What is Reiki and How Can it Benefit You?

rei·ki

/ˈrākē/

noun

1.    a healing technique based on the principle that the therapist can channel energy into the patient by means of touch, activate the natural healing processes of the patient's body, and restore physical and emotional well-being.

      The word “Reiki” means “mysterious atmosphere, miraculous sign.” It comes from the Japanese words “rei,” meaning universal, and “ki,” meaning life energy.

Like so many other alternative healing methods, Reiki practitioners have seen a rise in their business over the last 8-10 years. There is no doubt that some people are frustrated with traditional medicine when it fails to bring them relief. Many of those people have turned to alternative forms of healing, including Reiki. Many medical doctors have begun to accept these alternative forms of healing as wonderful compliments to traditional medicine, effectively treating the entire body, mind, and soul. "Reiki aids in healing by helping people become energetically balanced- physically, emotionally, mentally, and spritually," Reiki Master Victoria Bodner, LMT states.

The spiritual healing art of Reiki can give your body a boost where it is most needed. Practitioners send a powerful flow of positive energy into your body through touch. This flow of energy may bring near immediate sensations of relief. Reiki is known to be gentle yet regarded as a powerhouse healing method when it comes to reducing anxiety and stress. Stress causes a number of health issues including chronic headaches and fatigue.

When your body is able to let go of the stress it is holding on to, you might start to notice the following things happening:

·       A boot to your body’s natural  healing     mechanisms will help them to function more   effectively, thus increasing your immune   system strength

·      Potential reduced blood pressure, heart rate and   stress hormones

·      A shift from the stress response of “fight or flight” to a more relaxed response

·      A restoration of balance to your body, mind and soul.

In its long history of use, Reiki has aided in healing virtually every known illness and injury including problems like:

·       multiple sclerosis

·       heart disease

·       cancer

·       skin problems

·       cuts, bruises, broken bones

·       headaches

·       colds, flu, and sore throats

·       sunburn

·       fatigue and insomnia

·       impotence

·       poor memory

.       digestive issues

With virtually no side effects, it is highly beneficial and works to improve the effectiveness of all other types of therapy. If a client has a health condition, and wants to be treated with Reiki, it is recommended that they do so under the supervision of their medical doctor or other enlightened health care professional. Reiki can improve the results of all medical treatment, acting to reduce negative side effects, shorten healing time, reduce or eliminate pain, reduce stress, and help create optimism.

Reiki sessions typically last 45 to 60 minutes. During the session, the client will lie down fully clothed as the Reiki practitioner gently places their hands on or just above the body in specific energy locations. This is not a massage and the healing session is completely reliant upon the practitioner.  There are no crystals or wands or any other vehicle of energy delivery other than the practitioner's hands. A series of 12-15 different hand positions may be used and the length of time in each position is determined by the flow of energy through their hands in each location.

Perhaps your journey is calling you to become a Reiki practitioner. Where do you start? The best place is to first be a client yourself. This will open your mind, body, and spirit up to the practice and the energy. No prior training, education, or experience is necessary to enter the Reiki attunement certification training. This attunement process requires a Reiki Master to transfer the energy and healing techniques to the student. While training may vary, one can expect to learn about the energies in the body, how to work with healing energy, and ethics of working with clients. There are also 5 key principals to Reiki that one must learn and try to master. They are:

         * Just for today, do not worry                

         * Just for today, do not anger

         * Just for today, be grateful

         * Just for today, be honest

         * Just for today, be compassionate

Preparation for attunement may include avoiding alcohol and caffeine for 3-5 days, meditation, time in nature and releasing negative emotions. There are three levels of mastery to become a Reiki Master.  Those who reach "Master" level will then be able to teach others and often develop the skill of remote healing. 

There are countless teachers and opportunities for reiki attunement certification. One of the beautiful things about the practice of Reiki becoming more prevalent and more widely sought out is that there is likely a Reiki Master within a reasonable distance to study with.

Whether you are looking for a complimentary treatment to your existing medical care or you simply need a boost to your system, Reiki may be the answer.  The world needs more healers. Is this part of your journey?

*Please speak with your physician before trying alternative forms of healing.  Reiki and other forms of alternative healing methods are not a substitute for seeing a medical doctor.  Please seek medical attention with a medical physician or practitioner for medical concerns.*