You may have heard
the buzz around reiki, but you may also not be quite sure what it is, or what
it entails. Well, we’re here to give you the lowdown on this popular healing
therapy.
What Exactly IS Reiki?
Originating in Japan, reiki (pronounced ray-key) is a technique that reduces stress and encourages relaxation while supporting healing on many levels -- physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. The word itself is comprised of two Japanese words: Rei (God’s wisdom or Higher Power) and Ki (life force energy). When the words are combined, reiki’s definition is “spiritually guided life force energy.” Though reiki touches on spirituality, it is in no way a religion. You do not have to be a believer in any faith for the power of reiki to work for you.
Understanding reiki may be challenging to the newcomer since it can transcend intellectual comprehension. Because of its simplicity and delicate nature, reiki provides energy healing at a very deep and powerful level. It is a simple treatment that is effective in helping nearly every known illness. It can work well on its own or as a complement with traditional medicine or alternative therapies in order to promote recovery and relieve side effects.
How Reiki Works
Reiki is comprised of energy that flows around the meridians that surround your body and unblocks areas of built-up emotional energy. This life force energy removes these blockages and allows your body’s energy to flow naturally, which is when the healing begins. By repairing your energy flow, it heals aches and pains, nourishes organs, and allows your body to operate as it normally should. Since it fixes your emotional and physical bodies, your mood and your health are given a lift and you are awarded with a more positive outlook on life!
What to Expect from a Reiki Healing Session
On the day of your appointment, wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is suggested so that you can breathe freely without restriction. You may be asked to remove any excessive jewelry before your session begins, so leaving it at home is recommended.
Since reiki treats your physical body, your emotions, your mind and your spirit, you will experience relaxation and feelings of peace, security and well-being. Sessions usually consist of a very soothing atmosphere with soft lights, meditative or new age music, and maybe even an indoor water fountain.
Your healing session will begin with you lying down on a massage table, couch, or bed; fully clothed except for shoes. By using life force energy, the reiki practitioner directs this energy by a process called “laying on hands.” Usually there is no any actual physical contact, but there are some reiki practitioners who do choose to use a light touch. Otherwise, the practitioner will hover his or her hands over different parts of your body. Some practitioners follow a pattern of hand sequences, while others let their intuition guide them to where they feel most attention is needed; usually holding a spot for two to five minutes before moving focus to a different part of your body. A reiki healing treatment is usually 60 to 90 minutes.
What you may experience once your reiki therapy has begun is body temperature changes (either hot or cold), a slight vibration or tingling in the area being focused on, pressure or heaviness, butterflies, or a stabbing sensation. It is not unusual to feel nothing at all. It doesn’t mean that the reiki energies aren’t flowing; you just may not be as sensitive as others to feel the energy doing its healing. Many reiki receivers are peacefully relaxed and others fall into a light sleep. Some people even experience visions and out-of-body travel.
Since reiki energy naturally flows where there is an imbalance in your body regardless of the placement of the practitioner’s hands, sometimes people experience what is known as “phantom hands.” Because the energy is so powerful, it can feel to the receiver as if the practitioner’s hands are actually touching the body in one area while their hands are elsewhere. For example, the practitioner could be focusing on your legs and you sense or feel that their hands are on your stomach. Sometimes, it can even feel like there is more than one practitioner present during your session.
In Conclusion
For those who choose to practice or receive reiki on a consistent basis, they often find that their mental and emotional well-being becomes more grounded and centered as their physical body becomes strengthened and balanced. Combined with a proper diet and regular exercise, reiki energy healing could give you the outlook and health you desire!
What Exactly IS Reiki?
Originating in Japan, reiki (pronounced ray-key) is a technique that reduces stress and encourages relaxation while supporting healing on many levels -- physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. The word itself is comprised of two Japanese words: Rei (God’s wisdom or Higher Power) and Ki (life force energy). When the words are combined, reiki’s definition is “spiritually guided life force energy.” Though reiki touches on spirituality, it is in no way a religion. You do not have to be a believer in any faith for the power of reiki to work for you.
Understanding reiki may be challenging to the newcomer since it can transcend intellectual comprehension. Because of its simplicity and delicate nature, reiki provides energy healing at a very deep and powerful level. It is a simple treatment that is effective in helping nearly every known illness. It can work well on its own or as a complement with traditional medicine or alternative therapies in order to promote recovery and relieve side effects.
How Reiki Works
Reiki is comprised of energy that flows around the meridians that surround your body and unblocks areas of built-up emotional energy. This life force energy removes these blockages and allows your body’s energy to flow naturally, which is when the healing begins. By repairing your energy flow, it heals aches and pains, nourishes organs, and allows your body to operate as it normally should. Since it fixes your emotional and physical bodies, your mood and your health are given a lift and you are awarded with a more positive outlook on life!
What to Expect from a Reiki Healing Session
On the day of your appointment, wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is suggested so that you can breathe freely without restriction. You may be asked to remove any excessive jewelry before your session begins, so leaving it at home is recommended.
Since reiki treats your physical body, your emotions, your mind and your spirit, you will experience relaxation and feelings of peace, security and well-being. Sessions usually consist of a very soothing atmosphere with soft lights, meditative or new age music, and maybe even an indoor water fountain.
Your healing session will begin with you lying down on a massage table, couch, or bed; fully clothed except for shoes. By using life force energy, the reiki practitioner directs this energy by a process called “laying on hands.” Usually there is no any actual physical contact, but there are some reiki practitioners who do choose to use a light touch. Otherwise, the practitioner will hover his or her hands over different parts of your body. Some practitioners follow a pattern of hand sequences, while others let their intuition guide them to where they feel most attention is needed; usually holding a spot for two to five minutes before moving focus to a different part of your body. A reiki healing treatment is usually 60 to 90 minutes.
What you may experience once your reiki therapy has begun is body temperature changes (either hot or cold), a slight vibration or tingling in the area being focused on, pressure or heaviness, butterflies, or a stabbing sensation. It is not unusual to feel nothing at all. It doesn’t mean that the reiki energies aren’t flowing; you just may not be as sensitive as others to feel the energy doing its healing. Many reiki receivers are peacefully relaxed and others fall into a light sleep. Some people even experience visions and out-of-body travel.
Since reiki energy naturally flows where there is an imbalance in your body regardless of the placement of the practitioner’s hands, sometimes people experience what is known as “phantom hands.” Because the energy is so powerful, it can feel to the receiver as if the practitioner’s hands are actually touching the body in one area while their hands are elsewhere. For example, the practitioner could be focusing on your legs and you sense or feel that their hands are on your stomach. Sometimes, it can even feel like there is more than one practitioner present during your session.
In Conclusion
For those who choose to practice or receive reiki on a consistent basis, they often find that their mental and emotional well-being becomes more grounded and centered as their physical body becomes strengthened and balanced. Combined with a proper diet and regular exercise, reiki energy healing could give you the outlook and health you desire!
Cited
Sources
"What Is Reiki?" What Is Reiki? The International Center for Reiki Training. Web. 29 May 2012. <http://www.reiki.org/faq/whatisreiki.html>.
Desy, Phylameana L. "What Is Reiki?" About.com Holistic Healing. Web. 29 May 2012. <http://healing.about.com/cs/reiki/a/reikiplex.htm>.
"What Is Reiki?" What Is Reiki? KISMA REIDLING. Web. 29 May 2012. <http://www.reiki-light.org/reiki.html>.
"What Is Reiki?" What Is Reiki? The International Center for Reiki Training. Web. 29 May 2012. <http://www.reiki.org/faq/whatisreiki.html>.
Desy, Phylameana L. "What Is Reiki?" About.com Holistic Healing. Web. 29 May 2012. <http://healing.about.com/cs/reiki/a/reikiplex.htm>.
"What Is Reiki?" What Is Reiki? KISMA REIDLING. Web. 29 May 2012. <http://www.reiki-light.org/reiki.html>.
