Reiki
Rei (Universal Life) Ki (Energy)
Reiki is a great tool for stress reduction and relaxation. Many people use Reiki for wellness, not just to assist in illness. On a physical level, Reiki can help relieve pain, accelerate healing of wounds or broken bones, and instill a sense of deep relaxation. On an emotional and/or spiritual level, anxiety can be reduced and a sense of revitalization or renewal can occur. Reiki is not a cure for a disease or illness, but it may assist the body in creating a healing environment for itself. Reiki is a wonderful complement to traditional medicine as it is holistic in nature and will not interfere with any drug, diagnosis or belief system. Reiki works toward long-term improvement by helping people address, heal and release issues that lead to their problem. Reiki gives the power to heal to the recipient themselves.
Reiki is a spiritual healing art with its roots in Japanese origin. The word Reiki comes from the Japanese word (Rei) which means "Universal Life" and (Ki) which means "Energy". Reiki is not affiliated with any particular religion or religious practice. It is not massage nor is it based on belief or suggestion. It is a subtle and effective form of energy healing using spiritually guided life force energy. Reiki is the life energy that flows through all living things.
Reiki is believed to have begun in Tibet several thousand years ago. Dr. Mikao Usui, a Japanese educator in Kyoto, Japan, rediscovered the root system in the mid to late 1800's. Dr. Usui did an extensive study over the period of twenty-one years of the healing phenomena of history's greatest spiritual leaders as well as ancient systems that are linked directly to the human body and the nervous system which activate the universal life energy for healing.
After undergoing a metaphysical experience personally, he then began to instruct others on this form of healing he named Reiki and taught it until his death in 1893. His tradition and methods were passed through several grandmasters of Reiki. Today, Reiki takes many forms, however, The Usui System of Natural Healing is still the form most widely practiced. Practitioners and Master Teachers are trained through an initiation process where Masters pass on their knowledge and expertise to their students.
What to expect from a Reiki Session
A session is usually 45 to 90 minutes long. A discussion will usually take place during your first session with your Reiki Practitioner. They will describe the session to you, give you an opportunity to discuss any particular problems or issues you are experiencing and what you are hoping to achieve from your session. For the actual session, you will rest comfortably on a massage table with your shoes removed. Unlike massage therapy, no articles of clothing are removed; loose, comfortable clothing is suggested. A session can either be hands-on, where your practitioner will apply a light touch during the session, or hands-off where they will hold their hands slightly above your body. If you prefer not to be touched you can indicate this to your practitioner before they begin. Most clients report feelings of deep relaxation, peace, warmth, tingling or even a decrease of pain in their body. Reiki energy is an intuitive energy and will flow and be utilized wherever the body requests and needs it most.
