Relaxation

Reiki: a pause to rediscover inner calm

Traditional Chinese medicine practitioner in Courbevoie

By Mehdi Meghenine • • Reading time: 6 min
Reiki session in Courbevoie - relaxation through the laying on of hands

There are days when you feel swept through by too many things. The mind racing, the body tensing, that feeling of being everywhere except inside yourself. Reiki simply offers this: a moment to stop, where you do nothing but let yourself be.

It is a Japanese practice of relaxation through the laying on of hands, handed down since the early twentieth century, today practiced all over the world.

What a session looks like

The session lasts about an hour.

You remain fully clothed, lying comfortably on a massage table. No technical gestures, no manipulation.

We start with a brief exchange: how you are feeling, what brings you here, what you need today. Then you settle in, and I gently place my hands on different areas of the body, or sometimes slightly above, without any contact.

You have nothing to do. Nothing to understand. Just to breathe.

Some people fall asleep. Others feel warmth, light tingling, a pleasant feeling of heaviness. Others still feel almost nothing at the time, and describe a sense of calm in the hours that follow. All these experiences are normal. There is no 'right' way to receive a session.

The principle, simply explained

Reiki is part of a view shared by many Eastern traditions: that of a vital breath flowing through us. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is called Qi. In Japan, it is called Ki.

When this breath flows freely, you feel available, alive, grounded. When it stagnates (accumulated fatigue, a tense period, pent-up emotions) you feel heavy, scattered, a little out of touch with yourself.

Reiki adds nothing and takes nothing away. It offers a calm, reassuring framework in which the body can release what it was holding tight.

The word "Reiki" brings together two Japanese ideograms: Rei, the universal dimension, and Ki, the vital breath.

What people describe after a session

I make no promise of results, and I treat no pathology. Here is simply what people most often report:

  • Deep relaxation, comparable to a long night of sleep
  • Falling asleep more easily on the evening of the session
  • A calmer mind, less invaded by thoughts
  • A release of tension in the shoulders, neck and belly
  • Some distance from emotions that seemed to take up all the space
  • A feeling of coming back to yourself, of feeling more present

These feelings are subjective and vary from person to person and from moment to moment.

Who it might suit

Reiki is for you if:

  • You are going through an intense period and need a real break
  • You find it hard to relax, even when you are resting
  • You are sensitive to touch but prefer a very gentle approach, without manipulation
  • You would like to discover energy approaches without needles
  • You come out exhausted from mentally demanding periods
  • You are simply looking for a moment for yourself, without any particular goal

It is also a practice appreciated by those who wish to approach Eastern practices gently, before perhaps exploring others.

What Reiki is not

I would rather be clear, because a lot is said on the subject:

What Reiki is not What it is
A medical treatment A relaxation practice
A substitute for medical follow-up A complementary support
A religion or a belief to adopt A practice you receive freely
A promise of results An offer of quiet time

Reiki never replaces a medical consultation or an ongoing treatment. If you are being followed for a health problem, continue your follow-up and simply talk to me about it.

My practice

I see you at my practice in Courbevoie, in a calm setting, without intrusive music and without esoteric talk. You don't need to believe in anything to enjoy a moment of rest.

Reiki is part of a broader approach here, alongside traditional Chinese medicine and massage. Depending on your situation and your preferences, we choose together the most suitable practice.

Practical information

Duration About 1 hour
Location Practice in Courbevoie
Clothing You stay fully clothed
Payment Card, cheque, cash
Reimbursement Not covered by the French National Health Insurance (Sécurité sociale). Some health insurance plans contribute to wellness practices: check with yours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to believe in something for it to work? ▼

No. You don't need to adopt any belief. Many people come with curiosity, even scepticism, and simply leave relaxed. Reiki asks nothing of you.

Is there physical contact? ▼

Yes, a light touch of the hands on certain areas (head, shoulders, arms, legs). If you prefer, I can work without any contact at all, with my hands slightly above the body. Just let me know: it doesn't change how the session unfolds.

What if I don't feel anything? ▼

That's possible, and it's not a problem. Feelings vary a great deal from one person to another. The absence of a strong sensation does not mean the moment was not beneficial: many people especially notice an effect in the hours or days that follow.

What's the difference from a massage? ▼

Massage works on tissues and muscles, with technical gestures and often oil. Reiki is still, without oil, and you stay clothed. Massage is more physical, Reiki more internal. The two are complementary.

Are there any contraindications? ▼

Reiki is a very gentle practice. As with my other practices, I avoid sessions during the first two days of your period and the first three months of pregnancy. Simply let me know before your appointment.

How many sessions should I plan for? ▼

There is no obligation to commit to follow-up. Some people come once, occasionally, during a busy period. Others enjoy a monthly appointment as a regular break. We discuss it together, with no commitment.

Can I come if I am on medical treatment? ▼

Yes. Reiki is complementary to your medical follow-up and never replaces it. Continue your treatments and mention them during our discussion.

Reiki is not a miracle solution. It's simpler than that: an hour for you, with nothing to do, nothing to prove.

If you feel like trying it, or if you have any questions before you start, you can contact me with no obligation.

Want to try Reiki?

An hour of rest in a calm setting, in Courbevoie. Fully clothed, no manipulation, no commitment. Ask your questions or book an appointment.

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