Usui Reiki is a gentle yet powerful, soothing therapy that can be used to help a range of mental, emotional and physical issues alongside traditional treatments. It is a form of energy healing, where the therapist channels ‘universal life-force energy’ (the literal translation of ‘reiki’ from Japanese) to the client. This universal life-force energy finds its way to whatever would benefit from the healing energy, and can help you feel more relaxed, energised and generally more ‘well.’ However, to many people, reiki is first and foremost a spiritual, meditative practice, which helps one to connect with the universal life-force energy, of which everyone and everything is made: it is a practice of remembrance, of homecoming, and connection with our true nature, and healing occurs almost as a side-effect. The reiki energy itself can help you to feel better (in whatever sense), as well as encourage the natural healing abilities of the body. To be clear though – reiki is not a cure and does not replace traditional medicine or medical care, and you should always see a relevant healthcare professional for treatment alongside reiki.
The form of reiki I practice is called ‘Usui Reiki,’ to acknowledge it as the reiki system developed by Master Mikao Usui, and brought to the West by Mrs. Hawayo Takata in 1937. There are a number of variations of reiki now, as people have developed or channelled further ways of using or applying reiki over the years, including Divine Remembering, which I also practice. I have had training in both the Eastern Lineage (based on the original Japanese teachings, named ‘Usui Reiki Ryoho,’ or ‘The Usui Spiritual Energy System’), and Western Lineage (developed by Mrs Takata, and named ‘Usui Shiki Ryoho,’ or ‘The Usui Natural Healing System’). The ability to channel Usui Reiki is passed from Master to Student and my own lineage can be traced directly back to Master Usui. Usui Reiki teaches the practitioner to use a number of techniques passed down from the original Japanese Masters to build, channel, use and direct reiki for a range of healing and wellbeing purposes.
Benefits of Reiki, and What Happens in a Session
There are various theories which suggest that our world and our very being are all made of energy, vibrating at different frequencies to form solid matter. Eastern traditions suggest there are different energy centres in our body which relate to different functions of our being (e.g. physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and may be further narrowed down, relating to different organs in the body, psychological concepts, and specific emotions). An example of this is the chakra system, which are said to be seven spinning balls of light or energy, which are balanced and flowing naturally when healthy. These may become blocked, underactive or overactive, as a result of our life experiences. For example, the root chakra relates to safety and security, so if we have an experience that makes us feel unsafe, this chakra may become blocked, and the energy in and around it becomes stuck because it cannot flow or be released. Reiki can help this by being an injection of pure, fresh energy to release stagnant and stale energy, creating flow and balance once more.
Reiki can have a positive effect on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of your being, including helping to:
– heal and cleanse your physical body
– release emotions
– encourage more positive thinking
– heal and cleanse your energetic body, or aura
– heal and cleanse/clear blockages in your chakras (energetic centres in your body)
Reiki can be performed with ‘hands on’ or ‘hands off.’ I practice reiki with ‘hands off,’ meaning that I will not touch you during treatment. Reiki does not require you to remove any clothing, except perhaps your shoes and glasses. Usually, you will lie down on a therapy bed (the kind beauty therapists or massage therapists use), but you can also sit in a chair if you wish. To begin with, I usually lead you in a brief grounding exercise, and help you to relax by guiding you to take slow, deep breaths. I then move around you, usually starting at your head, and hold my hands just above your body while the reiki energy transfers to you. I will use my intuition to determine where to focus the energy. You may experience heat or cold from my hands, as the reiki energy adjusts to what your body requires. My own experience of receiving reiki has been seeing some swirling colours (while my eyes were closed), feeling some mild tingling like pins and needles in various areas of my body, and feeling more energised over the week or two following the reiki session.
Following a Session
Following a session, many people say how they feel lighter, refreshed, energised, sleepy (having had trouble sleeping usually), and generally find it a very positive experience. Some people also find insight to issues that had been troubling them prior to a session. Reiki produces only positive effects, and there are no negative effects or outcomes when reiki is used. You will usually either feel a positive effect, or nothing at all – which does not mean that the reiki has not worked, it’s just that some people are more sensitive to the effects and energy of reiki than others.
Having said reiki has no negative effects, or side effects (which is true), occasionally, some people may initially feel worse following a session. This is because reiki clears and releases stuck and stagnant energy. It is not the reiki that is making you feel this way, but what was already in your body that had become stuck, which the reiki then released for your system to process. I will give you guidance on this before you leave the session.
In a similar way that you may feel sore or emotional following a sports massage – either due to the pressure needed to release tight muscles, or the toxins or emotions that have been released from the body – you may feel something similar as a result of your reiki treatment. This may include an initial worsening of any symptoms you felt before coming to the session, cold or flu-like symptoms, an emotional release, digestive issues, aches and pains. This may be difficult at first but is a positive sign that something has been released and is allowing you to heal. In the same way that crying may feel unpleasant at first, it is a natural way that our body and nervous system can move from a ‘threat’ state to a ‘relaxed’ state, by releasing energy and emotion. In a relaxed state the body is able to engage its natural healing abilities.
Another experience some may have is feeling a little ‘floaty’ or ungrounded after a session, in which case I will give you guidance on grounding and connecting with your body. The effects are very unique to each individual and the issues that the reiki is working on, and is always for your highest good.
The loving energy that we receive in any form of reiki can be a starting point, or a complement, to our own healing journey. Like any form of love, it supports but does not cure. It helps us to step into our greatest potential. This means, for example, that it may make you aware of things from your past that you never really dealt with, which is an invitation to engage in something like counselling so that you can work through that. It may ease pain caused by a muscle injury, but ultimately you may need to see a physiotherapist to develop strength in that muscle again for lasting healing and health. We are our own best healers, and reiki is like a good friend that will hold your hand as you step into your own power and potential.
Is there an evidence base for reiki?
Research has shown reiki to be more effective than placebo (McManus, 2017), and a range of studies have measured the legitimacy and effects of reiki, and other energy healing approaches (Mason, 2010). It is used in a range of healthcare settings, including the NHS and is a recognised complementary therapy. Torsten Lange, a renowned reiki Master Practitioner and researcher set up the ‘Reiki Science Academy‘ with the aim of conducting various research on the effects and nature of reiki.
Fees and sessions
In-person sessions are available Tuesday to Friday, between 1pm and 8pm.
A big part of healing is holding space for you to relax, surrender, and be cared for. It’s a space for you to just be. Reiki healing itself can be provided in quite a short amount of time, but when we combine the healing with a safe space, where you are supported, and can take time to prioritise your need for relaxation, the benefits are amplified.
| Service | Session length | Price | Location |
| In-person reiki | Check-in, 45 mins of reiki plus 10 mins reflection time (65 min total session) | £60 | Amphlett House, Droitwich |
| In-person reiki | Check-in, 30 mins of reiki plus 10 mins reflection time (45 min total session) | £50 | Amphlett House, Droitwich |
| Distance reiki | Reiki will be sent to you at an agreed time and date. Sessions can be live (i.e. video call) or in absence (i.e. I send the reiki at an agreed time and date) | Live video calls for distance reiki are the same timings and prices as the in-person options, above. ‘Absent’ distance reiki: £40 | Remote/online |
Cancellation policy: Please note, a full 24 hours notice of cancellation is needed otherwise I’m afraid the full fee is payable.
Reflection time is included at the end of each reiki treatment, to give you a chance to ground at the end of the session and to reflect on and discuss any thoughts, feelings or sensations you experienced during the treatment. This is a time where I can offer emotional support for anything that may have come up for you.
Distance reiki is available if you are unable to meet in person, or would find an in-person treatment uncomfortable. For a ‘live‘ distance reiki online call, I will book you in for an appointment for an online session and you will be present while I send distance reiki to you.
For ‘absent‘ distance reiki, I will send you reiki at an agree time and date. You may like to set time aside to sit or lay down somewhere privately to receive the reiki, although this is not necessary – setting the intention to accept and receive is enough.
Counselling/reiki combo sessions
I also offer 95 minute sessions which give you the opportunity to have the therapy and exploration of a counselling session followed by the relaxation and healing of a reiki session. Please see this page for more information.
Booking your appointment
To find out more information about reiki or to book your appointment, please feel free to ring or text me on 07989 427 793, or email hello@laurahughestherapies.co.uk.
Professional Membership
I am qualified to Master Teacher (Shinpiden) level, and I am a Master Practitioner member of the UK Reiki Federation: I abide by their code of ethics and professional standards, including a commitment to continuing professional development every year.
I am also currently completing a Professional Reiki Practitioner Diploma, working towards registration on the CNHC (Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council) and Professional Standards Authority accredited register.
You can find out more about reiki on the UK Reiki Federation website:
Animal reiki
Animals also benefit from reiki which you can find out more about here: Animal Reiki