What is Reiki?

Reiki is a form of energy healing that originated in Japan. The word “Reiki” comes from two Japanese words - “Rei” which means “Universal Life” and “Ki” which means “Energy”. It is based on the idea that a “life force energy” flows through us, which is the reason we are alive. Reiki encourages your body to heal itself on all levels, physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. During our busy lives we accumulate blockages that hinder the flow of energy around our bodies and reiki works in a non-invasive way to clear those blockages so that the energy can flow freely. 

 

Reiki’s history is often associated with Mikao Usui, who is credited with discovering Reiki in the early 20th century after a spiritual experience on Mount Kurama. However, it’s important to note that before Usui, there were different healing methods called Reiki Ryoho practiced in Japan. 

 

Reiki operates on five basic principles which guide the practice towards spiritual and physical healing: 

1. Just for today, I will not be angry. 

2. Just for today, I will not worry. 

3. Just for today, I will be grateful. 

4. Just for today, I will do my work honestly. 

5. Just for today, I will be kind to every living thing. 

 

These are good principles to live by. You can make yourself a priority and you need to. If you are not able to look after yourself, how are you going to be able to give yourself to others? Make sure you incorporate some “me time” into your life each and every day. 

 

A Reiki session is a tranquil experience where the practitioner places their hands on or just above the client’s body. This is done to channel energy and promote the body’s natural healing process. Many clients may feel warmth, tingling, or deep relaxation during the treatment. Some see colours or visions of people and places often unfamiliar. Often the session is accompanied by tummies rumbling and gurgling. This is an indication of a relaxed state and your body working to heal. During the session you are in an ideal place to truly connect with yourself and be in the moment to assess where you’re at. This can sometimes bring up feelings or emotions that have been buried deep for a long time. These are all very normal reactions to a reiki treatment and you will find that each treatment you have will be different. This is all part of your healing process. 

 

After treatment, clients often report feelings of peace, relaxation and an enhanced sense of well-being. Reiki is a perfect way to help you to release, rebalance and rejuvenate yourself in a relaxing manner. It’s common to experience a release of emotions and a profound sense of calmness. For myself, I find reiki gives me clarity of thought and calmness to my fidgety mind and body. It’s an essential reflection and a reboot of myself. You may not feel any obvious immediate benefits and the changes can be subtle, however, the reiki treatment will continue to work over the following days. You need to assist the process by drinking plenty of water after your treatment (although this should be part of your self-care anyway) and remember to be gentle and kind to yourself. If you can, continue your day with as much relaxation and calm as you possible. 

 

Reiki is known for promoting relaxation and reducing stress. It is not a cure for diseases but is used to complement traditional medical treatments, potentially enhancing their effectiveness. It’s practiced worldwide, including in hospitals and hospices. 

________________________________________ 

I hope this serves as a helpful outline for you about Reiki.