Reiki (pronounced ray-kee) is a form of holistic energy medicine that dates back to the teachings of Mikao Usui, who was a lay monk in Japan during the 1920's. In Reiki, a trained practitioner transmits energy through their hands in order to raise the level of ki in and around the person that they are assisting in order to bring about beneficial and healthful results. Ki is a Japanese word referring to life force or spiritual energy that is believed to flow through all living beings, both human and animal. This same life force energy is referred to in some other eastern languages as Qi, Chi or Prana.
It is believed that when this life force energy that flows around and within the body is somehow blocked or weakened, health and emotional or even spiritual problems may occur. These imbalances can be caused by many things such as chronic stress, physical or emotional trauma, poor nutrition or injury. By opening up the pathways of energy through the Reiki process and allowing it to flow more freely, the body and mind can better handle stress and spiritual well being can be enhanced.
Reiki is sometimes viewed as a type of alternative medicine, meaning that it doesn't fall under the category of conventional medical treatment. However, more and more people are attesting to the fact that Reiki can enhance one's health and complement the treatment that a person receives from traditional health care providers. The relaxed, comfortable state that is often induced in a Reiki session can create many beneficial physical results, which may include:
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Relief of pain associated with such chronic health problems as arthritis, fibromyalgia and migraines
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Blood pressure reduction
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A reduction in the side effects of medications, such as chemotherapy or medications taken for chronic health problems
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A healthier immune system
- Increased vitality
Reiki can also have beneficial mental, emotional and spiritual results which may include:
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A clearer mind and improved concentration
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Stronger self-confidence
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Enhanced creativity
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Anxiety and depression relief
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Assistance in the breaking of addictions
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Assistance in healing from past traumas
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Inner peace
- Feeling more in tune with the universe
The process of Reiki is very simple, painless and non-invasive. A client either sits or lies down in a comfortable position, fully clothed and the Reiki practitioner will place their hands either lightly upon or slightly above the clients body. There are about twelve to fifteen different hand positions that the practitioner may use, moving from the clients head to their feet, and each hand position is held for about two to five minutes. Some Reiki practitioners will choose to do a type of scan with their hands, picking up any energy blockages in the client and then focusing on these places. The time involved in a Reiki session varies and can be anywhere from fifteen minutes to an hour in length.
While Reiki is an energy work that is considered spiritual in nature, it is not a spiritual practice, nor is it dependent upon any particular spiritual belief. The mind/body/spirit aspect associated with the universal life energy that is part of Reiki healing can enhance a person's spiritual well-being. But, if a person has a particular religious affiliation, it does not mean that they have to give up or change their religious beliefs. Any spiritual benefits that a person draws from Reiki will complement and be in accordance with whichever religious or spiritual path they follow. That being said, a person does not need to have any type of spiritual or religious belief in order to benefit from Reiki.
A Reiki practitioner does not require any special credentials, however Reiki is not a self-taught skill. A person must learn it from an experienced Reiki instructor and this training typically involves three different levels or degrees; after the third level of training a person is known as a Reiki Master. There are some Reiki practitioners who feel that they have the assistance of spiritual guides but not all practitioners feel this way. In some parts of the world there are laws regulating the practice of Reiki and these laws vary depending upon the country or a particular area of the country.
There are many ways in which to find a qualifed Reiki practitioner:
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Ask your healthcare provider if he or she can recommend one. There are also many private health care providers who are trained in Reiki and include it with their other forms of patient care
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Look for postings in a local health food store, yoga studio or community center
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Call or ask practitioners of other alternative therapies such as massage, naturopathy or reflexology. They may know of a Reiki practitioner in the area to whom they can refer you
- Look in the Yellow Pages or do a search on the Web
Once you have found one, don't hesitate in asking the practitioner about their qualifications such as how much training they've had, when did they partake in this training, how long they have been practicing and what is a description of their treatment such as length of time and fees.
Reiki should not be used as a replacement for conventional medical care and treatment. As mentioned earlier it sometimes falls under the category of alternative medicine, it is most often used as a way to complement standard, conventional medical treatment. In fact, many hospitals, hospices, counseling centers and doctors offices are including Reiki as part of the complementary therapies that they provide.
