Quite often in my practice as a Massage Therapist and a Reiki Master Practitioner/Teacher, I receive a call from a new client asking for “Reiki Massage.” While Reiki is not a massage, I understand where some of the confusion comes from because so many massage therapists and spas advertise Reiki as part of their practice. It is always a gift for me to be able to explain that Reiki is an energy healing practice that, unlike massage, does not manipulate the muscles or other soft tissues of the body. That being said, it is important to note that Reiki and massage therapy, as wonderful complements to each other, can easily be incorporated into a single therapy session or completely stand alone in anyone’s wellness practice.
Reiki, pronounced “ray-kee”, can most easily be defined as life force energy that is directed by the universe, or the highest wisdom, the Holy Spirit, God consciousness, or simply God. It is a gentle laying-on of hands, either directly on the physical body or at a distance from the body (near or far). It is life force energy that flows from the universe, through the practitioner, out the practitioner’s hands or eyes or breath, and into the subtle energy bodies that surround and permeate a client’s physical body.
Reiki seeks out unhealthy energy that has blocked or distorted the free flow of energy that is necessary for one to maintain good health, whether that be in the physical body, or in the emotional or mental bodies of the person’s energy field. Reiki relaxes, reduces stress, and promotes healing by releasing the unhealthy energy that the client is knowingly or unknowingly holding onto. Unlike massage therapy, Reiki goes to the cause of one’s energetic imbalances to promote deep healing.
Massage therapies do aid in the restoration of health in body, mind, and spirit, but on a different, more physical level. Although there are many types of massage, it is generally understood that a good massage reduces stress and pain through the manipulation of soft tissue, the tight muscle, tendons, and myofascia of the physical body. Relaxation techniques during massage provide the mind-body-spirit connection. The massage therapist is not channeling Reiki energy healing unless he/she is also a Reiki-attuned practitioner who intends to incorporate Reiki into the session.
Reiki is generally administered as a separate Reiki session, not in a massage session. However, Reiki can be easily added to a massage session in a number of ways. A Reiki practitioner/massage therapist can choose to start or end her massage session with Reiki; he can choose do a deep tissue massage for 60 minutes followed by 30 minutes of concentrated Reiki; she can do a relaxation massage while channeling Reiki the entire time; or he can lay healing hands at specific chakra points or areas of concern during a massage session. The key here is the Reiki practitioner’s focus and intent during either a stand-alone Reiki session or a massage session with Reiki added.
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