What Is - Reiki?

Reiki is a Japanese modality of alternative energy medicine called energy healing. The word Reiki is composed of two parts: Rei-signifying universal life energy and Ki – signifying – breath, life force, prana, life energy that flows through all of us.

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It emerged in the early 1900’s in Japan by its Master Mikao Usui. It involves transferring universal energy from the practitioner’s palms to the client or patient. Energy healing has been used for centuries as found in some Buddhists scripts. Let’s talk first of what is Energy Medicine.

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The field of energy medicine involving  energy fields is based on the fundamental premise that all physical objects (bodies) and psychological processes (thoughts, emotions, beliefs and attitudes) are expressions of energy. Therefore, all bodies are believed to be infused with a "subtle" energy or life force. This life force is known by a variety of terms in different cultures. To have a feel of this, think of a time when someone yelled at you, or fought with you. How did you feel? Devastated, fatigued, like if someone  took  your breath away,  depleted? That feeling is energy, your energy was affected by that situation and in turn you have physical symptoms. Energy medicine refers to many forms of therapies, which include practices such as Reiki, Pranic Healing, Qigong, yoga, acupuncture, magnet and light therapies and Cymatic therapy that uses sound waves.

It is based on the theory that we are all composed of atoms that are continuously moving and creating energy.  When our energy field is injured from an outside influence such as a virus or smoke or pollution we become vulnerable to illness.  An internal upset such as stress or grief can also affect our energy field.   

Various forms of energy medicine work to facilitate healthy energy flow in our bodies and restore balance and health.

Reiki, a form of energy medicine, can treat many conditions from the physical, mental, spiritual and  emotional. This Energy healing targets the energy fields around the physical body and aims to help the flow of energy move across all our subtle bodies. It aids in dissolving energy blocks. When energy fields become stuck or stagnant, physical and emotional problems may present themselves. An organ that is not functioning properly may greatly benefit from the flow of universal energy, and healing can occur. How does Reiki work? The Reiki practitioner is the conduit between the patient and the source of the universal life force energy; the energy flows through the practitioner’s energy field and through her hands to the patient or client. (The energy does not come from the continued practitioner; rather it comes through the practitioner from the universal source. There is no energy drain on the practitioner.) Reiki treatments typically last about 60 minutes. During the treatment the patient lies on a massage table, fully clothed. The Reiki practitioner gently places her hands palms down on or just above the patient’s body in specific energy locations and uses a series of 12 to 15 different hand positions. The length of time that the practitioner leaves her hands in each position is determined by the flow of energy through her hands at each location. There is no pressure, massage or manipulation.

 

Sounds like magic or voodoo?

Think of it this way, when you bang your knee, for example, do you instantly rub it and it becomes better? Or when you have digestive issues do you just rub your belly automatically? Yes, we do. Why? Because it is instinctively within us to know that our hands contain a chakra center that can pass healing energy, we are energy. For us who have kids, this is clear. Our kids ask us to rub their belly, or we as mothers instinctively lay our hands in a place that hurts. Energy healing is innate in us. It was part of the miracles Jesus performed, he laid his hands and healed people.

So what about the benefits?

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The healing effects of Reiki are mediated by channeling the universal energy. A life force energy that  surrounds us, once this energy permeates the body , it can be felt by many. Patients feel sometimes heat coming from the practitioners palms or sometimes coldness. As soon as the energy starts flowing, It creates a deep sense of relaxation, assists in the body’s natural healing processes , and develops mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. It helps people cope with difficulties, and relieve emotional stress.

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Some conditions that Reiki has been used as a complementary treatment include: cancer , heart disease, depression, insomnia, anxiety, pain, fatigue, and neurodegenerative disorders. It stimulates tissue growth of bones that have been fractured, it can help detoxify the body.

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According to the University of Minnesota , patients say , they feel refreshed, think clearly, and having a general feeling of relaxation. Cancer patients who have Reiki sessions feel better after. Many hospitals and hospices in the USA and Europe have Reiki as a practice, unfortunately it is still not covered by most insurances. Prestigious clinics like Cleveland Clinic offer Reiki in their wellness programs.

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Cancer Research, UK say that patients with cancer feel overwhelmed by therapies , fear and stress, Reiki provides a way of relaxing them. The feel of touch has a deep effect on them. Reiki deep relaxation and energy balance, helps them think clearly and opens the possibility of being optimistic during their conventional treatments.

Reiki does not replace traditional medicine , it complements it. I personally, use it in my coaching sessions when I feel like a client is stuck in a particular view-point or has bouts of emotional upset. I have presenced Reiki in many cancer patients, and have seen them approach their disease in a different way, I also have seen them improve their symptoms be them physical or emotional. The emotional aspect in this situation is huge, since we are what we think. Reiki offers clarity, in some cases , I have actually witnessed such clarity that they understand the reason they became ill.

Adolescents and seniors also greatly benefit from Reiki, since much changes in the body occur during this time.

Is Reiki energy measured?

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We know that we have two types of energy fields the veritable and putative. The veritable can be measured and the putative can’t yet be measured.  Veritable energy fields include things like vibrational energy (sound), and electromagnetic forces such as visible light, magnetism and monochromatic radiation (lasers).

There are many uses to the veritable energy fields in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Some of these include: magnetic resonance imaging, laser eye correction surgery, cardiac pacemakers, radiation therapy and UV light therapies. There are also a few less researched therapies that use this type of energy. Magnetic therapy involves the use of magnets, which are placed on the body to relieve pain. Sound energy therapy (also sometimes known as vibrational therapy) involves using tuning forks to create certain healing sound frequencies that resonate with the body to promote healing. Music therapy is another type of sound energy therapy, listening to music has been shown to lower blood pressure and to reduce pain and anxiety.

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Reiki falls into the category of the putative energy field. We presently can’t measure Reiki, what we do have the ability to measure is the effects Reiki produces after a session or many sessions. Since thoughts create energy and energy can create matter or change, it is highly beneficial if the recipient receiving this kind of healing believes in it’s process.

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I love the 5 principles behind REIKI, that in itself got me hooked to learn it.

1. Just for today, I will not be angry.

2. Just for today, I will not worry.

3. Just for today, I will be grateful.

4. Just for today, I will honor all living beings.

5. Just for today, I will be honest in and with my work.