Reiki

A Closer Look

Some Background
The Japanese term Reiki consists of two characters - Rei and Ki. Rei is
generally defined as "universal" though a more esoteric interpretation of it
would be "higher knowledge" or "spiritual consciousness" and Ki, as its close
relative -the Chinese Chi- is defined as "life force. Together, the word means
"Universal life force" or the definition I use "divinely guided life energy."

There are many healing disciplines that utilize Ki, most of which require the
practitioner to store up Ki in their bodies before working with their client and
can often drain some of the practitioner's own energy during the session. Reiki
differs from these other healing modalities in that the practitioner is given
the ability to draw from the abundance of Ki that permeates the universe
to use in the session.

The form of energy healing which is currently accepted as "Reiki" in the "western"
world was developed in the early 1900's in Japan by Dr. Mikao Usui who created
the Usui Reiki Healing Society. Usui taught Reki to his students through individual
training. Even today, all Reiki practitioners are taught in this manner and stem
from the Usui lineage.
So, What Exactly is Reiki?
It is important to understand the difference in what Reiki is and is not as
there are many misconceptions about Reiki. Reiki is not a form of therapy nor
is it a medical procedure. Reiki is neither massage, meditation, psychotherapy,
a religion, a magic pill nor even fortune telling..

I simply refer to Reiki as an "Energy Treatment." I prefer this term because
Reiki is a form of energy that can work with the energy field of all things,
enhancing them. In this sense Reiki is a very effective compliment to all
other forms of treatment, medical and otherwise.

Reiki will help to relieve stress, manage pain, heighten and balance your energy
level, increase the efficacy of medication and generally enhance your physical,
emotional and spiritual being. I receive Reiki on a daily basis under many different
circumstances. After each experience I come away feeling more "present" in my
body, more peaceful and unconditionally loved.
What Happens in a Reiki Session?
A Reiki session begins with you lying fully clothed on a massage table. I will
lead you on a short deep breathing exercise to help you relax and then I will
draw Reiki to me and direct the flow into your energy field. This is most often
done through light touch as I place my hands in various positions on different
parts of your body. Remember that it is not necessary for any physical contact
occur between the practitioner and the client. Should you be more comfortable in
this scenario, a Reiki practitioner can send Reiki fromabove your body. The "divine"
nature of the energy will bring it to where it is needed in your system.

Reiki works towards your highest good and will NEVER do any harm. Remember
that a Reiki practitioner will not lose their own energy in the process nor will
their energy mix with yours. They act merely as a conduit for Reiki and, in fact,
receive a treatment of their own each time they give one.

My sessions usually will last an hour, but the length often varies in each situation.
Keep in mind that an effective Reiki session can be as short as 15 minutes. It
simply depends on your goals for that particular session. Remember that you
always remain in control of the speed and the degree of your healing.
Why Use Reiki?
The entirety of our being does not stop at the physical body. Our bodies are
surrounded by layers of energy, called the Human Energy Field, which can extend
up to 6 feet beyond our skin and supplies our bodies with energy through our
chakras - a sort of funnel that connects the two. If we experience any emotional
or physical trauma our chakras and subsequently our energy field are compromised.
If left uncorrected, our emotional and physical health will eventually suffer the consequences.

Reiki will help correct the damage to our chakras, balance and restore our
energy field. With consistent work, Reiki can help undo the effects of the
emotional and physical trauma to which we have been subjected, many of which
we hold onto deep within the cellsof our bodies.