What is Reiki?
There are so many healing modalities available to us these days. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by all the choices, especially if you don’t know what they are, how they benefit you, and if they’re right for you.
Reiki is one of those modalities that you’ve no doubt heard about. It has become very popular the past few years, although it’s a very ancient healing treatment. Let’s look a little further into what Reiki is and why it is so remarkable.
Reiki is a Japanese technique that promotes healing, while also reducing stress and promoting relaxation. It is administered by touch, and is based on the idea that there is a life force, an energy that flows through us and keeps us alive and vital. If your life force energy is low then you are more vulnerable to stress and illness. It your life force energy is high, then you are likely happy and healthy.
The word Reiki is the combination of two Japanese words. Rei, which means “Universal Life” or “the Higher Power”, and Ki, which means “life force energy”. This means Reiki is “spiritually guided life force energy”.
At its basic level, Reiki is a healing technique based on the idea that the practitioner can channel the life force energy through touch, thereby activating the body’s natural healing processes, thus restoring physical and emotional well-being. It’s a simple, natural method of healing and self-improvement that can benefit anyone. It can work in tandem with other medical or therapeutic techniques to help restore health and relieve the side effects of traditional medical treatment.
The great thing about Reiki is that it treats the whole person, body, mind, spirit, and emotions. It can promote a feeling of peace and security. There are many reports of miraculous results, when Reiki helped where other methods of treatment had been ineffective.
Reiki is not religious
While Reiki is spiritually based, let’s be clear on one thing – it’s not a religion. It has no dogma, and it’s not required that you believe anything in order to learn and use it. It’s not dependent on belief at all – it will work whether you believe in it or not. However, because of its spiritual basis, many people report that using Reiki makes them feel more in touch with God, or the universe, or whatever belief system the user identifies with. It helps them to experience peace and tranquility, similar to meditation.
But even though it’s not a religion, it’s still important to live and act in a way that promotes harmony with others. The founder of Reiki, Mikao Usui, recommended that a person practice simple techniques to promote peace and harmony, concepts that are universal across almost all cultures.
Where did Reiki come from?
Modern Reiki was founded by Mikao Usui, who was born in Japan in 1865. He is credited with rediscovering the root system that we now call Reiki. His methods were passed down through several grandmasters of Reiki. There are many forms of Reiki today, however the Usui System of Natural Healing is the most widely practiced form. Practitioners are trained through a process where Master Teachers pass on their knowledge and expertise to their students.
What is it like getting Reiki?
If you decide to get Reiki, a session usually lasts around 60 to 90 minutes. During your first visit your practitioner will go through what to expect, and ask you about any particular problems you’re experiencing. Once you get started, you’ll rest on a massage table on your back with your shoes removed. Reiki can also be performed with the client sitting in a chair as well, if that’s more comfortable for you. Unlike massage therapy you won’t need to remove any clothing. It is suggested you wear loose, comfortable clothing though.
The session can be performed either hands-on, where the practitioner applies light touch during the session, or hands-off, where the practitioner’s hands are slightly above the body. Since they are working with your energy, either way is effective. Which method they choose is dependent on what is preferred by the client.
Once the session begins the practitioner will move through specific standard Reiki hand positions, beginning either at the person’s head or feet. You might feel a warming sensation or tingling as the practitioner works with your energy, or you might feel an overwhelming sense of relaxation. Overall the session should feel relaxing, invigorating, and pleasant.
What can Reiki treat?
Reiki has many uses, and it’s a great way to encourage stress reduction and relaxation. Many people also use it to heal from various ailments. What sets Reiki apart is that it’s not considered a cure for disease or illness; rather it helps the body by creating an environment that’s conducive to healing. It has been used on its own, or as a complement to traditional medicine. There are many ways to benefit from Reiki. You can go to a practitioner, or you can study it yourself and learn the techniques yourself. Either way, you will be on a path to a healthier, happier you.
