REIKI HEALING

Reiki is a form of spiritual practice proposed for the treatment of physical, emotional, mental and spiritual diseases. Reiki was developed in early 20th century Japan to receive the ability of 'healing without energy depletion'. The name Reiki derives from the Japanese pronunciation of two Chinese characters that are said to describe the energy itself: 'rei' (meaning 'soul', 'spirit' or 'ghost') and ki (Chinese qi, meaning breath or 'life force energy' in this context). Reiki is a therapy that the practitioner delivers through the hands, with intent to raise the amount of ki in and around the client, heal pathways for ki, and reduce negative energies. Reiki can be practiced in several ways: on its own, along with conventional medical treatments. In the latter case, Reiki is a type of"distant healing." Practitioners perform Reiki most often in offices, hospitals, clinics, and private homes. The practitioner and client determine the number of sessions together. Typically, the practitioner delivers at least four sessions of 30 to 90 minutes each. Practitioners use a technique similar to the laying on of hands, in which they claim to be channels for energy ("Ki") guided by a universal spirit or spiritual nature ("Rei") flowing through their palms to heal a person wherever they may need healing. They also believe that if ki's flow is disrupted, the body's functioning becomes disrupted, and health problems can occur. The concept that sickness and disease arise from imbalances in a vital energy field is the foundation not only of Reiki but of some other CAM therapies, such as traditional Chinese medicine (in which the energy is called qi or chi) and homeopathy (vital force). Reiki appears to be generally safe, and serious side effects have not been reported. The person may have symptoms such as a feeling of weakness or tiredness, a headache, or a stomach ache. Reiki practitioners believe that these are effects of the body releasing toxins. They advise the client on how to deal with such symptoms if they occur, such as by getting more rest, drinking plenty of water, or eating a lighter diet.

THEORIES AND PRACTICES OF REIKI

Reiki (pronounced 'ray-kee') is commonly perceived to be (only) a form of spiritual healing. However Reiki is more than this: Reiki is now also increasingly regarded as a belief and behaviour approach towards personal fulfillment, whose principles and philosophy can explain and achieve better life-balance and well-being; enable the furthering of self-development and discovery, as well as being a remarkable healing and recovery treatment. Based on very ancient Eastern teachings, Reiki methodology and history has given rise to confusion, speculation and mystery, although in recent years, happily, the consistency and detail of information about Reiki has progressively improved, to the point today where Reiki is an accepted form of 'alternative therapy. The Reiki energy is an"intelligent" energy, which "knows what to do," or "where it is needed the most." Thus, Reiki adherents say, if the recipient needs it and is ready to heal, the Reiki energy will go where it needs to for healing. If the intended recipient does not accept the energy on some level, the energy will not be absorbed. Some schools teach that Reiki "spirit guides" keep watch over Reiki energy and assist the practitioner. It is said by them that any intention to do harm will block the flow of Reiki energy. It is also taught that Reiki energy enters through the 1st (root or Muladhara) chakra at the base of the spine, fills the aura, becomes centered in the 4th (heart or Anahata) chakra, and flows out trough the practitioner's hands. In a Reiki session, the practitioner asks the recipient to lie down and relax. The practitioner then is said to act as a channel for Reiki energy, purportedly allowing "Reiki energy" to be channelled through the practitioner to wherever the patient is thought to require it.Reiki healers say that their energy can be used for healing either in physical proximity or from a distance. There is no belief system attached to Reiki so anyone can receive a Reiki treatment or a Reiki attunement.

What does reiki do?

Reiki helps to harmonize body, mind and spirit for yourself or anyone you want to help.

REIKI - A POWERFUL AND GENTLE HEALER

Is reiki a religion or any other belief system?

No, Reiki is not a religion and you do not have to believe in anything special. Reiki is suitable whatever faith or beliefs you have. The only thing you need to have is a sincere wish to help yourself (or others). Most healing systems are based on intent and so is Reiki.

Can reiki be used on any illness?

Yes, Reiki can be used on any illness but this does not mean everyone will be healed using Reiki. Reiki will help restore the balance in the body and can relieve or even remove symptoms. Reiki has successfully been used on conditions such as reducing stress, relieving pain, headaches, stomach upsets, back problems, asthma - respiratory problems, PMT, menstrual problems, sinus, anxiety and many many more. Remember that you as an individual have to have the firm intention of getting well before any real healing can take place. (Please observe that Reiki should never be used instead of medical treatment, it should be used as a compliment and a way to become and remain healthy.)

What will I feel or experience during a treatment?

Once again I will have to say that it differs from person to person and possibly also between different sessions. The energy flows wherever it is required (spiritually guided) and can normally be felt as a warm sensation or tingling in the body. Receiving Reiki is a very relaxing and soothing experience! Usually when receiving Reiki you will feel very relaxed and you may have a "floating" feeling. You may feel heat, a tingling or cold under the practitioners hands. These and other feelings come from what the Reiki energy is actually doing in and around your body i.e. adding energy, removing excess energy, balancing, removing blockages etc. It is also possible that you experience different emotions or thoughts you had forgotten might pop up. Remember that all healing starts a process of release, this could be emotions or even toxins in your body that you need to get rid of. You might initially even feel worse than before but this is soon passing. You can help your body by drinking lots of water.

What is the difference between healing and curing?

If you look up the two words in a dictionary you will probably find that they mean more or less the same. In real life we seem to have given the two words slightly different interpretations. Healing is when you go to the root of the problem and restore the body's balance. Curing is what is normally considered done when you actually remove the problem (but maybe not the cause). When you have surgery you can remove the "sick" organ or tissue but this might not solve the problem as the procedure often does not solve the underlying problem. One can also be healed but not cured, i.e. your body is in balance but you still have a medical problem.

What does a reiki treatment consist of ?

You relax, on a couch or seated while the healer holds his hands on or above you. A treatment can last an hour or longer depending on the treatment required. In the western world many practitioners use the standard hand positions and commonly a full treatment is given covering all the important organs of the body. There is no pressure on the body making it ideal for treating all ages and conditions, sometimes hands are even held away from the body.!

How many treatments should I have ?

There is not really a set number. Every person and his/her problem is different. Some people only require one or two sessions while others need several. If you are just interested in seeing what Reiki can do for you then just take one or two sessions. If you have a chronic problem you want to work with then make a plan. Suggestion: Start with one session per day for 4 days and then follow up with one session per week. Remember that a Reiki initiation in itself is a powerful healer.

Can children receive reiki ?

Yes, anyone can receive Reiki. A session for a child will normally be shorter than for an adult. It is also possible to attune children to Reiki. The first level, Reiki I, can be given even to small children. Older children can be given Reiki II and learn the use of the Reiki symbols.

Can I stop using medications ?

NO! Reiki should never be seen as a substitute for medical care. Reiki is a complementary therapy that can help your healing process and in many cases improve both your physical and mental health. Remember, Reiki cannot hurt you!

How does one learn reiki ?

Anyone can "learn" Reiki. The word learn is not quite right as most of us cannot just read about Reiki and then do it. The ability to use Reiki is normally given via an attunement or initiation. When attending a Reiki course the participant gets attuned by a Reiki master through a simple process, this opens him/her to receive and utilize more of the Universal Life Energy.