Reiki is a Japanese healing practice concentrated around the spiritual guidance of universal energy to heal the body, mind, and spirit. This comprehensive method involves the transmission of universal life force energy from a Reiki practitioner to a recipient through their palms. The focus of this technique revolves around the body's energy centers, aiming to facilitate the balance and alignment of energy flow. When our energy flows unhindered, we experience physical well-being, emotional stability, mental clarity, and a harmonious connection with ourselves, others, and our spiritual essence. On the other hand, when this energy flow becomes stagnant or obstructed, it can potentially lead to diminished functioning on various levels of the being. Reiki works to reverse, unblock, and improve your energy flow as a secure, calming, and gentle-touch therapy. While also complementing other traditional medical and holistic approaches, it also fosters self-healing and can have long-lasting results.
Individuals turn to Reiki to promote relaxation, alleviate stress, and address physical and emotional symptoms, with the intention to enhance their overall health and wellness. Since Reiki operates on the entirety of a person—mind, body, and spirit—harnessing a universal life force energy, it contributes to various forms of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual healing without being exclusive to any particular ailment or condition. Research has shown its positive impact on the autonomic nervous system, manifesting as a reduction in heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure. This therapeutic approach can induce a profound, tranquil state, dissolving energy blockages and restoring the body’s energetic equilibrium, thereby stimulating and bolstering its inherent healing capabilities. Moreover, Reiki complements conventional medical treatments and amplifies the effectiveness of other holistic healing modalities. Regular Reiki sessions, ideally administered once every 4-6 weeks or as needed, heighten one’s resilience against environmental stressors and fosters a more graceful approach to stress management. An escalation in physical symptoms often signifies the necessity for more frequent Reiki treatments. Many clients report an augmented sense of self-awareness and mental clarity after sessions. By facilitating the harmonious flow of energy, Reiki emerges as an exceptional therapeutic technique for sustaining optimal health.
The individual completes a general information form, followed by a brief conversation addressing their concerns, which contributes to establishing a healing focus. Subsequently, the client reclines on a massage bed, fully dressed, supported by pillows or bolsters for back comfort, and covered with a cozy blanket. The treatment space is meticulously arranged to evoke feelings of tranquility and serenity. Typically characterized by a serene ambiance accompanied by soft melodies and, occasionally, the use of crystals or aromatherapy, the environment encourages the recipient to center their attention on their personal healing intention and temporarily detach from daily stress and strain. The holistic treatment encompasses the entire body, typically starting at the solar plexus chakra (energy centre of the body) and then to the crown of the head moving through to the feet and, in some cases, additional areas are treated, like the arms, hands, knees, and back, based on the needs of the client. The practitioner delicately positions their palms, either directly on or slightly above the client’s body at specific energy points. Most individuals find the session deeply relaxing, experiencing sensations such as warmth, tingling, vibrations, or pulsing at the practitioner’s touch, with some reporting the perception of energy traversing through their body. Others might undergo emotional releases, occasionally in the form of tears, considered a positive release of emotional blocks. Conversely, some may not experience pronounced sensations, instead drifting into a peaceful slumber or entering a meditative state. Each individual’s encounter and experience with Reiki is unique, resulting in a varied treatment experience. Reiki is occasionally integrated with crystal therapy, essential oils, ThetaHealing, or Integrated Energy Therapy and sessions typically last for approximately an hour.
As Reiki Sessions use Universal Life Force energies, these energies can also move across time and space allowing for Remote or Distance Reiki Sessions. Distance Reiki Sessions start with a phone or Zoom call to address the needs of the individual. Then the session starts with the client at home, sitting or laying comfortably in a quiet space, closing their eyes and relaxing for length of the session, typically 1 hour. During the session the individual can feel all the same things as an in-person Reiki Session with tingling, warmth, and can experience emotional releases. The practitioner sets the intention for the Reiki to reach the client where they are and performs the Reiki Session from a distance, as if the client was being treated in the room. After the Session is over, the client and the practitioner reconnect over the phone or on Zoom to discuss the session and to advise of next steps.
Following a session, it is common to encounter a profound sense of tranquility and revitalization and it is recommended to rest and drink plenty of water in the days following.
The vitality within our bodies stems from the life force energy that courses through our energetic centers, known as chakras, permeating directly into the body’s organs and tissues. Additionally, energy circulates around the body in an encompassing energy field, commonly referred to as the Aura. Unhindered and harmonious energy flow within and around the body reflects a state of well-being. This vital energy serves to nourish the organs and cells, supporting their essential functions.
Disruptions in the energy flow can result in diminished functionality, affecting various layers of the body’s energy, including the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects, potentially leading to ailments. Our energy patterns are susceptible to the influence of both positive and negative thoughts and experiences. Instances such as prolonged stress, accidents or injuries, surgical interventions, illnesses, exhaustion, emotional upheavals, suppressed emotions, fear, and self-imposed limitations in everyday life can contribute to the blockage of energy flow. Similarly, childhood traumas, whether physical or emotional abuse, or a upbringing in a dysfunctional or addiction-ridden family, can significantly impact one’s energy flow. Negative experiences and thoughts disrupt the energy equilibrium, thereby affecting the tissues and organs, eventually impairing their functionality and potentially leading to prolonged illness or disease. Reiki serves to alleviate these negative energy imbalances and obstructions, facilitating a restorative energy flow and enabling the body to engage in its innate healing processes. As the energy blockages are dissipated, the restricted life force energy is subsequently rebalanced, promoting overall well-being and vitality.
Mikao Usui Sensei established the Japanese Reiki System of natural healing during the early 1920s. The term “REI” signifies “Higher Knowledge or Spiritual Wisdom,” while “KI” denotes “Universal Life Force” (God, Creator, Source, etc.). Consequently, the combination of these terms results in “REIKI” signifying “SPIRITUALLY GUIDED LIFE ENERGY.”
“Although Reiki energy is spiritual in nature, Reiki is not a religion. Practitioners are not asked to change any religious or spiritual beliefs they may have. They are free to continue believing anything they choose and are encouraged to make their own decisions concerning the nature of their religious practices… While Reiki is not a religion, it is still important to live and act in a way that promotes harmony with others. Mikao Usui, the founder of the Reiki system of natural healing, recommended that one practice certain simple ethical ideals to promote peace and harmony, which are nearly universal across all cultures.” – Reiki.org Reference: International Center for Reiki Training (www.reiki.org)
Recent Studies –
Articles about Reiki –
Reiki: What is it, and are there benefits? (medicalnewstoday.com)
What Is Reiki? Health Benefits, Caveats And More – Forbes Health
