Reiki is a Japanese form of energy healing, a type of alternative medicine based on the belief that the energy in the universe is abundant and accessible to everyone. It involves the use of hands-on healing, allowing you to channel your energy within you as well as receive universal energy from a healer or practitioner of this technique.
Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about this ancient practice, why it’s so important today, and how you can incorporate it into your life.
What is Reiki?
A spiritual practice that uses our body’s natural healing capabilities to promote wellness and self-empowerment, the term “reiki” originated from two Japanese words; “rei,” which means “soul” or “spirit,” and “ki,” which means “life force.”
This treatment method uses hands-on-healing techniques where the practitioner directs this energy through his or her hands toward the recipient who is receiving the healing. For instance, practitioners channel their life force energy to heal people who are suffering from stress, chronic diseases, and other mental and physical concerns. They believe that this energy is all around us, flowing through the universe and our bodies; therefore, there is no need for the patient to “go inside” to find it.
History of Reiki
The technique was developed by Dr. Mikao Usui during his training in the monastery. For a couple of days, he fasted, meditated, and prayed, and finally attained a spiritual awakening in a cave at Mount Kurama. He first founded a clinic dedicated to this practice in Tokyo in 1922.
After his death, one of his disciples, Dr. Chujiro Hayashi, further developed it by creating hand positions to provide more coverage throughout the body. Later, Hayashi’s student, a Japanese-American successor named Hawayo Takata, spread and developed this practice in the United States.
Since then, reiki has become famous worldwide as a spiritual way of treating oneself as well as a method of sharing energy to provide healing to others.
How Does Reiki Heal?
This alternative medicine provides a holistic approach based on the belief that a person is a combination of “body, mind, and spirit.” Practitioners believe that it promotes wellness by encouraging the body’s self-healing process, bringing positive energy to the body and soul. It is a non-manipulative and non-invasive technique that involves the transmission of “life force energy” through the palms or hands of a practitioner to a recipient.
The healer is fully clothed while the recipient is fully-clothed or wears loose, comfortable clothes. In a session, the practitioner will place their hands, palms down, on or above a specific target energy location in the body. Recipients may feel the transfer of energy along with heat or pulsing sensations that can provide relaxation and calmness throughout the treatment.
Benefits of Reiki
This healing method is a very effective way to get rid of stress, anxiety, and other health issues. Furthermore, it is believed to promote relaxation and alleviate pain by releasing endorphins and serotonin in the body. It is also known to be beneficial for treating a wide range of health conditions, including allergies, asthma, arthritis, acidity, back pain, cardiovascular diseases, menstrual cramps, migraines, nervous disorders, skin conditions, and more.
How to Practice Reiki
To learn about this spiritual healing practice, one must find a master to guide and teach them its different forms. There are also online courses available nowadays. Once you learn the technique, you can practice it on yourself or with your family and friends, even your pets.
This treatment has no known side effects. Best of all, it is inexpensive and can be done at home. During a session, it is recommended that you stay away from electronic devices as much as you can because these can emit electromagnetic fields that may interfere with the energy flow.
Wrap-Up: Why Try Reiki?
Reiki uses one’s own healing energy to promote wellness and self-empowerment. It is a non-invasive technique that can be learned by anyone and practiced from home. It is a very effective way to reduce or alleviate stress, anxiety, and other health issues.
If you are feeling stressed lately, or require a relaxing experience, reiki might be something you can try. If you know the proper techniques, you can apply it on yourself or a loved one. Alternatively, you can visit a health and wellness clinic that offers this energy healing treatment.
