matters. You really have to be interested in and open to energy work in order to gain anything from the experience.

Reiki is just one of the many forms of alternative healing and medicine that is out there. I have also had great experiences with yoga, meditation, and acupuncture. You can read about how acupuncture played a role in my fertility and TTC journey here.

If you are a religious person, as I am, this post might speak to you. I can really relate to the way they link reiki and Christianity. Even if you’re not religious, is reiki something you would ever try? I’m starting to notice more people talking about it and trying it out. If you’ve ever had a session or are interested in it, I’d love to hear about it in the comments!