Reiki

What is Reiki?

The term “reiki” comes from the Japanese words “rei,” meaning universal, and “ki,” which means vital life force energy that flows through all living things. Some practitioners describe reiki as acupuncture without the needles. This tradition was founded by Mikao Usui in the early 20th century and evolved as a result of his research, experience and dedication.

Reiki is a complementary health approach in which practitioners place their hands on or just above different areas of the body. It’s based on an Eastern medicine belief that living beings have energy fields that support their health and vitality.

Energy blocks, on the other hand, impede innate flow of energy, causing not only health problems, but also negative life circumstances like financial troubles or relationship problems, according to belief. Energy blocks of any living being can be treated, according to belief, which is why some practitioners also work on animals and plants. Reiki practitioners focus on sensing energy blocks and moving the energy for the greatest good of the client.

Mikao Usui

Usui was born on 15 August 1865 in the village of Taniai (now called Miyama cho) in the Yamagata district of the Gifu Prefecture, Japan, which is now located near present-day Nagoya. Usui was raised as a samurai from childhood, specifically in the martial arts techniques of aiki. As an adult, it is believed that he traveled to several Western countries, including the Americas, Europe, and China as a part of his continued study. His studies included history, medicine, Buddhism, Christianity, psychology, and Taoism. During the early 1920s, Usui did a 21-day practice on Mount Kurama called discipline of prayer and fasting, according to translator Hyakuten Inamoto. Common belief dictates that it was during these 21 days that Usui developed Reiki. Usui taught Reiki to over 2,000 people during his lifetime. Eleven of these students continued their training to reach the Shinpiden level, a level equivalent to the Western third degree, or Master level.

Reiki Treatments

The method of receiving Reiki is simple. The recipient remains clothed and lies on a couch or sits on a chair and relaxes. The practitioner gently places their hands in a series of non-intrusive positions on or near the body. There is no massage or manipulation. The whole person is treated rather than specific areas. Sessions can take 45 minutes to an hour-and-a-half, depending on the client’s needs.

Reiki practitioners are not trained in diagnosis and will not predict any specific outcome from treatment. If people are concerned about their symptoms they should see a doctor.

What does a treatment feel like?

Each person experiences Reiki differently depending on their individual needs at the time.

Clients may or may not feel sensations during a Reiki treatment. Benefits reported by recipients include deep relaxation promoting a calm, peaceful sense of well being on all levels. Some people feel sensations of heat, tingling, or experience seeing colours, whilst others can have an emotional response, indicating that shifts are taking place, allowing harmony to be restored.

What are the benefits?

Relieves pain
Reduces tiredness
Eases stress
Boosts mood
Enhances quality of life
Releases tension
Improves sleep
Aids the body`s natural healing response
Improves immune system
Improves digestion
Reduces aches and pains
Removes toxins from the body
Aids in the management of Parkinson’s disease
Helps manage psychological conditions such as anxiety and depression

How many treatments do I need?

A single session may be sufficient. If you have long standing emotional issues, a series of sessions may be beneficial. In general if you find that helpful changes are taking place, it is a good idea to continue treatment.