What is Reiki? Is it for you?

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In short, Reiki is a Japanese healing art. Although, it really is so much more!

 

Each and every one of us - all things - are made of energy. 

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Reiki, as most of us know it in the West, is a form of a Japanese healing system. Reiki (pronounced ray-kee) is defined as universal life force energy. Rei means 'universal', ki means 'life force energy'. You may have heard the words chi or prana to refer to the same energy. 

 

Most people don't stop and think about the energy flowing through their body. We just go through life day after day never knowing or realizing how much our energy is affected by others and whether or not our energy is flowing freely and aligned. 

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Some people are skeptical of Reiki because we cannot see it. We cannot see energy moving through our walls either, but when we turn on the lights we know it's there. With Reiki, you cannot see it but most often you can feel the energy moving during a session. You don't have to be a 'believer' to experience the benefits of Reiki because there's nothing to 'believe' in. Again, it's simply energy. 

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So, what is Reiki? It's the energy that runs through each and every one of us. 

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Reiki as a Treatment

How does a person know if their body's energy is out of alignment? When a person is dealing with any sort of chronic or acute pain, it's a good sign that their energy is out of alignment. When we experience things on the mental and emotional levels, they often manifest into physical pain and discomfort. When someone says they haven't been feeling well or have been experiencing a form of pain but the doctors are unable to diagnose what's wrong, that can also be a sign that their energy may be out of alignment, or stuck. 

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For those currently under a physician's care, Reiki can be administered along with their regular medical care. Reiki is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent an illness or disease. Reiki is used in conjunction with conventional medicine. Many hospitals offer Reiki to their patients as a form of integrative medicine. 

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Hands On or Hands Off?

Some practitioners use a hands on approach, some work slightly above the body (hands off), while others use a combination. This is the preference of the practitioner and often depends on how they were trained and what feels right for them. If they use hands on, practitioners are taught to avoid personal areas. Practitioners generally ask if the client is comfortable with light touch during the Reiki session.

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Most practitioners recognize that some people do not like, nor want, to be touched. If this is the case for you, I suggest finding a practitioner that is comfortable with the hands-off approach.

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Many pictures on the internet relating to Reiki often show a person presumably unclothed under a sheet, as if they were receiving a massage. That is very misleading. Reiki is done with the client fully clothed. 

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What Can Reiki Do for You?

Reiki can help reduce tension, relieve stress, and promotes healing on many levels. It's wonderful as part of a self-care regimen to keep your energy flowing and aligned. Many chemotherapy patients use it to help with side effects. Those under a physician's care for anxiety or depression may find Reiki very helpful too. 

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Reiki is a great way to benefit the mind, body, and spirit. If you're interested in trying it out, you can contact a local practitioner to see if they're running any specials. 

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There are so many benefits to Reiki. There are plenty of websites dedicated to Reiki. If I've interested you so far, I ask that you continue to research it until you're comfortable enough to try it. 

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Can Reiki Do Any Harm?

No. Reiki does not. During a Reiki session, your body is not being manipulated in any way. We are working with your energy to help you physically or otherwise. It is, however, important to find an experienced and certified Reiki practitioner. 

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Is Reiki a Religion?

No. Reiki is not a religion. Reiki practitioners come from all different walks of life, religions, races, etc. Broadly speaking, Reiki practitioners simply want to help others heal.

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Are Reiki Practitioners Healers?

No; though some refer to themselves as such. We are healing facilitators. A Reiki practitioner is simply a conduit, a facilitator. We work with people's energy but healing can only be obtained if the client is ready and open. Even then, no practitioner can claim to heal anyone, respectfully. We simply do not have that power. We use our experience to help guide you through a session.