REIKI
Reiki is a form of energy healing and considered a complementary therapy. The Reiki practitioner heals with movement of palms through which universal energy is said to flow from the practitioner to the patient. It is a therapy that encourages emotional healing or physical healing.
Mikao Usui was the person who developed Usui Reiki Ryoho in 1922, which is the Reiki form that is currently practiced globally. People have been practicing Reiki for around 2,500 years.
Reiki is helping people worldwide to manage their pain, anxiety and depression. The word ‘Reiki’ is formed from two words – ‘rei’ meaning God’s wisdom or ‘higher power’, and ‘ki’ or life force energy. It is this ‘ki’ which animates all living beings.
The thought behind Reiki is that an unseen life force flows through our body, and when this energy is not in balance, then the person experiences ill-health. The practitioner moves his hands just above or on the client’s fully-clothed body. This reduces stress and promotes healing by restoring the flow of energy.
This method of healing is passed down from teacher to student, through the attunement or initiation ceremony. This ceremony is considered to open up the student/future practitioner’s energy channels, and once opened these channels remain open throughout life.
Many people who receive Reiki have acknowledged positive outcomes. According to Reiki, when energy stagnates in your body due to physical injury or emotional pain, this blockage is reflected in the body as various illnesses.
Energy medicine such as Reiki helps to remove energy blockages and improves the flow of energy providing relief from pain, speed healing, and relaxation. It is thought to reduce other symptoms of disease.
What happens during your Reiki session?
The Reiki practitioner will provide treatment in a serene, private environment. The treatment, however can take place anywhere. During the session, you will sit or lie down, fully clothed. The Reiki master will place his/her hand lightly on your problem area, for example, an aching knee joint. He may place his hand on your head, torso and limbs, wherever there is a health issue in your body. The practitioner places his hand in different positions on your body for about 3 to 10 minutes.
During this time, an energy transfer takes place. Reiki practitioners report that there is a kind of tingling sensation they experience in their hands or their hands become warm. They hold their hands over the body part till they sense that the energy stops flowing. This is sensed by the lack of heat or tingling sensation in their hands. Then they will hold their hands on another part of the body, where there is an energy block.
A session can last between 45 to 90 minutes. Number of sessions will vary depending on what you want to accomplish.
Reiki Techniques
The names of the Reiki techniques are centering, beaming, clearing, extracting harmful energy, infusing and raking/smoothing the aura. Some practitioners use chakra healing wands and crystals to cause healing or to protect the home from negative energies.
However, there is no need for use of anything, just the hands are considered to be enough. Only in distance healing, where Reiki is sent over many miles, is the crystal used by most practitioners, to assist in transference of energy vibrations.
Benefits
Reiki aids in relaxing and helping the natural healing process of the body. It is a form of alternative healing which contributes to emotional, spiritual and mental wellbeing, though there is only anecdotal evidence of this. Reiki should not replace medical treatments and should only be used as a complementary therapy.