What is Reiki and How it May Assist in Your Health and Overall Well Being?
So, what exactly is Reiki? This is a question I’m asked on numerous occasions, and at times it’s easier to experience than to explain; however, I want to take a moment to discuss what Reiki is and how it may bring overall wellness to your life.
Reiki is:
A Japanese healing modality that uses the art and science of activating, directing, and applying natural, universal life energy to promote energy balancing, healing, and wholeness, and to prevent disorders and maintain a state of positive wellness.*
Studies show that Reiki accelerates wound healing (including after major surgery), improves sleep patterns, lowers blood pressure, and reduces pain.
Let’s Break Down the Word:
REI – means universal and KEI – means life force energy. Therefore, the word Reiki translates to universal life force energy.
Life Force Energy
When speaking at an event, I was asked, What is life force energy? Great question. It’s not always easy to describe what you may innately know; something that cannot be seen or heard, and yet, you feel it intuitively in your core being.
The best definition I have found is: life force energy is what flows through us, within us, and around us, activating and animating our own life form (the body) as well as all living beings. It is a part of who we are and everything around us.
How Does it Work?
A Reiki practitioner activates this life force energy (through training and technique), and it moves from the practitioner’s hands to the individual being healed.
As the energy flows through the body and its centers (known as chakras), it creates balance and wellness. Reiki is a non-invasive practice; it is not affiliated with any religious denomination, and sessions typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the individual’s needs.
Balance means different things to different people at different times. Here are a couple of examples: if you are feeling exhausted, you begin to feel refreshed and filled with vigor, strength, and vitality. When one feels anxious or stressed, one begins to experience serenity and peace. This is what it means to balance energies within and around the body.
Some Benefits of Reiki include:
- Alleviates stress and anxiety.
- Decrease in depression.
- Increase in energy/vitality.
- Release of core wounds.
- Reduce/eliminate chronic pain.
- Aids in the grieving process.
What Does One Feel in Reiki a Session?
The experience of Reiki is highly individualized and varies across individuals. Here is a list of a few examples of what you may experience during a session:
- Deep relaxation / calmness.
- Subtle variation of warmth or coolness.
- A comforting sensation – sometimes felt in the body as “tingling.”
- A sense of feeling “lighter” and more at ease.
A Brief History
The founder of modern-day Usui Reiki is Mikao Usui. Also known as Usui Sensei, Usui was a Buddhist who spent most of his adult life in Kyoto studying ancient Buddhist medical and healing texts.
In 1888, Usui Sensei had a near-death experience when he contracted cholera, an epidemic that was ravaging Kyoto and other nearby areas. He miraculously recovered, and this experience caused him to reassess his life and develop a keen interest in the esoteric science of healing.
The Discovery of Reiki
In the late 1890s, Usui Sensei discovered Tibetan Buddhist manuscripts dating back to the seventh century that contained the keys to healing. Soon thereafter, Usui Sensei traveled to the holy mountain, Kurama Yama, where he would test and validate the power of this healing.
After considerable contemplation, visions, meditation, and finally confirmation, he decided to share the discovery of this healing, which he would later call Reiki, with others.
The Five Principles
Usui Sensei also taught five principles supporting his work in Reiki. He believed strongly in the power and impact of these principles. There are several variations; I’ve listed mine below.
Try reciting these five Reiki principles as affirmations to start your day.
Just for today,
Do not anger, choose love.
Do not worry, choose trust.
Be filled with gratitude,
Devote yourself to your work (on yourself and in service to others)
and
Be kind to all living beings.
Ancient Egypt
Some scholars and researchers believe that energy healing dates back to ancient Egypt. In fact, some say the Pyramids were healing centers used for energy and sound healing.
Here’s one article discussing the energy of the Great Pyramid of Giza, along with experiments and healing forces found within the pyramid.
A wellness center in Bali, the Pyramids of Chi, replicated the Great Pyramid of Giza and uses the structure for ancient sound healing to promote relaxation and vitality. Many visitors experience lasting healing effects. Check out this video on their website that shows participants’ blood health before and after a gong sound bath healing session.
Integration of Modern Medicine and Reiki
Today, modern medicine and hospitals are incorporating Reiki and other holistic healing modalities into wellness programs for their patients. Recently, I posted an article about Aboriginal healers using their indigenous healing practice (similar to Reiki) in local hospitals and clinics in Australia.
I find that many of my clients are seeking a more integrated approach to their health. Reiki can be a valuable complement to Western medical practices, depending on your health needs.
Here’s to Your Health!
Reiki is an excellent healing modality for anyone wanting a more holistic approach to their overall wellness and health regimen. It’s effective across multiple levels (physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual), and can be performed over long distances.
Here’s to your continued vibrant wellness and health!
Peace, love and abundant blessings,
Stacy
* From my Reiki Master Teacher, Elizabeth de Vries
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