When I tell people that I am a Holistic Therapist and I offer Reiki treatments they look confused and ask:
“What is Reiki?”
In the Western world, Reiki is seen as a form of complementary therapy. Reiki means literally Universal Energy and is a safe, gentle Japanese treatment that uses the spiritual energy that flows within us and around us to help the body heal itself.
When this spiritual energy flows uninterrupted there is balance within us and we feel well. The energy can become disrupted or blocked because of negative thoughts, words, feelings and experiences and if these blockages are not dispersed, their energy can become denser, which is when they can transform into physical illnesses. The Reiki energy can help break through these blockages and clear and balance the chakras which allows the energy to flow freely around the body. This strengthens the body’s own natural ability to heal itself.
The predominate form of Reiki that is practised throughout the world was developed by a man called Mikao Usui, who, in 1922, realised that healing energy flowed from his hands. He attuned students to the energy, and they in turn attune their students.
Reiki cannot diagnose and importantly, it cannot cure illnesses or conditions, but anything can be treated. Many physical symptoms can be eased very quickly but others will need a lot of Reiki before starting to respond. It is essential to remember that it is your own body doing the healing.
Reiki works holistically
It may be that the healing happens first at the emotional level and then at the physical level. It works through a person’s aura directly to the areas where it is needed the most and does not have to be directed by the practitioner.
The practitioner’s hands are placed and held still for 3-5 minutes in each of about twelve specific positions on the client’s body. If preferred, the practitioner need not touch the client at all but may use the client’s aura to allow the energy to flow to the required areas. There is no pressure, manipulation or massage and no sensitive or intimate areas need to be touched.
During the treatment, the client should feel comfortable, relaxed, warm and peaceful. They may feel heat, cold or perhaps a tingling sensation. It is also normal for people to feel a bit emotional sometimes as energy blockages that they may have been carrying for some time are released and the energy starts flowing freely. A treatment usually lasts around 45 minutes to an hour, but a first treatment will probably be longer as the practitioner will carry out a full consultation of the client’s health and well-being.
Benefits of Reiki
- Improved sleep
- Deep relaxation
- Relieves physical pain, stiffness and tension
- Accelerates natural healing of wounds
- Reduces stress
- Detoxifies the body
- Improves concentration
There are no contra-indications for Reiki as it can do no harm; the energy can only be used to heal, and Reiki practitioners are encouraged self-treat every day and to follow the Reiki Principles:
Just for today, I will not worry
Just for today, I will not anger
Just for today, I will do my work honestly
Just for today, I will be grateful
Just for today, I will be kind to every living thing.
