What is… Reiki?
Usui Reiki (Ray-Key) was discovered by Mikao Usui in Japan in 1922. The word Reiki comes from two Japanese words meaning Universal (rei) and life energy (ki); Universal Life Energy. Ki is the electrical energy that creates the body and determines the state of health of our body. The state of our Ki is affected by our limiting beliefs, negative thoughts and feelings, past traumas and experiences.
A person who is attuned as a reiki healer has had their body’s energy opened and cleared by a process called a Reiki Attunement. They are trained to channel universal life energy through their bodies. They now, not only receive an increase in this universal life energy (ki) for their own healing, they also become connected to the source of all universal Ki.
We do not understand exactly how it works but here are some things we do know:
1. It is considered a spiritual practice much like yoga, meditation, qigong or journaling, to name a few.
2. It is not a religion. Practitioners are from all races and spiritual backgrounds worldwide.
3. Practitioners are taught how to channel reiki and allow it to flow through them, by remaining humble to the increased flow of reiki energy
4. Reiki practitioners do not force or push the Reiki energy to “fix” an issue but allows Reiki to shift a client’s Ki, as needed.
5. There is no physical manipulation of the body’s muscles
6. Reiki is considered a Holistic practice. Once Ki is shifted in a client, the physical, emotional and spiritual body responds to this increased Ki in a positive way.
7. By shifting Ki to a healthy state of vibration, the body, mind and spirit can more easily shift and begin the process of healing itself.
During a reiki session, a practitioner’s hands may lay lightly on or slightly above a client’s body. In session, a fully clothed client can feel many sensations. Some include:
1. An increase in warmth surrounding them
2. Tingling in arms and lower legs
3. Buzzing in the ears
4. Visual colors in their mind’s eye
5. A few clients may feel chilled
6. A sensation of swaying
7. Some clients have no sensations at all.
Whatever the experience and/or sensation, it does not imply a level of effectiveness. Everyone’s session is unique and perfect for them. A typical session can run from 30 to 60 minutes in a relaxing softly lite room to make clients comfortable and relaxed. There are many noted health benefits for people including but not limited to:
• Minimizes stress, anxiety and depression and has shown to be most effective with reducing PTSD symptoms
• Boosts creativity and intuition
• More balanced emotionally and more mental clarity in difficult situations
• Creates deep relaxation and aid in healthier sleep patterns
• An increased ability for the body to heal itself
• Reduces pain in injuries and post-surgical sites, decreases recovery times
