We have tried to include as many questions as possible that have been asked concerning the Bath Reiki Courses.

If you have a question not found here please do contact Jay

Bath Reiki Courses
1. How long should I leave it between courses?
2. What distinguishes your courses from any other?
3. Why is it that I can find a cheaper course elsewhere?
4. What happens when I've completed a course with you?
5. Can I go out and become a Reiki Practitioner the day after taking Reiki II?
6. Do I get a recognised certificate?
7. Can I do Reiki II (and Master/Teacher Degree) if I am Reiki I but didn't do that training with you?
8. What do I get in terms of a Home Study kit?
9. What happens on the training days?
10. Where are the training days carried out?
11. What is your Reiki lineage?
12. Can I loose the ability to do Reiki?
13. Does Reiki conflict with Christianity in any way?
14. What experience do you have?
15. Are you a member of any recognised association?
16. Are your courses accredited?

Reiki Treatments - General Information
1. Does a treatment hurt in any way?
2. Do I have to remove any clothing?
3. What will I feel during a treatment?
4. Is Reiki a religious belief?
5. Can I decide not to carry on with a treatment?
6. Is Reiki hypnotism and does it really work?
7. Do Reiki practitioners talk to spirit guides?
8. What are conventional Medical Doctors' views on Reiki?
9. Can Reiki cure everything?
10. Can I get a Reiki treatment on the NHS?
11. How many treatments will I need?
12. What happens after a Reiki treatment?

Bath Reiki Courses
1. How long should I leave it between courses?

You should preferably leave 2-3 months between Shoden (Reiki I) and Okuden (Reiki II) and then at least 6 months between Okuden and Shinpiden (the Master/Teacher Degree).

2. What distinguishes your courses from any other?

We believe that Bath Reiki courses offer far more than you usually get on some other courses. Jay has been trained to Master/Teacher level with Taggart King's organisation and is also one of his dedicated teachers. As such he follows Taggarts course material and training methods, as well as bringing in his own theories and experiences.

Taggart King has spent many years putting together these courses and in our opinion they provide much more than you will receive from any other course. Any updates to course materials made by Taggart will be included in your course.

We teach the Original Japanese Reiki. Which means that the Reiki you are taught is simple, elegant and very powerful. It is the closest to Usui's teachings that you can get.

The Home Study Packs are very comprehensive and allow you to learn visually (from a 170-page manual for Shoden, 110-page manual for Okuden and a 240-page manual for Shinpiden) and audibly (using CDs). The CDs talk through the main sections of the manuals, so you can listen to it in your car, and also have guided meditation exercises on tem for you to practice (which you shouldn't listen to in the car!). The Shinpiden course includes an extra CD and a DVD, which takes you through the stages on how to Empower someone - both Western Attunements and Japanese Empowerments.

On the associated Training Day(s) you do not have to take any notes and worry about having learnt to the letter all of your manual. We make sure everything is covered in depth so you leave feeling confident about your practice of Reiki.

And it doesn't stop there! We offer full and free after-care: from weekly distant Empowerments, to phone & email support and monthly Reiki Share evenings, along with the offer of joining our free discussion group - a group of some 1,000 Reiki practitioners and teachers.

3. Why is it that I can find a cheaper course elsewhere?

When you see what we offer and compare that to what other courses are offering it is no surprise that you can find cheaper courses. Make sure you are comparing like with like. Jay met someone recently who had paid £90 for Reiki I only to have received a single A4 sheet of paper, a couple of hours at that persons house and absolutely no after-care.

4. What happens when I've completed a course with you?

You are not left alone. Our learning experience in Reiki is just the same as in life - we learn something new every day. You need to know that someone is going to be there for you when you have questions or concerns. Indeed Jay still talks to his teacher when he is experiencing new feelings or if he has been asked a question he is unsure about.

At Bath Reiki you have complete and totally free after-care. This includes a weekly distant Empowerment, mirroring the way Usui taught his students, along with phone and email support directly with Jay. We can also arrange to meet to discuss any problems and concerns you may have. Jay provides free monthly Reiki Share meetings at his home, where we get together to discuss our views on Reiki, give Empowerments and carry out Reiki healings. Along with this you can also join our discussion group, where you can get help and advice from over 1,000 other Reiki practitioners, from Reiki I to Master/Teacher levels.

5. Can I go out and become a Reiki Practitioner the day after taking Reiki II?

In theory there is nothing stopping you from doing this - once you have taken out insurance of course. However Jay does stress on his courses that he expects every new Reiki II practitioner to spend a few months (at least) treating as many people for free as they can. This is what he did in an effort to make sure that he was a good channel for Reiki and to make sure that, as far as he could, he had had as much experience with lots of different types of problems as possible before he started to charge people.

Surely it is only right that we are as confident as we can be when starting out with a proper practice. It is a lot easier to cope with a friend having a healing crisis whilst receiving a treatment from you, than having to deal with this for the first time with a total stranger.

6. Do I get a recognised certificate?

After completing a Bath Reiki course (either as a live course or home study course) you receive a certificate, stating your qualification. You can use this to join such associations and The UK Reiki Federation, and you can get Reiki Practitioner Insurance, through companies like Balens.

7. Can I do Reiki II (and Master/Teacher Degree) if I am Reiki I but didn't do that training with you?

There is no problem if you completed Reiki I with another school and wish to do Okuden (Reiki II) with Bath Reiki. For the Live Courses we send out the Shoden (Reiki I) Conversion Pack for an extra £10 along with your Okuden pack. This way you can revise what we learn in Shoden, so you come on the Training Day having caught up with the other students. For the Okuden Home Study Course, the Shoden conversion pack is included in the price.

This is the same for the Shinpiden (Master/Teacher Degree). We send out, for an extra £30, the Shoden and Okuden Conversion Packs before-hand for the Live course and the Conversion Packs are included in the price of the Home Study Course.

8. What do I get in terms of a Home Study kit?

The Home Study Packs are very comprehensive and allow you to learn visually (from a 170-page manual for Shoden, 110-page manual for Okuden and a 240-page manual for Shinpiden) and audibly (using CDs). The CDs talk through the main sections of the manuals, so you can listen to it in your car, and also have guided meditation exercises on tem for you to practice (which you shouldn't listen to in the car!). The Shinpiden course includes an extra CD and a DVD, which takes you through the stages on how to Empower someone - both Western Attunements and Japanese Empowerments.

9. What happens on the training days?

We have made the Training Day(s) as accessable as possible in terms of learning the material. You have already studied visually and aurally, now we go through the main practicalities of practicing Reiki physically.

You will, of course, receive Traditional Reiju Empowerments throughout the day(s), to tune you into Reiki so that you can use it for yourself.

There are times when Jay sits and 'lectures' but only for a few minutes. Generally it is a hands-on experience of playing with energy and learning new techniques.

We try to make the day(s) as fun as possible, with no pressures and within a genuinely supportive environment.

The day lasts from 9.30am to 4pm, but may go a little quicker depending on how many people we have on each course (with a maximum of 4). You bring your own packed lunch but we offer free hot herbal teas, coffe and filtered water.

10. Where are the training days carried out?

The Training Days are carried out at Jay's specially created training space in Neston, Wiltshire. This lies in a sleepy village, surrounded by beautiful countryside, which adds to the experience.

For a list of B&B's close by please go to the Reiki Links page.

11. What is your Reiki lineage?

Jay has two Reiki Lineages. The first is the Western lineage and the second is the Original lineage:

Western Lineage:
1. Mikao Usui
2. Chujiro Hayashi
3. Hawayo Takata
4. Phyllis LeiFurumoto
5. Florence O'Neal
6. Jerry Farley
7. June Woods
8. Simon Treselyan
9. Marcus Hayward
10. Diane Whittle
11. Taggart King
12. Celeste Hartley

Original Japanese Lineage:
1. Mikao Usui
2. Suzuki San
3. Chris Marsh
4. Taggart King
5. Celeste Hartley

Jay's lineage is, therefore, only 5 steps away from the Reiki founder, Usui.

12. Can I loose the ability to do Reiki?

Absolutely not. You are Reiki, you've just forgotton. Once you are reminded of this (with an empowerment) you never loose the ability.

What you do from there on in is up to you. To be a clear channel for Reiki, to be able to heal yourself and others and to continue your spiritual journey you do need to meditate everyday, and self-heal as often as possible. We teach you how to do this and how to make your Reiki strong.

13. Does Reiki conflict with Christianity in any way?

Although the roots of Reiki are Tendai Buddhism, which provides spiritual teachings, and Shintoism, which contributes methods of controlling and working with energies, Reiki is not a religious belief.

Reiki can be practised by anyone of any religion as it is non-religious. Everyone gets to decide for themselves where this energy comes from. Christians may choose to believe it is directly from God, Buddhists may choose to believe it comes from The Source, atheists may choose to believe that it is simply another energy source which we don't fully understand yet.

Personally Jay has treated and taught people from a number of differing religions. They (and him for that matter) are people who are accepting of other peoples views.

Please do take a look at Jay's articles page to see his views on this subject. Please also visit ChristianReiki.org

14. What experience do you have?

Jay first started studying Reiki in 2003. After he realised there must be something in it he spent a whole year practising on people for free. During that year he carried out over 300 treatments. When something is free it is amazing how many people will take you up on the offer!

He has had positive results with: ME, MS, asthma, depression, stress, lack of energy, the common cold, headaches, blocked sinus, back pain, hip pain, knee injuries, broken wrist, sciatica, insomnia, nervousness, panic attacks, past events, carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, joint pain, arthritis, stomach problems, and much more.

There are, of course, many Reiki practitioners who have been doing Reiki a lot longer than Jay, but, in my view, it doesn't matter how long you have been practising Reiki, it matters how many people you have treated and what experience you have had of the different conditions and problems people face.

At the present date (October 2008) Jay has taught Reiki to over 200 people. Please take a look at his testimonial page for letters he has received from his students.

15. Are you a member of any recognised association?

Jay is a Master Teacher Member of the UK Reiki Federation and has Complementary Medical Practitioner Insurance. The UKRF has a set Codes of Practice that all of its member have to adhere to.

The Reiki Regulatory Working Group (RRWG), a UKRF-led initiative was set up by representatives of the UKRF and other Reiki organisations in collaboration with the Prince of Wales’ Foundation for Integrated Health. The RRWG provides a forum for the exchange of views, concerns, standards and best practice with the intention of “speaking with one voice” in working towards Voluntary Self Regulation of Reiki and creation of the single UK Register of Professional Reiki Practitioners.

16. Are your courses accredited?

No Reiki courses can claim to be 'accredited' as there is no such thing in this country. At the moment anyone can legally set themselves up as a Reiki practitioner or teacher.

As detailed in the previous answer the RRWG is working towards creating a voluntary organisation for the self regulation of Reiki. This is in the consultation process at the moment (as of Jan. 08) and it is our guess that it will take a number of years before it is implemented. When the final proposals are made, for what we teach and how we practice, we will then have a choice as to whether to join the new body or not. As the new org. will be totally voluntary to join nothing much will change in terms of being able to teach or practice if you do not join - it will just look better on your headed paper!

At the moment it seems that the RRWG is going down the Western approach to Reiki, treating it purely as a complementary therapy with set hand positions and pre-requisite knowledge of Anatomy and Physiology etc. This, in our view, misses the point entirely as to what Reiki is and what it's initial intentions were.

As a Reiki school, if we decide to follow the new guidelines then it may be that we have to introduce a few new modules to our courses. These could be offered to all existing Reiki Practitioners as a stand along course. As a practitioner it may be that you may have to submit a few case studies to be able to join the new org. Nobody knows at this stage what the final outcome will be. Whatever it is this will still not lead to a situation where one school or one practitioner is more 'accredited' then another. It is our opinion that anyone already working as a Practitioner will be able to continue to do so as they will be able to show months/years of experience which will neglect any new rules.

If we do not agree with the new guidelines - if they are too rigid and do not take account of the original teachings of Usui - then we will not join the new org. In that case it may be that we decide to set up our own regulatory body so that the thousands of Original Reiki practitioners have a home. This organisation will be just as valid as the new one being proposed - and may even have more members!

As it stands at the moment, and for the foreseeable future, any student passing through Bath Reiki will be able to join the UK Reiki Federation, or any other Reiki organisation, and get practitioner insurance with our certificates.

Reiki Treaments - General Information
1. Does a treatment hurt in any way?

Absolutely not. There are no needles or any other equipment used. The practitioner simply places his/her hands on you very gently.

2. Do I have to remove any clothing?

You do not need to remove any clothing. Reiki works through all materials. You may want to remove your shoes, though, just to make yourself comfortable during the session, so it advisable to wear some warm socks.

3. What will I feel during a treatment?

People experience a range of feelings, from mild relaxation to feelings of deep relaxation akin to a deep meditation. Some people see different colours, some have small dreams or visions.

You usually feel heat from the practitioner's hands, or sometimes it can feel very cold or tingly. You may also experience pulses of energy running through your body.

None of the experiences mentioned are scary or uncomfortable. In fact Reiki seems to 'cuddle' you in a comforting blanket as it does its work. Jay has not had a client yet that didn't enjoy a Reiki session!

4. Is Reiki a religious belief?

Although the roots of Reiki are Tendai Buddhism, which provides spiritual teachings, and Shintoism, which contributes methods of controlling and working with energies, Reiki is not a religious belief.

Reiki can be practised by anyone of any religion as it is non-religious. Everyone gets to decide for themselves where this energy comes from. Christians may choose to believe it is directly from God, Buddhists may choose to believe it comes from The Source, atheists may choose to believe that it is simply another energy source which we don't fully understand yet.

Personally Jay has treated and taught people from a number of differing religions. They (and him for that matter) are people who are accepting of other peoples views.

5. Can I decide not to carry on with a treatment?

Before your first Treatment you should be given a free chat where Reiki is explained to you. You should be talked through a complete treatment and shown exactly where the practitioners hands will be placed. This gives you the opportunity to decide if you are comfortable with the practitioners views on Reiki, comfortable with them and comfortable with what is going to happen.

6. Is Reiki hypnotism?

Reiki is not hypnotism. During a treatment you may feel very heavy and totally relaxed but this won't stop you from scratching your nose if you have an itch! Most people like to have silence (apart from calming music) during the treatment, but there are some that talk all the way through.

The following YouTube video shows the work carried out in a Cancer Specialist Hospital in London. You will see doctors, nurses and patients all talking about how Reiki is an essential part of the healing process. Reiki YouTube Video

7. Do Reiki practitioners talk to spirit guides?

Personally Jay does not talk to spirit guides. He has never felt any presences and is unsure as to whether these are real or just a projection of a persons own ego. He is, however, open to other peoples experiences. He has treated and taught people who talk to their guides and is respectful of their Truth just as they are of his Truth.

In Jay's opinion there are two types or Reiki practitioner: those that talk to spirit guides and angels, and those that simply use the energy. Just because he does not have a spirit guide, however, does not mean that he is not a spiritual person. We all have our own spiritual paths to follow, and it is just at present Jay's does not include spirit guides.

If the use of guides concerns you because of your own beliefs do ask your Reiki practitioner before-hand whether they are going to use guides within the treatment.

8. What are conventional Medical Doctors' views on Reiki?

There are many differing views about Reiki from different people within the medical profession. Some doctors are open to new ideas and ways of helping their patients.

Jay has been lucky enough to be allowed to work from a Doctors Surgery, and has had taught at least 3 practicing GP's - so some are open to new ideas!

There are also Reiki practitioners working within the NHS, mainly in London, and we hope this will spread given time.

9. Can Reiki cure everything?

This is a touchy subject. In theory Reiki can help with any ailment - but we do need to qualify that statement:

Our bodies (physical, mental, emotional & spiritual) respond to what we eat, drink, think, feel, what injuries we've had in the past, what stresses we have had and are currently having, what diseases our parents had etc. etc. Reiki can help to ease pain, it can help to speed up the recovery from illness, it can help put us in the right emotional state to start to cope with our problems. But, unless we take the whole body into account when deciding we wish to heal ourselves we will never do so completely.

Let us give you an example. A Reiki treatment can get rid of a persistent headache. It gets to the root cause of the headache, be that an emotional block or a block in one of your internal Chi meridians. If, however, you don't address the way you see life your Chi may get blocked again - you may have a similar emotional experience, not cope with it well again, and you will start to get the headaches back.

This is where Reiki really comes into its own. Reiki lifts your emotional and mental aspects up to a new level, a level where you have a better ability to change how you deal with life. You do, however, need to want to make this change and you do need to work at it.

Jay's belief is that it takes a lot more than Reiki to cure things like Cancer though. There have been stories from people who insist that they have been cured by Reiki, but Jay has not seen this directly nor has he had any experience of this.

It is Jay's view that a wholistic approach to wellness is needed if we wish to cure ourselves of all afflictions, and Reiki certainly plays a vital part in that.

10. Can I get a Reiki treatment on the NHS?

Wouldn't that be wonderful. It would save the NHS so much in the long term - getting to the root of problems instead of just paying out for pills to stop the pain, only for the pain to come back again. However, at present most doctors are not willing to authorise NHS payments for complementary treatments.

There are some Reiki practitioners working within the NHS, mainly London hospitals, and we hope that this will spread given time.

Jay has been allocated an NHS provider number (8GR888) in the hope that one day we'll get there!

11. How many treatments will I need?

It depends on what is wrong. Some people's problems are cured after only one or two sessions, for some it takes longer.

Generally we recommend having 4 sessions, a week apart to start with. You can then go on to a few sessions a fortnight apart, and then to once a month if you fancy as a regular monthly treatment is really beneficial. It will sort out the last months' worth of 'life', calm-you-down and set-you-up for what the next month has to throw at you.

The best thing to do, however, is to learn Reiki for yourself.

12. What happens after a Reiki treatment?

After a Reiki treatment a few things may happen:

Immediately after the treatment you may feel slightly dizzy, but this goes away after a few minutes. You may then feel totally energised or extremely tired.

Up to a week afterwards, or indeed during the treatment, you usually experience a release of some sort. This may take the form of the condition you have becoming worse for a small period of time, to having a mild cold. You may also have an emotional release which can take the form of bursting into tears for no reason or indeed feeling extremely happy for no reason.