Jikiden Reiki - Dr Gemma Newman

Gemma is a Shihan (full sensei, or teacher) in the art of traditional Japanese Reiki and she would love people to contact if they want to learn how to give reiki themselves.

Get in touch

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Listen to Gemma talking about Reiki on The Science of Energy Medicine on the Dr Lauren Macdonald podcast

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Watch Gemma’s video on What is Reiki and does it really work?

What is Reiki?

Reiki is a simple, hands-on therapy originating in Japan. It is understood to stimulate the body’s natural healing systems and promote healing on all levels. The original term for Reiki is Shin Shin Kaizen Usui Reiki Ryoho or Usui Reiki Treatment Method for Improvement of Body and Mind. It was founded and developed by Mikao Usui in 1922 and is a totally safe therapy that can be used with any condition.

What is Jikiden Reiki?

There are many kinds of Reiki available today. What makes Jikiden Reiki stand out is that it retains the original Reiki teachings and techniques from Japan, maintaining its grounding, simplicity and depth. It is known for personalised treatments, which also enhances its effectiveness. As Jikiden Reiki has not been westernised, it could also be described as Reiki in its complete, authentic Japanese form. Jikiden means ‘directly passed down’ and is named this because it is practiced in the same simple way the original Japanese founder and his students practiced. One of Mikao Usui’s prominent students, Dr Chujiro Hayashi, ran a Reiki centre in Tokyo and taught numerous students. Among those students was a young woman named Chiyoko Yamaguchi. Chiyoko Yamaguchi practiced Reiki for the rest of her life, helping a great number of people, and gaining a host of experience for 65 years. In her later years, she and her son, Tadao, decided to teach what she had learned openly and give people in Japan and the rest of the world the chance to learn Reiki as she had learned it in the 1930s.

About Reiki Treatments

The practitioner simply places their hands on your fully clothed body, focusing energy on areas where it is most needed. The Reiki supports your body’s natural healing mechanisms and promotes deep relaxation. Practitioners do not diagnose any condition. If you are worried about any symptoms it is important that you consult a doctor. The practitioner does not prescribe or alter medication although it is recommended that you monitor any medications prescribed by your doctor as your body begins to work more effectively. Reiki can safely be used alongside any conventional and complementary treatments or therapies.

What will I feel?

Everyone’s experience of Reiki is unique. Most people find Reiki enormously relaxing and often report feeling a profound sense of wellbeing and deep relaxation. This effect of inner calm often lasts long after the session is over. Usually, Reiki is felt as a gentle, calming experience and many clients feel positively energised after a session. One Reiki session can last anything from 45 – 90 minutes.

Reiki therapy is a process of healing, therefore a course of treatments is generally recommended to facilitate deeper healing. The first step is to try a session and experience Jikiden Reiki treatment.

How can it help me?

Reiki can provide emotional support to better cope with life’s challenges. It promotes stronger balance within your body and creates a feeling of being centred. It offers a sense of calm peacefulness, which can be helpful during times of high stress or when going through longer-term health challenges. People come to receive Reiki for help in a wide variety of situations. Common circumstances in which Reiki is reported as beneficial are when relaxation is needed, to support sleep and to manage the difficulties in life and work more easily. In times of great emotional stress Reiki is particularly beneficial, such as times of grief and for those undergoing emotional trauma. It is also understood to assist the body’s natural healing capacity when challenges arise. Many people describe life as simply, ‘easier to manage’ when they receive Reiki.

‘Gemma's Jikiden Reiki class was fantastic. She is a polymath extraordinaire so as her student, you find yourself learning on multiple levels simultaneously. Gemma's Reiki prowess and wisdom inevitably transfers to her students, leaving them confident and deft in the practice of Reiki.’

Gregory J Schwartz PhD, Environmental Scientist

‘I attended the Jikiden Reiki Training with Dr Gemma Newman last week and it was absolutely fantastic. From the moment we stepped into the space, Gemma held us with such an open and gentle heart. The teaching was so clear and Gemma made it all so interesting, sharing her deep wisdom for the practice. You could also feel Gemma's excitement about teaching and sharing the information. The healing and reiju's were incredibly powerful and I am excited to begin working with the energy.’

Dr Anthony Rafferty – Doctor, PhD and Founder of Intuitive Health

‘I found Gemma's knowledge of Jikiden Reiki fascinating and an excellent basis for our two-day immersion. I enjoyed the small, intimate nature of our group and felt able to ask questions while gaining hands-on experience of healing. Gemma created a warm, welcoming space and I'm excited to see what unfolds on my Reiki journey.’

Rebecca Heptinstall – Brand Consultant

‘Since your reiki treatment, my red psoriasis spots have disappeared. I am soooo happy! Thank you so much.’

Ingrid

‘I was going through a tough time, and I didn't believe in reiki. You did some on me and I swear it was a pivotal point in my life, with everything changing from that point onwards. I am now a firm believer. Huge amounts of deep pain have been removed. Thank you to you.’

Claire

Read more testimonials

‘I honestly can’t say enough wonderful things about Gemma and the incredible experience I had training with her in Jikiden Reiki. I feel so lucky to have learned from someone with such deep knowledge, kindness, and genuine passion for Reiki.

From the moment I started training with Gemma, I felt completely supported, encouraged, and inspired. Gemma’s warmth and patience made such a difference, especially as I prepared to use Reiki with children and my other clients. She has this incredible way of making everything feel so clear and accessible, even when Reiki felt totally new to me. Her teaching isn’t just about technique—it’s about truly understanding the energy, the tradition, and how to work with it in a meaningful way.

Beyond the training itself, Gemma has been such an amazing ongoing support and mentor. She genuinely cares about her students and wants them to succeed, and that kind of dedication is so rare and special.

If you’re thinking about learning Jikiden Reiki, run, don’t walk, to train with Gemma! She’s an incredible teacher, a beautiful soul, and someone I will always be grateful for on my Reiki journey. It was a truly magical 2 days. I cannot recommend Gemma highly enough!’

Orla Palmer, therapist.

‘As I sit and reflect upon our two days with you, I feel a real sense of calm and happiness. It was such a peaceful two days spent in your very welcoming home with the most lovely group of people. You scheduled a wonderful programme of learning the traditional Jikiden Reiki, in an interesting and engaging way, that really put me at ease and made me feel comfortable and brave to embrace all the feelings. I would highly recommend you as a Jikiden Reiki teacher as your passion, kindness and knowledge is simply remarkable.

The wonderful tea breaks with the most delicious treats were also something to rave about!

I wouldn’t change anything about our two days as I felt they ran naturally and were personal to our unique group of people. I can’t wait to embrace reiki into my life and those of my friends and family.

Thank you.’

Rachel Prior, School teacher.

‘I just spent the most wonderful two days learning, absorbing and living all aspects of Reiki practice with Gemma. I feel so lucky to have been invited to learn from Gemma in her beautiful sacred, family space.

Gemma has the most incredibly personable approach and I am completely inspired by her abundance of knowledge and complete dedication to Jikiden Reiki and its foundation and origins and in her passion to share this wonderful practice and knowledge with others.

I honestly can’t thank you enough, Gemma and my 3 healer friends who I have been blessed to connect with during this time. It’s hard to put those two days in to words – the entire experience was one I will treasure. The ‘wow’ moments; the pockets of revelation as well as the moments of serenity and connection all made for an incredibly powerful experience.
Gemma, I am in awe of your wisdom, passion, confidence and your unwavering desire to give to others. You gave to us in abundance and I will and cherish and develop this gift for the benefit of myself and others.’

Kate Churchouse, Lawyer.

‘Gemma is a very gifted Reiki teacher (and angel in human form). She held the space with such tenderness and love as she passed on Jikiden Reiki’s powerful teachings to us. Learning with Gemma is so easy and pleasurable and fun. She expertly guided us on a beautiful loving expansive spiritual journey that blew open our channels of life force energy.

I had three huge experiences during the reiju transmissions. I felt full body shaking, explosive heat in my hands, the pulsating rhythm of life force itself, and a deep embodied sense of our shared humanity (to name a few). I was brought to tears several times with beautiful experiences of unity, purity, love, beauty, divinity, connection, and oneness.

I could not recommend this training more highly.’

Sherin Shefik, Judge, Yogi, Artist

‘Thank you so much for the incredible Shoden Jikiden reiki training last week. It was a phenomenal experience from start to finish.

You delivered the event with great integrity and respect for the source materials, as well as holding the space with serenity and grace for us all to learn.

The session was filled with a sense of deep wisdom being shared with us all. We all gained confidence in our abilities throughout the two days and had plenty of time to practise what we learned.

All of the attendees were clearly engaged throughout and you answered our questions perfectly, guiding us through each phase with ease.

Many thanks and I look forward to the opportunity of learning more from you in future!’

Richard Newman, CEO

‘I had the honour of attending this two day training with Dr Newman last week, and it was one of the most profound and life-enhancing experiences I have ever had.

It was fascinating to be introduced to the original concepts of Reiki and given an insight into the way it came into being. We then moved on to understanding how to use the technique and allow the energy to flow through us. We each receive Reiki healings and these gave me a feeling of completely resetting my nervous system. The other practices we took part in all gave deep sense of peace and unity.

The respect which Dr Newman holds for the tradition and culture shines through in the way she teaches. The whole course was also clearly delivered, and beautifully paced with plenty of time for reflection and discussion. The relaxed setting enhanced our enjoyment, along with breaks for delicious drinks and nourishment through the day. Since taking the training I have come away with an excitement to practice what I have learned and have been using the self-healing techniques on a daily basis.’

Dr. Venita Patel, Paediatrician

‘Taking the Jikiden Reiki course with Gemma Newman was one of the most insightful, spiritual and interesting experiences I’ve had. Gemma made me feel completely at ease—her warmth, sincerity, and deep respect for the Reiki tradition were immediately evident which I felt the moment I arrived.

What stood out most was how naturally she created a space that felt both peaceful and empowering. She teaches with such clarity and kindness, always encouraging questions and helping each of us connect with the practice in our own way. I came into the course curious and a bit unsure, and left feeling more grounded, open-hearted, and confident in my ability to share Reiki with others. Gemma’s passion for Jikiden Reiki is contagious, and her gentle guidance helped me tap into something truly special—both within the practice and within myself. I’m so grateful to have learned from her, and I’d recommend her course to anyone looking for a more authentic, healing path.

Thank you for sharing this experience with me.’

Ryan Carr, Radiologist

‘Gemma was the most fantastic Reiki teacher. I found her training a very interesting mix of history and philosophy plus technique, which obviously follows the official program, but it was delivered in a very personal and knowledgeable way.

It was very engaging with an interesting mix of other people. It was delivered in a gorgeous home with lovely spaces in the garden to chat in between sessions. Nourishing for mind and body- she also served delicious vegan food. It was very inspiring and has kickstarted a strong interest in healing for myself, family and others.’

Anika Keynes – Garden Designer

‘This Reiki course was one of the most special and meaningful experiences of my life. It was two days of peace, love, healing and connection.

It was incredible to learn in such depth about the lineage, history and origins of Reiki whilst also spending lots of time practising and receiving Reiki with the group.

I was so grateful that it was Gemma delivering this course as Reiki has been on my mind for some time and it was perfect that it would be this experience to introduce me to Reiki. Gemma delivered the course with confidence, clarity, passion and love. I know that it’s not specifically about the Reiki course itself, but Gemma created a very beautiful environment and atmosphere and cultivated a lovely intimate group so that we had the perfect experience.

I left feeling confident about my ability to practice Reiki healing, and in fact I’ve already started healing myself, my wife and my family with significant results. Wow! Just wow. I am so grateful.’