Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ / Mission Statement / Qualifications

About Reiki

Mikao Usui (臼井甕男) founder 15 August 1865 – 9 March 1926

Mikao Usui was born in Japan in 1865. He was an avid reader and had a hunger for knowledge. He had an avid interest in learning and worked hard at his studies. As he grew older, he traveled to Europe and China to further his education. His curriculum included medicine, psychology and religion as well as the art of divination. Usui Sensei also became a member of the Rei Jyutu Ka, a metaphysical group dedicated to developing psychic abilities. He had many jobs including civil servant, company employee and journalist, and he helped rehabilitate prisoners.

The depth and breadth of his experiences inspired him to direct his attention toward discovering the purpose of life. In his search he came across the description of a special state of consciousness that once achieved would not only provide an understanding of one’s life purpose, but would also guide one to achieve it. This special state is called An-shin Ritus-mei.

Usui Sensei understood this concept on an intellectual level and dedicated his life to achieving it; this is considered to be an important step on Usui Sensei’s spiritual path. In the early 1900s, on the last day of his 21 day fast atop Mt Kurama, striving to achieve An-shin Ritsu-mei through Zazen meditation, he received the “light of reiki” into the center of his head which revealed to him the concepts of reiki. Thus began his reiki journey. He practiced on his friends and family, and in 1922 opened up his reiki practice to public. Soon, people were traveling from far and wide to see him. He helped many clients and taught many students during this time.

FAQ

What is Reiki?

Reiki channels universal energy, sometimes called ki. (This is the same energy involved in taichi, qi gong, etc.). It is an ancient technique of channeling energy through the palms of the hands in a gentle non-invasive manner. It is a Japanese healing art and a complementary energy therapy based on the principle that everything in the universe consists of energy that flows around and through living beings.

This vital spiritual energy activates the natural healing processes, detoxifying the body of both physical and emotional blockages while bringing about deep relaxation and calmness. In the 20th century while extensively meditating on Mt Kurama, a holy mountain in Japan, Dr. Mikao Usui became aware of Reiki energy and discovered that it enhanced his healing abilities. The term comes from two Japanese words, “Rei,” meaning “universal,” and “Ki,” or “life force energy.” Reiki loosely translates as “universal life-force energy.”

Reiki proposes that disruption to this energy may cause health problems and seeks to restore the balance of the energy flow to a person by sending the energy flow received by the universe. Helping people become energetically balanced - physically, mentally, and spiritually.

How does Reiki work?

Reiki works by increasing the “life force energy” (ki) that flows through us and around us and causes us to be alive. The life force is responsive to our thoughts or feelings and can become disrupted and diminished by negative thoughts or feelings, especially about ourselves. If this energy is low, we are at higher risk of becoming sick or stressed. If our life force energy is high, we are more likely to be happy and healthy.

Reiki provides a positive boost of “ki,” which raises the energy field’s vibratory level in and around the negatively affected areas of the body, causing negative energy to dissipate and fall away. Reiki reminds our bodies how to go back into the “repair” or “self-healing” state of rest and restore. By triggering this state, our bodies begin to cleanse themselves of energies that are no longer needed. Thus, Reiki restores the healthy, natural flow of the life force.

Reiki addresses the whole person – mind, body, and spirit. This means that the positive energy (ki) transfer through reiki is extremely helpful in elevating our mood and general attitudes towards life. The healing that starts within will reflect on their decision and perspective on the outside.

The reiki practitioner doesn’t cause the healing, nor are they the source of that healing energy; they’re a channel for the energy – similar to the way a garden hose acts as a channel for water. The reiki practitioner guides the energy throughout the body to promote its natural self-healing capabilities.

How long should my first reiki session be?

I recommend that you select the 90 min session for your first treatment so I can give you a full evaluation and set goals for your session. After that, you may choose the 60 / 90 / 120 min session depending on your preference.

Why choose Reiki with Yoshi?

My mission statement which is the basis of my reiki practice is as follows: To prove a safe, comfortable, compassionate space for people to feel relaxed and open. This can promote rest and restoration on a physical, mental, and spiritual level. My intuitive healing approach includes reiki (universal energy), motoki (grounded earth energy), chakra alignment, aura repair, and more.

My specialty is for those who are ready for positive change, professionally with their jobs, personally with self-development, or emotionally with release, letting go, and allowing in positivity. Many of my clients also work closely with a therapist.

I may ask you during the session, if I may share what is coming up in your energy field, so that we may work through it together. This typically happens on your 2+ session, as the 1st session tends to be a general clearning, opening, and relaxation of the mind,body, and spirit. Of course there are exceptions.

My personal experience with reiki is that of self compassion – I learned how to treat my body and mind with compassion through daily self reiki, which I continue to this day. In this busy, high-achieving climate we live in, my goal is to provide a safe haven where you can truly relax and feel at peace with yourself.

One thing I love about California is the diversity of people here. All are welcome, regardless of gender, skin color, sexual orientation, age, or any other personal characteristic that has been marginalized. My Reiki studio is a place where you are respected as an individual, not your identifying characteristics. I’ve also helped working professionals with anxiety, athletes with their recovery time, mothers who are looking for some R&R, young adults seeking help letting go of past situations, chakra and energy alignment, and more.

Please come in and see if compassionate reiki is right for you!

Does reiki work with therapy?

Yes, reiki compliments many types of therapy. It is always courteous to let your therapist know that you are thinking about seeing, or have recently visited a reiki practitioner. Clients have benefited from allowing reiki to help release emotions from their mind and body, especially deep emotions that come up during the therapy sessions. Upon release of these emotions, positive reiki energy fills the newly-freed space, giving you a positive boost towards creating new habits. If you are working on a long-term issue or changing long-term patterns, you will benefit most from multiple sessions, at your own pace, as each session can build on each other to achieve a deeper reiki healing experience. Bulk purchase discounts are available.

What are the benefits of Reiki? / Why do people seek Reiki treatments? / How can Reiki help me?

• To reduce stress, worry, and its physical, emotional, mental, and energetic impacts.
• To improve concentration and mental clarity; increased focus.
• To improve physical symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, etc.
• To clear blockages – physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, etc.
• To boost physical or mental energy
• To achieve and maintain balance and integration in day to day life.
• To modify or change unwanted recurrent or chronic mental, emotional, or behavioral patterns (ie. addictions, alcoholism, etc.).
• To have support during a process of change initiated by loss, necessity, or personal choice.
• To receive support during emotional issues / relationships
• To have support regarding anxiety & depression
• To improve sleep / insomnia issues (evening session are best for this)
• To reduce nausea and other side-effects of radiation treatment and chemotherapy (ex. Cancer recovery)
• To aid in post-surgery healing
• To help with overeating / no appetite
• To improve digestive issues, bowel disturbances, etc.
• To help with IVF / infertility issues
• To aid personal spiritual development

There are many ways that an individual can benefit from reiki. It is important to note that reiki does not target one particular problem within the body, but rather targets everything at once. Energy transfer (ki) is the most powerful tool in healing in this way as it heals all related elements of a particular condition. It is important to note that Reiki should never take the place of medical treatments.

What happens during a Reiki treatment at SJ Reiki?

During a Reiki Treatment, for adults, you will lay fully clothed on a massage table, covered in a blanket if you choose, with light background music. I, Yoshi Ramanujam, am trained in the Usui-Gray method of administering Reiki. We will begin with a brief intake on any emotional/physical/spiritual issues you would like to discuss. Next, you will lay on the table and the reiki practitioner will place a kleenex over your eyes and ask if you would like an eye pillow. The reiki practitioner may guide you through a visualization or breathing exercise to help your body receive reiki energy. The practitioner will begin the session hands-off for a few minutes, to open and connect with your energy. Next, the reiki practitioner will lay their hands on your body (or above your body) in a series of hand positions to deliver universal healing energy. Some sessions may include conversations around your energy body, and some sessions may be more of a silent meditative experience. We will have a quick outtake to discuss any intuitive messages, comments, or questions from the session. The effects of reiki may last up to 24-48 hrs. Please drink lots of water and listen to your body following the reiki treatment. You are encouraged to repsond to a post-reiki check in that will be sent out via email the next day.

What does Reiki feel like?

Reiki typically feels warm and relaxing. Some people feel a slight change in temperature in areas where the practitioner’s hands are placed (people have reported anywhere from warm to cool). Some people describe a tingly sensation of the muscles, small electrical currents zipping through their body, a floating sensation, seeing shapes, colors, and/or vision-quest experiences. Some feel like they’ve gone through a deep expansive meditation. Some fall asleep. Some experience an emotional release, or small physical releases (muscle twitches). Some reported having moments of clarity. Some feel rejuvianted at the end of the session, and some feel like they’ve just had an energetic workout. Some don’t feel much during the session, but notice they are more emotionally regulated for the remainder of the day. Some feel the reiki effects stronger the day after the session. There is no standard of experience – each person responds to Reiki energy in their own individual manner.

Why do people enjoy Reiki treatments?

Many people love Reiki because it allows them to simply “be.” The reiki space provides pure relaxation where the receiver can clear their heads and release the tension and stress of their day to day lives. The energy transfer through Reiki may make people feel peaceful, relaxed, and lighter, which allows them to be in touch with their inner selves and gain inner clarity.

Reiki reminds us to be in the present moment. The positive energy transfer allows the mind to focus on the now, letting go of the past, and not fretting on anxieties of the future. This will help with accepting how life is unfolding and will help promote positive reactions to situations, people, and circumstances.

Your body typically feels extremely relaxed after a Reiki session. This kind of relaxation helps our bodies to sleep better, to heal better, and to think more clearly. It is not uncommon for people to fall asleep during a reiki session.

What happens if I feel emotional during a Reiki session?

It is not uncommon for the body to release emotions stored in the body during a reiki session. If this happens to you, allow the emotions to arise and flow through you, and allow the reiki energy to fill in the newly opened spaces.

How often should I visit?

Multiple times a week is recommended for people who are going through big changes. Once a week is appealing to people who are working through challenges and would like some extra clarity, rest, and reiki support. Once a month is very common for those with day to day stress in their lives. Once every several months or once per year is common for people who come in during times they are feeling particularly stressed and would like to have a moment to help them reset.

What are the benefits of multiple Reiki sessions?

Just as with any activity (ie. exercise, meditation), the effects of Reiki are cumulative. While one session can feel refreshing, repeated, regular Reiki treatments can invite significant improvement. With successive treatments, your body becomes more open to receiving the reiki energy, and as it becomes more open, you may have a deeper reiki experience of relaxation and letting go. And finding a way back to your true inner self. Consistent reiki sessions can help maintain homeostasis between the mind and body as well as regularly releasing accumulation of daily stressors.

Regular reiki treatments promote consistent and unblocked flow of energy through the body. This allows people to feel less stress, enhances learning and memory, promotes mental clarity, and physical healing. It often decreases pain felt in the body. When energy passageways are blocked, positive energy cannot flow to certain parts of the body, which results in mood swings, fear, anger, pain, and more. Reiki can help keep these passages clear.

Many regular clients enjoy intuitive messages that are unique to each session. Occasionally, people that have passed on come by to say hi. The opportunities are endless! Please let me know if you are seeking anything in particular.

What is the difference between the 60 / 90 / 120 minute session?

Each of the different times allows the practitioner to address the entire body, as necessary. The main distinction is the amount of time allowed to focus on certain areas. For some, 60 mins is enough, and for others, their bodies appreciate the 120-minute session for a more thorough, in depth experience. Choose the time that feels right for you.

Do I have to be spiritual to benefit from Reiki?

You do not have to be spiritual to benefit from energy healing. Anyone can benefit from reiki. It’s recommended to go in with an open mind for maximum benefits.

Is Reiki harmful?

Due to the light-to-no contact nature of reiki, this treatment is not harmful. However, reiki could lead to harm if people with serious health issues opt for this therapy and other complementary therapies instead of rigorously tested modern medicine. A person using reiki alongside other treatments is unlikely to encounter negative side effects.

Can Reiki “cure” me?

Reiki is a simple, gentle, energy technique that is used for alleviating stress, pain management, and promoting deep relaxation. Reiki does not cure disease and is not intended to be the primary treatment for any health problem, but rather is a complementary therapy meant to support other treatment (medical, psychological, etc.) that is ongoing. Reiki practitioners do not diagnose conditions nor do they prescribe or perform medical treatments, prescribe substances, nor interfere with the treatment of a licensed medical professional. Reiki does not take the place of medical treatment or medications, and that it is recommended that you see a licensed physician or licensed healthcare professional for any physical or psychological ailment that you may have. Our bodies have the ability to heal themselves and to do so, complete relaxation is often beneficial.

Is Reiki a religious practice?

Reiki is not a religion. It is a philosophy of care that teaches practitioners to relate to a person’s core or essence rather than their personality; to listen without passing judgment, to be willing not to know or understand the “why’s” underlying a patient’s symptoms; and not to view a patient’s response to Reiki treatment as a personal achievement. The practitioner provides a conduit for the universal life-force energy but does not control the process. The principles of Reiki do not force anyone to believe in it or to practice it. Reiki is open to all that are interested, and leave those alone who are not interested. All are welcome.

Calfifornia SB-577 Health: complementary and alternative health care practitioners

What Reiki is

Reiki is a form of complementary medicine, which enhances the body’s ability to heal itself.

What Reiki is not

Your practitioner is not a licensed physician. Reiki is a complement to “healing arts services licensed by the state”, ie, it is a complement to more traditional western medicine provided by doctors, nurses, and hospitals. As a complementary or alternative medicine, Reiki does not require licensing by the state.

Nature of the Services Provided

Reiki Sessions: The client lies down fully clothed. The practitioner(s) place their hands on or above the body and allow the Reiki to radiate from the hands.

Theory of Treatment

Stress, trauma and illness restrict the natural flow of “ki” (life force energy through the body). By restoring ki to the body, Reiki rejuvenates the body’s ability to relax and de-stress, and support its ability to heal itself. In addition to the practitioner radiating the Reiki energy through their hands, sessions may involve the practitioners sweeping their hands above the body in various ways, to connect and open or seal the client’s energy.

Benefits and risks of Reiki

Reiki practice may help with a variety of physical and emotional problems, including insomnia, stress, depression, anxiety, and pain. Multiple sessions may be required for long-term conditions. I understand that there are no adverse effects to Reiki and no risks in regards to this service.

Yoshi Ramanujam’s Qualifications

Yoshika (Yoshi) Ramanujam’s Reiki journey began in 2020. She is a Reiki I and Reiki II graduate under the Usui-Gray Integrated Reiki System (Usui Shiki Ryoho). She completed the 6-month Certified Reiki Practitioners Program at SF Reiki Center under Christopher Tellez in 2022, and completed her Motoki I training under Brian Raine in 2022. She completed her Reiki Masters training with Lourdes Gray at the John Harvey Gray Center for Reiki Healing in 2023. She is currently taking classes with San Jose Psychic Institute. She has given 500+ client reiki sessions, in person and virtually. She practices at her Willow Glen Studio in San Jose, CA. For 2024, she is focused on participating / volunteering on college campus events. Please let her know if you have any leads! yoshi@sjreiki.com. She also enjoys hosting and attending energy-healing community gatherings with peers and continues to study under various Mentors.

SJ Reiki Community Events:

Email yoshi@sjreiki.com (subject: community events) to receive more info!

• Monthly Community Clinic - $30-60 donation based reiki sessions
  
• –> Volunteer as a Reiki Pratitioner @ Community Clinic
  
  
• Fri evening Reiki & Motoki Share (prerequisite: Reiki I, Motoki I, or other healing modality classes)