By definition, Reiki is a Japanese healing technique used for relieving stress, promoting relaxation and healing. It is administered by “laying on hands” across the body transmitting healing energy through the hands. To learn more about this method Julie Ulrich, Reiki Master, Intuitive and Certified Intuitive Animal Communicator shares insights of this technique with us.
Could you tell us about your journey into Reiki and how you got started?
Back in 2013, I was struggling with a chronic health issue and trying all sorts of Western medicine to no avail. Then I had a psychic reading where I was advised to get a Reiki session and was told I would eventually study it and start a Reiki practice. At the time, I was skeptical about becoming a Reiki Master since I was pretty set in a corporate career. But after I received a Reiki treatment, I decided to take Reiki level 1 with the intention of learning a new skill to use on myself. The first time I practiced giving Reiki to another student in that class, though, my world changed. I thought it was the most beautiful experience I’d ever had—like a whole new level of compassion I never knew existed. In that moment I knew I wanted to change careers and become a Reiki Master. It’s amazing to think that struggling with my health issue is what ultimately led me on the path to energy work and a whole new, wonderful life. Sometimes the universe has to give us a detour to guide us where we need to go!
How exactly does Reiki work and what benefits can it provide to people?
I like to explain Reiki by starting with the fact that we’re all made of energy (molecules vibrating at a frequency). That means people, animals, the tree outside, the desk we sit at…absolutely everything is energy! If we look at that energy in nature, we can see that it’s always moving toward balance and wellness, like how an ecosystem balances itself out, for example. We have that programmed-for-balance energy running through us, too. But because we’re human, we can inadvertently hold onto energies that don’t serve us (stress, fear, guilt, etc.), which can interrupt the flow of our life force energy. Reiki is a gentle energy healing modality that allows me to support my clients’ own innate healing abilities and help guide their energy back toward a state of balance. The wonderful thing about Reiki is that it can support anything that’s out of balance physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Could you walk us through a typical Reiki session for those who are not familiar with what Reiki consists of?
At the beginning of a distance Reiki session, I speak with the client on the phone for about ten minutes to ask them what they are looking for support with. Then after we hang up, the client lies down and relaxes in a quiet place in their home while I send them the Reiki energy. Energy flows where intention goes, so I can send Reiki from my home in New York to anyone in the world.
When doing an in-person Reiki session, I chat with the client first as well, after which the client lies on the treatment table fully clothed while I channel the Reiki to them with my hands on or above the body. I offer in-person Reiki sessions in New York City, but they’ve been on hold until we can ease up on social distancing measures.
You also offer Animal Reiki Sessions, could you tell us a bit more about how this works?
After a brief phone call with the human client to ask what they feel their animal needs support with, I connect in with their animal’s energy and ask the animal’s permission to send the Reiki to them. (The animal doesn’t need to lie down in a quiet place for the session—they can fully receive the energy no matter what they are doing at the time). I’m also a certified Intuitive Soul-Level Animal Communicator, so I talk with the animal a bit during the session to ask them if there’s anything else they need support with that their person may not be aware of. If the animal does give me information like that, I’ll share it with the client after the session via text or email.
What is the most rewarding part of your passion?
Doing Reiki and intuitive readings every day makes me more and more aware of all the magic in us and around us, and I absolutely love sharing that magic with my clients! Having experienced my own struggles and knowing firsthand the relief energy work can bring, I’m so happy to be able to pay it forward and support others in their own journeys to healing.
Being an Intuitive Energy Healer and consistently helping others, how do you conserve and protect your own energy?
I swear by my daily meditation practice—I couldn’t do this work without it. It helps me stay centered and grounded every day, as does eating a clean diet. I also make sure to have quality time with my loved ones and animals—because that’s the ultimate healing medicine!
Lastly, what piece of advice would you give someone trying to develop a richer connection with themselves?
I suggest starting with self-care—for example, spending time in nature, meditating even just briefly, getting plenty of me-time. The more we practice these acts of self-love, the easier it is to find clarity and peace. And most importantly, do what you love! By diving into something you’re passionate about, you’re expressing your authentic self. When we’re in that space where our heart sings, we truly thrive and help to bring balance to the world around us.
