What is Reiki?
Reiki is a Japanese healing method that works through the laying on of hands and with energy. The word has two parts: "rei", universal, and "ki", life energy. I work in the Usui Shiki Ryoho tradition, the traditional form of Reiki that goes back to Mikao Usui, who developed the method in Japan in the early twentieth century.
During a treatment I place my hands gently on or just above different parts of your body. There is no massage, pressure or manipulation. The intention is that energy blockages can ease, so your body can find rest and balance at its own pace. For more background, read What is Reiki, and how does it actually work?
What happens during a Reiki session?
- 01
Your request
Fill in the booking form or send an email. I will get back to you within two working days to plan a moment on a Wednesday.
- 02
The intake
At a first appointment we take time for a proper conversation. How are you, what are you dealing with, what would you like to experience? This lets me tune the treatment to you.
- 03
The treatment
You lie fully clothed on the table under a blanket, with dimmed light. Only your shoes and jewellery come off.
- 04
Afterwards
You take your time to get up. We briefly talk about what you experienced and what you might notice in the coming days.
- 05
The days after
Drink plenty of water and keep the rest of the day calm. See also what you may feel after a Reiki treatment.
What does Reiki feel like?
Everyone experiences Reiki differently, and there is no right or wrong. What people often describe:
- Warmth, or coolness, where my hands are.
- Tingling or light trembling through the body.
- Deep relaxation, sometimes so deep that you briefly fall asleep.
- Images, memories or emotions coming up.
- Sometimes very little during the session, with the effect showing a few days later.
You may feel tired afterwards, or more energetic. Both are normal. Many people find a first time a little exciting, which is why I wrote what to expect from your first Reiki session.
Who is Reiki for?
Reiki is for anyone who needs rest, balance and recovery, alongside existing complaints or simply to stay in balance. People come to me with stress and restlessness, fatigue, poor sleep, during recovery, or because they feel they need a moment where nothing is expected of them. I wrote a separate page on Reiki for stress and burnout.
You need no experience and you do not have to believe in anything. Curiosity is enough.
Reiki is a complementary treatment and not a replacement for regular medical care. If you have physical or mental health complaints, always see your GP (huisarts) first.
Table, chair or distance
There are three forms, so the treatment fits what you need:
- Full treatment on the table, ± 60 minutes, €75. The heart of my work.
- Short chair treatment, ± 45 minutes, €50. You sit on a chair instead of lying down.
- Distance Reiki, ± 35 minutes, €40. You receive the treatment at home.
Reiki also combines beautifully with a head massage, for relaxation on both a physical and an energetic level.
How often do you need Reiki?
That is personal. Some people feel a lot of calm after one session, others notice the most after a series of three to five treatments. After the intake I give advice that fits your situation, without obligations. For a series there are packages: three treatments for €200 and five for €330. More in How often should you have Reiki?
Where is the practice?
I treat on Wednesdays at Bluebirds Oost, Louise Wentstraat 186, 1018 MS Amsterdam. Bluebirds Oost is a yoga and wellness studio in Amsterdam East. All practical details are on my practice in Amsterdam East.
Who gives the treatment?
I am Amela Merdovic, complementary therapist. I trained as a Usui Shiki Ryoho (Reiki) practitioner and as an HBO paramedical naturopath at the Nederlof Centrum, and as a Yoga Nidra teacher. I am a member of the BATC, the CAT and the Reiki Ryoho Foundation. You can read my story on About Amela.