Reiki can be an extraordinarily healing experience, and it can be very different depending on the person delivering the therapy. At London’s Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre at Hotel Cafe Royal, therapist Teodora is highly trained in multiple disciplines, and brings a high level of intuition to her reiki practice that really sets it apart. Here’s how…

What exactly is Reiki?

It’s a relaxation technique that promotes healing. It starts by scanning the aura and where we find blockages and stagnant energy we can remove it and balance the energy. We do this by transferring energy from the palms of the practitioner to the client in order to encourage emotional or physical healing.

It can help to prevent ill health as well as to restore balance. We start by talking to the guest to find out more about them. When I scan the aura I can feel any unbalanced energy on my hands. We then do the reiki treatment by focusing on different parts of the body. It lasts from 45 minutes to 90 minutes.

Where does it come from?

While the history of reiki can be traced back thousands of years, the way we understand it today comes from Japan and dates back to around 1921.Dr. Mikao Usui is believed to be the ‘father’ of reiki.

The original concept is believed to have drawn on a number of other practices including yoga. However, it was was passed on to students by word of mouth and so it has changed over the years and people interpret elements of it differently.

Nonetheless, since then the practice has been passed down through a series of Reiki Masters and it has become popular all over the world. I adapt it a little in my own way. I follow the protocol of the positions but I add things such as the way I do the cleansing of the aura, inspired by other practices.

What is it supposed to do?

Firstly it’s to relax and stop you thinking too much. It encourages you to focus on the positive. If someone has a particular goal then I send light to that moment and I use a technique where you envisage positive results.

That can be about health, relationships, or lifestyle goals. It’s also about healing for the mind and body however. If you have a particular health problem then we can work on that to help heal the mind and body.

Is there anything you do to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment?

I cleanse the room to make sure it’s ready before the client arrives. That means that there’s no other emotions or thoughts from the previous person in that room, that will affect the treatment. I also prepare myself to be centred, more calm and more active in my hands. I do a meditation guidance because I am not a healer, I am an intermediary who helps the client to heal.

Is there anything you recommend clients to do pre or post-treatment to get the most out of it?

Beforehand it is good to spend time calming down, as is the case with all treatments. Take 15 minutes to relax, because if you arrive stressed then it’s more difficult to be open to the treatment. Afterwards I recommend you drink more water than usual, and have baths with salts to continue the treatment and absorb the rest of the negative energy.

Is there anyone you particularly recommend the treatment for?

It’s good for everybody really, but especially someone who’s really stressed or overwhelmed. Life is like a mirror. If life is messy and unorganised then the chances are that you need balance form the inside.

Is there anyone who shouldn’t have this treatment and why?

No, reiki works whether you believe it or not. It’s not religious, but in some places they try to make it out to be. It’s safe for women who are pregnant and even for someone with cancer. Although if either of these is the case then it’s best to tell us in advance so we can talk about whether the treatment is appropriate.

VISIT AKASHA HOLISTIC WELLBEING CENTRE AT HOTEL CAFE ROYAL