What is Reiki and where did it originate?
There are many types of integrative energetic healing in the world, among them is Reiki. Reiki (Ray-Key) is an energy healing system based on eastern spiritual and modern scientific knowledge. This energy has been around for millennia and was re-discovered in the early 20th century by a Japanese Theologian & Tendai Buddhist, Dr. Mikao Usui, who lived in Japan.
Reiki is an ancient art of healing (the physical, mental, emotional or spiritual conditions) through channeling energy by gently placing hands non-intrusively along or above the clothed whole body), within the aura (energy body) and chakras. Reiki helps to harmonize and balance the body’s energy systems (i.e. central nervous system, respiratory, circulatory, digestive, etc).
What does the word Reiki mean?
Reiki is a Japanese word, a kanji, that translates as spiritually-guided life energy. It is a loving life energy that flows in and around us, the energy that animates all living things. It is a gentle healing energy used to encourage relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance the body’s own natural healing abilities.
What can Reiki help to heal?
Clinical research studies show Reiki’s positive healing effects:
~ Reduces pain & increases mobility in those with arthritis.
~ Promotes emotional healing in times of loss, grief, abuse,
past or present relationship challenges, & releases suppressed
emotions such as anger or fear, creating a calm sensation.
~ Promotes relaxation, reduces stress & enhances immunity.
~ Assists with changing habits & accomplishing personal goals,
(quitting smoking, alcohol or any other “unhealthy” habits.
~ Cancer patients often find relief from chemotherapy.
~ By addressing any healing need, Reiki creates unity of mind,
body & spirit.
Is Reiki a replacement for a doctor?
NO. Though not a replacement for medical care, Reiki is recognized by the U.S. National Institutes of Health as a complementary therapy that works with and enhances standard medical procedures & treatments. Reiki is offered many hospitals across the world. Because Reiki energy healing works with the energies of universal or ‘divine’ love and compassion, Reiki will do no harm. Modern scientific research has shown the benefits of Reiki are indeed real – thus helping Reiki to become more widely accepted in the medical community.
What does a Reiki session feel like?
A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance or warmth that flows through and around you. Reiki treats the whole person including the physical body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and wellbeing. People experience a variety of things; sensations of floating, warmth, flowing energy like water; visual images of colors, animal companions, or a general dreaminess; sometimes an arm or leg will twitch or jerk. Often people fall asleep, a Reiki nap is like the best thing ever!
How is Reiki performed?
One common way to receive Reiki treatment is during a relaxing 60 or 90 minute process performed while you recline comfortably on a massage table, or seated in a comfy chair. Unlike massage, clients remain fully clothed during a treatment, and Reiki does not involve tissue or muscle manipulation; in fact, Reiki can be performed using hands-on or hands-off treatment. For this reason Reiki is a particularly useful modality for helping people recovering from burns, broken bones, and other issues for which direct physical touch is not indicated. Another way to receive Reiki is through distance-healing, or to attend a free community Reiki share.
Who can have a Reiki session?
Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of healing and self-improvement that everyone can use. It has been effective in helping virtually every known illness and malady and always creates a beneficial effect. Human beings, interpersonal relationships and situations, animal companions, and plants all benefit from receiving the soothing energy of Reiki…and that’s just the beginning.
Is Reiki affiliated with any religious path?
While Reiki is not a religion, this special healing energy works with the energies of love and compassion and can do no harm. It is a non-religious energy healing modality, encouraging relaxation and personal peace that is practiced by millions of people around the world from all walks of life and of all belief systems. Simply put, Reiki is available to everyone. There are Reiki practitioners who are Christian, Buddhist, Jewish, Hindu, and any other religion that may come to mind. There are also practitioners who are not aligned with any religion in particular. Another of the many reasons for sharing Reiki is that it is open to everyone, in any situation, at any time when the healing energy of divine love is appropriate (which to me is always)!