Reiki
What is Reiki?
The traditional story of Reiki began in 1800’s with Dr Mikao Usui. Dr Usui began to search for how enlightened beings could heal physical illness. He spent many years as a monk studying and learning the ancient language Sanskrit. He discovered a formula for higher power learning that could bestow healing. He called this healing Reiki – (Ray-Key)
The word “Reiki” means “mysterious atmosphere, miraculous sign.” It comes from the Japanese words “rei,” meaning universal, and “ki,” meaning life energy.
Reiki is a type of energy healing. Energy can stagnate in the body where there has been physical injury or even emotional pain. In time, these energy blocks can cause illness.
Energy medicine aims to help the flow of energy and remove blocks in a similar way to acupuncture or acupressure. Reiki can improving the flow of energy around the body, enable relaxation, relieve pain, speed healing, and reduce other symptoms of illness.
Mikao Usui developed Usui Reiki Ryoho, the most current form of Reiki, in 1922. However, people have practiced Reiki for about 2,500 years.
People also refer to Reiki as palm healing or hands-on healing.
What happens in a Reiki session?
Practitioners will typically give Reiki treatment in a peaceful, private setting. However, the treatment can take place anywhere. During a session, the client will sit in a comfortable chair or lie on a table, fully clothed.
The practitioner will then place their hands lightly on or over specific areas of the client’s head, limbs, and torso. They will typically keep their hands in these positions for 3–10 minutes.
If there is a particular injury, such as a burn, the practitioner will hold their hands just above the wound.
The practitioner holds their hands lightly on or over the body and an energy transfer takes place. During this time, the practitioner may report that their hands feel warm or are tingling. They will hold each hand position until they sense that the energy has stopped flowing.
When the practitioner feels that the heat, or energy, in their hands has gone, they will remove their hands and place them over a different body area.
Health benefits
Reiki channels universal energy known as Qi, pronounced “chi.” This is the same energy involved in tai chi exercise.
Reiki aids relaxation, assists in the body’s natural healing processes, and develops emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that it may induce deep relaxation, help people cope with difficulties, relieve emotional stress, and improve overall well-being.
Conditions that people have used Reiki to help treat include:
cancer
heart disease
anxiety
depression
chronic pain
infertility
neurodegenerative disorders
autism
Crohn’s disease
fatigue
It is important to note that Reiki should never take the place of medical treatments.
However, people living with certain health conditions may be interested in trying Reiki alongside their regular treatment. For instance, some people with cancer may find Reiki beneficial as it may help them relax. The gentle nature of Reiki therapy may have a soothing effect on patients who find that they become overwhelmed with invasive therapy, fear, and stress.
Individuals report different experiences. Some say that the practitioner’s hands become hot, others report cooling hands, and some feel pulsating waves. The most common reports are of a release of stress and deep relaxation.