What is Reiki?

The word Reiki means “Universal Life Energy,” and that’s exactly what it feels like: pure, loving energy flowing to your heart, body, and soul.

But what does that actually mean? It's tricky. Because Reiki is one of those things that's so darn magical it's hard to know how to explain it.

When I signed up for my first Reiki certification training (the same one you're reading about right now), I had no idea what to expect. I was skeptical. I was nervous. All I knew was that I was also a little desperate, after years of trying all kinds of things (both science-based and mystical) to feel better in my own body. Every time I heard about Reiki, something made me feel a nudge in my gut. I knew I was supposed to take this class, even though it felt weird AF.

So I did. And I was changed. I know that sounds dramatic. But it's truly one of those things in my life that marks a spot in my personal timeline - there was life before Reiki, and there is life after.

For me, Reiki provides a peace and calm to my always-racing ADHD mind. And yes, it's provided some physical pain relief too, which surprised me. (Note: Reiki works best alongside the medical advice and treatments from your doctor. We'll talk about this in training.)

So if you're ready to take a bit of a chance on yourself and something is giving you that nudge in your gut? Reiki is for you.

Reiki is transformational.

When I say Reiki can change your life, I absolutely mean it. Being able to support myself in moments of pain and anxiety has made my life better every day. Being able to give Reiki to my partner and those I love most feels so much more meaningful and effective than simply "sending good vibes." Being able to calm my doggo in times of stress has been a huge relief, because when the thunderstorms start or there's a siren nearby, he goes more than a little crazy.

It's really. freaking. powerful. And it's waiting for you. No matter where you are in your life right now. No matter your belief system. No matter what. 

At Determined to Shine, we take a science-empowered approach to Reiki. I'm not going to tell you that medication is bad (my meds are literally saving my life). I'm not going to tell you there's only one path to healing or spiritual enlightenment. I'm going to encourage your curiosity and skepticism. We'll talk about the placebo effect, ethics, and beyond. Scientific breakthroughs have also been a magical gift from the Universe, and we won't ignore them.