So, true to my words from this video, I’ve been proactive and booked myself a reiki session to see if I can get to the bottom of these emotional and energetic blocks that keep following me around. I had my first session this morning, and it was AWESOME!
Now I’m clamouring around trying to remember exactly everything my lovely reiki master did and said so that I can relay it to you…. haha… it’s not easy!
Anyway, first things first – for those of you who don’t know, you’d probably like an explanation of what reiki is.
What is Reiki?
It’s a Japanese energy healing technique, and it’s based on the idea that we all have an energetic life force flowing through us (called chi, prana, reiki, etc, in different cultures). If this life force is low, or blocked at certain points in the body and can’t flow properly, it can throw us off balance and result in unwellness (meaning unhappiness, anxiety, physical ailments, or otherwise).
During reiki, you lie on a padded table (fully clothed), and the reiki practitioner gently moves her hands over your body and manipulates the energy flow through your chakras and major organs in order to promote balance. What she actually does during the session is going to be different for everyone since it depends on where in your body you are holding tensions and energetic blocks.
If you want more information about what to actually expect during and after a reiki session, this is a great article to read.
What Happened During My Session
I showed up to the reiki master’s little shop at 9 am – her name is Maggi and she’s a really wonderful women. You can just tell. Although I had never met her personally before now, I knew who she was as she’d been recommended to me several times over the past couple of years, and I know why. She just really makes you feel comfortable and welcome. So that was positive 🙂
First thing she did was ask me to explain why it was that I wanted reiki – what issues was I there to heal?
So I explained what my deal was – that I had severe acne and it was extremely emotionally painful and traumatic. Now I carry fear with me about it coming back – I fear feeling the pain that I felt when my acne was bad. And while this fear and anxiety has improved about a gazillion fold in the last couple of years, it’s still there hiding and the irrational anxiety pops up whenever I break out in mild acne (which for me, goes in cycles – clear for a while, break out for a little while, clear for a while, and on and on). Aaaand, basically, that I’m sick of it because it’s the same old thing over and over.
The first thing she said after I explained this was that “this makes sense that you are here because energetically, the skin is very concretely linked to emotions.”
So Then I Lied on the Table…
I lied on my back on the table, and she put light blankets over me, like I was getting tucked into bed.
Then she asked me to breathe and get a clear picture in my mind of what my wellness looks like to me. So I did that in my head.
Then she put her hands on my head and left them there for a while as she started guiding me into a meditative relaxation state. If you’ve ever listened to any guided meditation, you’ll know what I’m talking about: “your neck is heavy, it’s melting into the table… release any tensions fully… your shoulders, are relaxing and letting go… the muscles in your back are completely relaxed…”
Her hands on my head felt amazing. Tingly, like warm sunshine. Apparently this is how reiki is supposed to feel, because you are receiving life energy from her through her hands.
After the guided meditation, she moved her hands around my head and neck. Often it was just her gently placing her hands, but sometimes it was more like a manipulative touch as like in massage. I just lied there and breathed and enjoyed how it felt.
One thing that happened here was that she was trying to get my jaw to wiggle and be free and loose, but seemed to be having a hard time. She explained that the jaw is where old emotions are often held – past hurts – particularly anger and bitterness. That was interesting because I have noticed that I often clench my jaw throughout the day without really knowing why I’m doing it, and find it difficult to just let it be relaxed and loose.
And Then Came the Questions
After that, she moved her hands to my stomach and gently let them rest there for quite some time as she began to ask me some questions.
At first I was confused about whether I was supposed to open my eyes or what I was supposed to do. Apparently in reiki it’s “your session”, which means you can do whatever you want. I kept my eyes closed but I began to almost feel a spinning, dizzy feeling and my eyes were sort of fluttering and I was having a difficult time keeping them closed as I talked. So I opened them and looked her in the eye as we chatted.
So … this is where I’m having a tough time remembering the entire conversation and in what order the questions occured, but I’ll do my best.
First thing she asked was what does my wellness look like?
I explained that physically it meant having clear skin, great digestion, and lots of energy and alertness during the day. Spiritually and energetically, having stillness in my life in order to become more connected to the world and universe, and to be joyful and contented in the present moment.
The other questions she asked were if I ever speak unkindly to myself, if so, what do I say? What is that I’m afraid of when my acne flares up? She also asked me how my relationships with others were. Probably a few other things I can’t remember.
Through these questions, we ended up discussing quite a few things.
One thing I talked about was why the acne caused me so much emotional pain. And that it was because I was afraid of how I would be seen and if I’d be accepted by others, particularly by men in romantic situations. I believe it’s a perfection thing – I want to be perfect to myself, and to everyone else, and acne is a total threat because it’s such an obvious and unsightly “stain” on my image. That’s why in the past, I’ve gone to such great lengths to hide it from everyone by ensuring it was always covered up, never talking about it to anyone.
She did confirm that she could strongly feel it energetically that a lot of my problems stem from this perfectionist thing.
From this, I talked about my ex boyfriend, who I was with when my acne got so bad. I explained that we were different and not very compatible, and there were no hard feelings about that, but on some deep level, I took it very personally because I wanted to be able to please anyone and everyone and it really hurt me that I couldn’t be perfect for him.
I said that I didn’t think it was a coincidence that that happened to be when my acne got so bad.
She said that no, she really didn’t think it was a coincidence at all.
I also explained that I’m in a loving relationship now, a very open, loving, and accepting relationship.
She said that via the energy and our conversation, she can tell that I’ve come a long, long way in my growth and that the anxiety and pain that I feel about my acne is just a past fear, not a current fear. Because of what I explained about being in a great relationship now, the fear is not the same – I know that if I were to break out like that again, it wouldn’t be the same. I know that Luke would love me and accept me no matter what. I also know that everyone else would too.
So all that I’m dealing with is a past fear – just a block that needs to get unblocked in order to allow my energy and healing and wellness to flow. She said I could do this via an affirmation whenever the fear shows up. She said that when I get anxious, I can say to myself something like “Up until this moment, I felt fear and anxiety about my acne. From this point forward, I feel no fear and I choose to allow everything to be easy and effortless”.
Something else she said was that it makes total sense that my mild acne is cyclical. It’s just past emotions trying to get out. They will come out through my skin for a while, and instead of fearing the next time that I break out, I can just observe it – I can use the breakouts and the anxiety they produce as a means to learn more about my personal process. Every time I break out, I can work with the anxiety to face it and work with it. There’s nothing to fear. Eventually as I work through all of my past emotions, the breakouts will go too.
She also mentioned that the reason I am so happy and carefree when my skin is clear is because that is the time after an emotion has risen and has been cleared from my energy via my skin. My body is using that time to rest and integrate the change. Sort of like Shavasana at the end of a yoga practice (if you do yoga, you’ll know what I mean), when you just get to lie there on the mat and totally let go of all stress and hard work.
Aaand… yep. That’s all I can remember. Lots of interesting stuff.
Finishing Up
After the fabulous chat we had, she moved her hands down to over my pelvis, and then my legs. Afterwards, I turned over and lied on my back as she slowly worked her hands down my body from the back. There wasn’t any talking, I just lied there and really enjoyed the sensations as she finished up the session.
Over all, the whole thing took about an hour and a half, which was much longer than I was expecting!
After the Session
After getting up from the table, my body felt so good and loose and tingly and absolutely awesome. And it felt so great to have heard perspective on my issues from a really wise lady who has been doing this for a long time with a lot of people. I wanted more!
I asked her how many sessions are standard, she said one is fine, but if you are working on a really deep pattern or problem, the recommended amount of sessions is four to really solidify the changes. So I signed up for three more!
Then I rode my bike home, and now I’m sitting here hours later writing this, and to my surprise, my back and neck and head still feel all tingly. Especially my upper back between my shoulder blades. It’s going crazy with tingliness. So cool!
Anyway, I have a really positive feeling about this. Like I’ve just had a big, warm, smile inducing hug from a friend. I can’t wait for my next session!
Watch this Article in Video Form
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sme3vfKfnqQ
What do you think? Have you ever had any energetic work done via reiki or another modality? Would you try it?
— Click on the links below to view the follow up articles on how the rest of my reiki sessions went—
5 Things I’ve Learned in the Past Week for Treating Acne, Anxiety, and Low Energy
Follow Up Day: How My Reiki, and My No-Shaving Experiments Turned Out
22 Responses
Reiki is awesomeeee! I wish I could explain it to those who haven’t tried reiki. Ahhhhh. It’s so wonderful. You should check to see if there are any reiki circles or meetups in your town. They’re usually free or reccommend a love donation. They are just as good as private sessions. 🙂
That sounds like a really good idea – and probably cheaper!! Thanks for the suggestion Lulu 😀
That’s great Tracey! Funny enough, I just had a reiki session yesterday to try to get rid of those negative emotions. Very powerful and inspiring treatment! Hope you find that happiness you are looking for!
Great! well let me know how it turns out for you, if you feel in the long run that it really helped! I also hope you find all the happiness you’re looking for
Wow, that sounds amazing Tracy!
It’s got me thinking… I’m a bit of a perfectionist too and have other annoying habits such as pulling out my hair, biting my lip, picking at my skin. But I can’t think of when it all started or if I might have some past emotions not dealt with!
Oh yeah, she also said you don’t have to always “know” what they are. In Reiki, it will move the energy and send energy to wherever it is needed in your body, whether you consciously know about it or not
So do you think this will really help clear your remaining anxiety troubles?
I hope it will be a big improvement, but only time will tell. My skin is clear right now and I don’t feel anxious, so I guess I won’t really know until I’m put to the test
Greetings Tracy,
I too hold a lot of tension in my jaw area! I guess unconsciously when we get stressed…Im glad you told us about that.. Im trying to relax these muscles more..
Ive been doing these exercises at night to help me relax more..too soon to tell if its helping with acne yet, but I do have better nights sleep, when I do them!
Hope it helps:)
http://www.hws.edu/studentlife/counseling_relax.aspx
Haha I know, sometimes you don’t realize just how much you’re clenching… she recommended breathing in deeply through your nose, and then letting it out through your mouth in a big “aahhh” and relax and loosen your jaw at the same time
Lol! Aghh…Love the way that feels! So relaxing.. It gives me a smile:) thanks
You’re just awesome. I know, it’s not a constructive comment but I just want to say how much I can relate, and I am going through similar changes in awareness of my condition. It feels good, like shedding …
Much love
You’re just awesome too 🙂
Hello Tracy,
I have been reading your website and I must say it’s great! I have acne to deal with as well, and I am in my early 30s and it isn’t the best thing for my self-esteem. Like you, I am dealing with anxiety and thank goodness, the depression is half way gone as well. Letting go of old emotional and thought patterns is probably the hardest thing to do.
It is good to hear that you are releasing the old energy. Thank you for sharing the experience with us. Just remember, you are amazing the way you are and you have helped many by being you. Keep smiling, you are beautiful.
Love & Light,
Sapphire
Thank you Sapphire – beautiful words. I do feel like I’m starting to release the old energy – I have had all four sessions now and I do feel as though there was a shift, but we’ll see over time. Good luck on your journey lovely!
Thank you so much for posting this. I feel like we are the SAME exact person. Well not the same, but really really similar. I have been going to acupuncture for a couple months now which also deals with removing blockages and increasing life force. I cannot wait to try Reiki…I think this will be more personal for me as my acupuncturist is a nice man but does not delve into my personal life, which is something I really need to talk and open up to someone about.
I also am signed up for energetic healing through EMC squared which deals with increasing your life force. If you want to check it out (I think you would like it!) their website is http://www.aimprogram.com. I love your blog; keep it up!
Peace and love,
Michele 🙂
Hi Michelle,
Yes it was SO wonderful to be able to talk to the reiki lady and just let it all out and get her insights… and I actually like the fact that I paid for it… you don’t feel like you are burdening anyone with all your baggage, it’s just… it’s all about you 🙂
Love this! I would definitely like to meet a reiki master as good as Maggi! To bad I don’t live in Canada….:( I often have reservations about things like reiki – maybe I’m just too skeptical. But from what you’ve said, it sounds like it really worked for you!
On a side note, I wanted to mention something that you might be interested in (maybe you already know about it!). It’s a spray by the company LotusWei called the Quiet Mind energy mist. I find that the mist has helped me cope with some of the stress and anxiety that stems from my acne/whiteheads. If you’re interested, I would definitely recommend it.
Hi Charlotte.. hmm that mist looks really interesting.. I was about to order some and then saw the price! So it really works hey?
Haha, yes, quite pricey for such a little bit. But yeah, for me it really works (no placebo effect). In addition,the scent is SO good, very natural. I like it, but it was a christmas gift, not a monthly purchase 🙂
Do you only use it when you get anxious? Or as a daily thing
So, I personally use it whenever I get anxious, and before bed, as it helps me wind down before night, and I spray it on my pillow. I take a few minutes to meditate/relax while spraying it on, focusing on the smell. I try to use it sparingly (due to the high price) :D. I know they sell other products like elixirs which you take internally, or perfumes, etc. but this is all I have tried from them. I actually heard about it from a youtube channel that I like a lot (holistichabits), which you might be interested in. She also healed her acne naturally.