What is Reiki?
Reiki (pronounced RAY-key) is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that can promote healing. It was discovered by Dr. Mikao Usui in the early 1900’s. Reiki is a very simple yet powerful technique with a long history of use as complementary to healing on physical, emotional and consciousness levels . While Reiki invokes a specific energetic path and technique, it is only one of the infinite possibilities of healing energy modalities. Anyone can learn Reiki from an attuned Reiki master and can then give Reiki to themselves and others. Reiki is not intended or recommended to replace medical care, but as an accompaniment that works in harmony with other types of treatment.
The word Reiki is actually two words. Rei has a variety of translations, including “connection or harmony”; other sources translate is as meaning “higher knowledge or spiritual consciousness”. Ki has the same meaning as the Chinese Chi or Hawaiian Ti or Ki: “life energy “or “essential life force” . Perhaps the best definition of Reiki is Spiritually Guided Energy.
There are many types of energy healing. Reiki is sometimes described as a laying on hands, but in reality, Reiki does not require physical contact. Some people like the comforting touch of a Reiki practitioner; others are more comfortable with the practitioner working above the physical body. As electro-chemical beings, we have subtle energy fields that surround us. A Reiki treatment subtly affects these energy fields, helping the recipient to relax deeply.
How does Reiki “work”? Ki flows through the physical body along pathways called chakras, meridians and nadis. Many cultures have a long history of belief that a free and balanced flow of Ki creates good health, while blockages create dis-ease. Reiki can facilitate healing by encouraging relaxation, releasing subtle blockages in the flow of Ki.
When a person receives Reiki, the energy assesses where the person has blocks and directs the energy flow to these affected areas. In the Western World, there remains skepticism about Ki, chakras and energy. However, no-one can deny the health benefits of taking an hour, half hour or even 15 minutes to breathe and notice where tension is residing. This awareness and relaxation encourage subtle changes that balance, refresh and facilitate the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Some people experience profound changes after Reiki sessions; other sense gentler changes, and still others do not fully appreciate the affects until hours or even a day or two later.
While the nature of Reiki is spiritual, it is not a religious practice. And while it can complement a personal connection to God-consciousness, it can also be completely energetic and non-spiritual in nature. Reiki is not dependent on dogma or any belief at all; Reiki works whether you believe in it or not.