What is Reiki?
Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by "laying on hands" and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.
The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words: Rei, which means "God's Wisdom or the Higher Power" and Ki, which is "life force energy". So, Reiki is actually "spiritually guided life force energy."
Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and wellbeing. It has been effective in helping virtually every known illness and works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery.
IS REIKI A RELIGION?
While Reiki is spiritual in nature, it is not a religion. It has no dogma, and there is nothing you must believe in order to use and/or benefit from Reiki. In fact, Reiki is not dependent on belief at all and will work whether you believe in it or not. Because Reiki comes from God, many people find that using Reiki puts them more in touch with the experience of their religion rather than having only an intellectual concept of it.
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.
HOW IS REIKI GIVEN?
In a standard treatment, Reiki energy flows from the practitioner's hands into the client. The client is usually laying on a massage table, fully clothed. The practitioner places their hands on or about an inch or so away from the body in a series of hand positions, including around the head and shoulders, the stomach, and feet. Other, more specific positions may be used based on the client's needs. Each position is held for three to ten minutes depending on how much Reiki the client needs at each position. The whole treatment usually lasts between 45 and 60 minutes.
WHAT DOES A REIKI SESSION FEEL LIKE?
What one experiences during a Reiki treatment varies somewhat from person to person. However, feelings of deep relaxation are usually felt by all. In addition, many feel a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and surrounds them. As the Reiki energy encourages one to let go of all tension, anxiety, fear or other negative feelings a state of peace and well-being is experienced. Some drift off to sleep or report floating outside their bodies or have visions and other mystical experiences. At the end of the treatment, one feels refreshed with a more positive, balanced outlook.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
Most of the time a person will feel relaxed and uplifted by a Reiki treatment. However, sometimes a person will have what is called a healing crisis. As a person’s vibration goes up, toxins that have been stored in the body will be released into the blood stream to be filtered by the liver and kidneys and removed from the system. When this happens, sometimes a person can get a headache or stomach ache or feel weak. If this happens, it is a good idea to drink more water, eat lighter meals and get more rest. The body is cleansing as part of the healing process, which is a positive sign.
If you're curious if Reiki energy healing is for you, please reach out with any questions. Check out our new Reiki healing service, THE ELEVATION. See you soon!
