Reiki is a Japanese ancient healing practice, that was said to be initially rediscovered at the turn of the 20th century by Dr Mikao Usui. After formalising reiki and turning into a method where he was able to use it to heal others, he then taught it and divided reiki into levels. Dr Usui then went on to train his best students to master level, who then brought reiki to the western world, where it is practised and used today.
The technique of Reiki is used to facilitate the ‘flow of energy’ which activates energy centres or chakra points around the body. These energy centres can become blocked which can have an impact on ones’ emotional or physical state. Reiki works by activating these energy centres to aid the bodies healing processes, promote relaxation and reduce stress.
The word Reiki is a Japanese word, and its meaning is made up of two words “Rei” meaning “higher power” and “Ki” meaning ‘the flow of energy”. These two words placed together makes up “spiritual guided force”.
Although reiki is spiritual in context, it is not attached or dependent on any religion. As it’s believed, living in a way that promotes peace and harmony is open to us all.
During a reiki treatment the reiki healer will lay their hands either directly on areas of your body or hover their hands over you to connect with your energy centres (Permission is always sought first before physical contact is made). During a session you may feel heat coming from the practitioner’s hands and you may start to feel either hotter or colder in temperature than usual. You may even feel tingling, and there are some who report they do not experience any of these sensations at all, but start to notice a few experiences days later.
What is reiki used for?
Reiki is used for a number of emotional and physical ailments but should be never used as an alternative to prescribed medicines or treatments. Instead, it should be used alongside conventional treatments to enhance the effectiveness of them.
Stress and Anxiety
Fatigue and relaxation
Headaches
Fertility
Aids better sleep
Help relieve pain
Although Reiki is not harmful in any way, some clients have reported vivid dreams, feeling hotter than usual or cold, experience mild headaches, frequent urination or feeling thirsty. This can sometimes happen due to certain energy shifts that occur during and after a session.
Reiki is a wonderful experience especially if received in regular intervals, as it enhances the flow of energy, aligns ones’ energy centres and restores energy and balance back in to the body. This can have a profound impact on both your overall physical and mental wellbeing in the long and short term.