What is Reiki?
Reiki (pronounced Ray-Key) was re-discovered in the late 1800’s by Dr. Mikao Usui in Japan and is now being practiced for healing, globally. Its meaning translates as “Rei”- “universal” and “Ki” - “Life Force” or “Chi, Energy, or Prana.” Reiki is used to assist and enhance the flow of Ki within and outside of the receiver’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual bodies simultaneously, thus bringing all into holistic balance. As Reiki is transferred or channeled to the entire body, the focus is placed on the seven primary energy centers (also known as Chakras) of the receiver.
What can Reiki feel like?
Reiki is transferred through the practitioner using very light touch, as energy flows from the hands to the receiver’s energy centers. Reiki can also be transferred and received without touching the body, as we all have a Human Energy Field that exists around us (this is also true for animals and plants). Reiki is received differently for each individual; however, some of the common effects are: relaxation, comfort, reduced or released pain (physical, mental, emotional), improved sleep, penetrating heat or tingling emitting from the practitioner’s hand to the receiver’s body. Individuals who receive Reiki on a consistent basis describe a deeper healing process, as if peeling away the layers of dis-comfort, dis-ease, or in-balance (often felt as symptoms of depression, aches, pain, clouded thinking, etc.), thus allowing a fuller experience of re-connecting to one’s true nature.
What are some reported benefits of Reiki
Focus & Clarity
Improved Memory
Heightened Intuition
Stress Reduction, Relaxation, and Ease
Greater Ease and Satisfaction in Relationships
Increased Self-Esteem
Greater Self-Awareness
Aids in Reducing or Eliminating Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Fear
Balance of Mind, Body, Emotion, and Spirit – Enhanced Well-Being
First Aid
Pain Reduction or Relief
Improved Sleep
Supports Substance Abuse and Recovery
Assists in Healing Physical, Mental, Emotional Dis-orders or Dis-ease (i.e. cancer, depression, ADD,
Autism)
Works on the Causal Level, thus Reducing or Eliminating Symptoms
Assists in Pre & Post Surgery (reducing pain and side effects, increase healing and recovery)
Provides Peace through Transition to Terminally ill
How Long does it take for Reiki to work?
Although a sense of calm and peacefulness can be felt immediately, it is suggested that adults receive at least a full hour of Reiki to experience the benefits of holistic balancing. The practitioner will begin the session with the individual positioned 'face up' on a massage table, while laying her hands gently at the top of the receiver’s head (crown chakra) and move down through the bodies energy centers/chakras (third eye, throat, heart, solar, sacral, and root), and then on to the knees and feet, before having the individual turn over to repeat the process. If a table is not available or it is uneasy for an individual to lay down, the benefits of Reiki can also be received on a chair, on the floor, or any other comfortable or accessible space. For children and the elderly, it is suggested to receive Reiki at least thirty minutes to an hour, depending upon the reason for treatment, as well as the ability to comfortably lay or sit through a session.
How often should I come for a Reiki session?
This is entirely an individualized decision. Some may be coming for total relaxation, to re-connect or 'tune-up' for an alignment, while others may have chronic or limiting challenges, such as depression, pain, stress and anxiety, or dis-ease/dis-orders. Individuals come as often as twice/week or once/month, but is really dependent on how open one ‘allows the process’ for Reiki healing. It should be noted that Reiki does not replace conventional medical care for physical or mental challenges, yet it works simultaneously in aiding and enhancing the recovery process.
Is Reiki synonymous with Religious belief?
Reiki is a universal healing energy drawn for healing and wellness purposes. Energy is everywhere – within and around us. In fact, researchers in the area of neuro-psychology, medicine, and physics reveal that 99.9999 percent of all living things are energy (Chopra et al. 2007). So, why not draw from energy (at its highest frequency and vibration) to heal? Reiki has no religious affiliation. There is nothing to believe other than being open to returning to optimal health and well-being. We all carry the gift of healing, which is more spiritual in nature…it is re-connecting our minds, bodies, and souls, so we are living from the inside - out. When we are in alignment, our optimal 'state of being' is mirrored to the outer world. All that is needed for Reiki to flow is an open heart and open mind, while ‘allowing the process’ of healing to occur.
Is Reiki used in the Medical Field?
Many doctors, nurses, and mental health staff and facilities use Reiki in their daily practices with patients (i.e., Dr. Oz - Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York, Dr. Michael Cantwell – California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco, CA, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, etc.). In addition to many anecdotal studies, there are many published case studies and peer-reviewed journals supporting and evidencing the benefits of healing with Reiki in the field of medicine, mental health, alternative healing, and overall Well-being.
Are there any negative or side effects of Reiki?
Reiki can never harm or worsen any condition, illness, or other challenges one may be struggling through. Reiki is always used and received for positive and beneficial outcomes. Its approach is gentle, yet the effects can be experienced as profound healing.
Please visit the following (which are just of few of many) Websites referencing Reiki Research:
http://www.centerforreikiresearch.org/
http://www.centerforreikiresearch.org/RRdownloads/RRSample.pdf
http://taproothealing.org/reiki_research.htm
http://www.reikiwellness.org/?p=415
http://reikidigest.blogspot.com/2010/01/try-reiki-dr-oz-tells-millions-on-tv.html
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/finding-zen-in-the-city/201006/my-reiki-affair
http://www.rainbowreikiusa.com/reikiresearch/index.php
