Reiki is a form of complementary healing that focuses on intentionally channeling universal life force energy, known as "ki" or "chi," through the practitioner's hands to promote relaxation, stress reduction, and healing.
Reiki originated in Japan in the early 20th century and the word "Reiki" is derived from two Japanese words: "rei" meaning "universal" or "spiritual," and "ki" meaning "energy" or "life force.” Reiki is based on the principles that we all have unseen “life force energy” flowing through us and that the body possesses its own innate ability to heal. By intentionally guiding this energy, the practitioner can help remove any energetic blocks and facilitate the healing process.
Here's a general outline of how a reiki session typically works:
Setting the intention: The practitioner sets an intention to channel Reiki energy for the recipient's highest good, often invoking specific symbols or visualization techniques.
Establishing a connection: The recipient typically lies down on a massage table (fully dressed) or in a comfortable spot at home if the session is via distance. Then the practitioner focuses on key energy centers (such as chakras) or areas of concern.
Channeling energy: The practitioner serves as a conduit for the flow of Reiki energy, allowing it to intentionally flow through their hands and into the recipient's body. This energy is believed to be intelligent and guided by a higher consciousness, meaning it will go where it is most needed for the recipient's well-being.
Balancing the energy systems and messages: Reiki energy is believed to help restore balance in the recipient's energy systems, clearing blockages and promoting the free flow of energy. This balance is considered essential for optimal physical, emotional, and mental health. Some practitioners receive intuitive healing messages during a session that they can share with the recipient if the recipient is open to hearing them.
Completing the session: The practitioner finishes the session by gently removing their hands or using a guided visualization, ensuring that the recipient feels grounded and calm. They may discuss any sensations or experiences that occurred during the session and provide guidance on self-care and further treatments if needed.
The steps above can look very different depending on the practitioner and the goals of the recipient. The overall goal of reiki is always to promote balance and well-being and assist people in their own unique healing journey. Feeling your best is important, not only for healing but also for living a joyful life!
How does Reiki work?
This is where my science brain gets excited.
As I mentioned before, it’s based on the idea that we all have unseen “life force energy” flowing through us. We and everything around us are all energy, after all, because at our most basic we are made up of atoms put together in a specific pattern. These atoms have internal components that are not static. Rather they are constantly vibrating and exerting force on other atoms within that pattern, which creates a specific vibration (i.e. energy). This energy is also influenced by the vibration of things/people (aka other energies or patterns of atoms) that are around us. The physical things in this world are energy, and so are our emotions, intentions, thoughts, and feelings. Sometimes things happen in life that create a bit of energetic imbalance. Adding some Reiki as part of your self-care or in complement to other therapies is believed to restore those imbalances and round out your healing experience.
While the exact mechanisms of how reiki works are not completely understood by modern science, reiki has been scientifically proven to be an effective complementary therapy to help lower stress, reduce pain, ease depression and anxiety, elevate mood, reduce pain, and more. Studies also show that when used in complement with Western medical procedures, such as surgery, reiki leads to healthier outcomes and reduced anxiety. Reiki is often used in hospice as well.
You can read more about some of these studies here: (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28181973/),(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15674004/),(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1550830722002105)
As a reminder, Reiki is considered a complementary therapy and should not be used as a substitute for conventional medical treatments. However, it is an amazing therapy to work alongside any other type of therapy or medical treatment. There is virtually no risk! (Of course, ask your doctor to be sure). Reiki can enhance the body's natural healing abilities and promote overall health and wellness by, at the very least, activating the parasympathetic nervous system (promoting rest and relaxation). In this state, the body can heal most efficiently.
Curious? Try out a session. Bring an open mind and see what happens!
Comments