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Frequently Asked Questions

Email kp@paloaltoreiki.com if you have additional questions.

  • Who can benefit from Reiki Energy Healing?
    Reiki is beneficial for anyone, at any time, for any reason. It is channeled for your highest good and automatically brings balance to your body, mind, and soul. Reiki can never cause harm.
  • How should I prepare for my first Reiki session?
    There's nothing you need to do for Reiki to be effective. The only requirement is an open mind and a willingness to receive. There's no wrong way to experience Reiki. Reiki is safe and can never cause harm, as it is always channeled for your highest good. You may read more about what to expect during your session here.
  • I've never had Reiki before...is that OK?
    Absolutely! No previous experience is required nor expected. Many of my clients are brand new to Reiki Healing. I take time to explain what to expect and answer any questions you have before we begin.
  • Is there anything I need to do after my session?
    You may want to drink extra water to keep yourself grounded after Reiki. Other than that, remain curious over the following days and see if you notice anything shift...perhaps physical pain abates, emotions stabilize, and/or stress lessens. You may notice you an overall sense of ease and calm. Everybody's experience is unique. Trust that whatever you notice is for your highest good.
  • How do I know if the Reiki worked?
    Reiki energy healing is subtle. It's not a quick fix. There is no sure fire way to "prove" that it worked. Reiki requires a certain level of trust in something bigger than ourselves. Call it what you like--the Universe, your higher self, your subconscious, the soul, guides, angels, God, Spirit, inner knowing. The healing occurs because we trust that it occurs.
  • How often should I get Reiki?
    This answer is entirely up to you. There is no prescription for Reiki. Allow your intuition to guide you.
  • How is Reiki Self-Healing?
    As an energetic healer my job is to support and enhance your ability to heal yourself. Healing can never be forced onto anyone. You are an active participant in the healing process. I have been trained to act as a conduit between you and the source of the universal life force energy. As the energy flows through my hands, you subconsciously and automatically take exactly what you need for your highest good. By working directly with your subconscious mind, we're able to bypass your conscious mind, thus healing everything you need in the moment, rather than what you may think you need.
  • Which lineage of Reiki is practiced at Palo Alto Reiki?
    As a Reiki Master, I practice and teach the Usui method of Reiki. This method of energy healing was founded in Japan by Dr. Mikao in 1865. His tradition and methods were passed through several grandmasters of Reiki. Today, Reiki takes many forms, however, the Usui system of energy healing is still the form most widely practiced. You may read the complete history of Usui Reiki here.
  • What are the practitioner's credentials?
    Kristen Podulka has the following credentials. Read more about Kristen here. Certified Energy Healing Practitioner, Academy of Energy Healing Certified Reiki 1 & 2 Practitioner, Reiki Energy Healing LLC Certified Reiki Master and Teacher, Academy of Energy Healing Professional Affiliations Accreditation, International Reiki Organization Member, Foundation for Mind-Being Research Member, Association For Spirit-Based Practitioners Professional Member, International Association of Reiki Professionals Professional Member, International Institute for Complementary Therapists
  • Why does Palo Alto Reiki only serve women, those who identify as women, children, and teens?
    It was a conscious choice and not one that I made lightly. The shift was less about leaving men out and more about calling women in. Over the years I've had few male clients so on paper it wasn't a huge change. But energetically it WAS a huge change. Allow me to elaborate. We all have both masculine and feminine energies within us. These are universal energies which have nothing to do with gender. For example, giving is an action of masculine energy, and receiving is an action of feminine energy, and balancing both is key to inner harmony. Since our current society is dominated by natural male energies (logic, focus, productivity, confidence, action, conflict, and structure) many of us feel a deep imbalance in our lives. This imbalance can look like anxiety, stress, burnout, depression, exhaustion, or illness. By allowing Palo Alto Reiki to become a sacred space specifically for women and children, the natural feminine energies such as intuition, emotion, openness, vulnerability, stillness, and surrender are prioritized. Thus allowing women and children a reprieve from the hustle bustle of every day life and the opportunity to regain energetic balance.
  • Is Reiki affiliated with a religion?
    No. Reiki is universal life force energy which is a birthright of all living things. No one owns Reiki. Reiki is omnipresent and omnipotent.
  • Can Reiki help with terminal or chronic illness?
    Reiki is considered a holistic practice which combines well with other modalities such as western medicine, acupuncture, chiropractic care, and massage to name a few. Reiki may provide therapeutic relief to those who are in extreme pain and cannot tolerate touch. As the energy is beamed from across the room, clients experience relaxation and relief from debilitating pain and anxiety, which may be triggered by an ailment, injury, or invasive treatment procedure. As a Reiki Master practitioner, I will never interfere with existing doctors' orders.
  • Is a Zoom session as effective as an in person session?
    Yes. Energy knows no boundaries! All energy healing sessions are equally effective whether on Zoom or in person. As a certified Reiki Master I have been trained to send Reiki from any distance. You may read how distance healing works here.
  • What is the difference between Zoom and In-Person Reiki sessions?
  • When did Palo Alto Reiki open?
    Palo Alto Reiki opened in September, 2020.
  • Where is the studio located?
    The Reiki studio is located in Palo Alto. The exact address is included in the confirmation email received after booking.
  • I noticed you have a rock outside the studio stating "We are on Ramaytush Ohlone land". What does that mean?
    What is a Land Acknowledgment? A Land Acknowledgment is a formal statement that recognizes and respects Indigenous Peoples as traditional stewards of this land and the enduring relationship that exists between Indigenous Peoples and their traditional territories. Why do we recognize the land? To recognize the land is an expression of gratitude and appreciation to those whose territory you reside on, and a way of honoring the Indigenous people who have been living and working on the land from time immemorial. It is important to understand the long standing history that has brought you to reside on the land, and to seek to understand your place within that history. Land acknowledgments do not exist in a past tense, or historical context: colonialism is a current ongoing process, and we need to build our mindfulness of our present participation. It is also worth noting that acknowledging the land is Indigenous protocol. Who are the Ramaytush Ohlone? The Ramaytush (pronounced rah-my-toosh) are the original peoples of the San Francisco Peninsula. Prior to the arrival of the Spanish, the Ramaytush Ohlone numbered approximately 1500 to 2,000 persons, but by the end the Mission Period only a few families had survived. Today, only one lineage is know to have produced living descendants in the present. Read more.
  • Are there special accommodations for those who require it?
    Absolutely. Please email kp@paloaltoreiki.com or call 650-561-2185 prior to you appointment to let me know which accommodations you need. I will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
  • Is Palo Alto Reiki size inclusive?
    Yes, I adhere to Health at Every Size (HAES®) principles, which promote health equity, respectful care, weight inclusivity, eating for well-being, and life-enhancing movement. The Reiki sofa is a Sealy Chaise Lounge. The weight capacity is 350lbs. and dimensions are17.7'' H x 30.7'' W x 71.3'' L. Additional accommodations can be made as needed.
  • Does the Reiki studio have air conditioning?
    Yes, the Reiki studio is temperature controlled with both air conditioning and heat for your comfort. You made read more about the studio here.
  • Is there parking?
    Yes, there is plenty of free street parking near the studio.
  • Which languages do you speak?
    I offer Reiki services in English only.
  • What are the COVID precautions?
    I offer both in-person and Zoom sessions for all appointments. Please make your own decision on which to schedule based on your personal levels of risk and comfort. I am fully vaccinated and boosted. Vaccinations are required for all in-person clients. I practice proximity Reiki, which means I beam Reiki from a distance of 6-feet, requiring no hands-on contact. The room is wiped with Clorox and has two separate air ventilation systems, plus windows to open (weather permitting). Masks are optional, please do whatever makes you most comfortable.
  • How do I leave a review of my experience?
    Thank you for asking! If you had a positive experience and would like to share it with others, you may submit a review on Google here. If you were unsatisfied for any reason, please reach out to discuss by emailing kp@paloaltroreiki.com or calling 650-561-2185.
  • Should I tip my practitioner?
    Thank you for asking, but tips are not expected nor necessary in my practice.
  • What's your pricing policy?
    Prices are subject to change at any time, without prior notice.
  • Do you offer financial assistance?
    It is our right as divine beings to experience the profound relaxation and increased well being of Reiki. Finances should never be a barrier to energy healing. Therefore I offer Monthly Community Reiki live on Zoom for $11, held one Sunday each month at 6:00 PM Pacific. These sessions welcome all women and their families, including spouses, partners, teens, kids, and even pets. Only one booking is required per family, and once registered, you're welcome to share the link with your loved ones. No prior experience is necessary. You may book online here.
  • What are your policies on refunds, rescheduling, and running late?
    Please note the following policies: If you arrive late, your session will end at the originally scheduled time. Re-scheduling is permitted with 24 hour advanced notice via text, call, or email. Re-scheduling less than 24 hours of session time is not possible. Distance Reiki will be sent to you at the day and time of your scheduled session. No shows will not receive a refund or credit. Credits expire after 1 year from date of issue. Refunds are given on a case by case basis.
  • Do you offer Gift Cards?
    Yes! Giving the gift of good energy is a wonderful way to send gratitude, kindness, and love to family, friends, and colleagues. To purchase a gift session, please email your request to: kp@paloaltoreiki.com.
  • How do I redeem my Gift Card?
    Simply email kp@paloaltoreiki.com and we'll get you on the schedule!
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