Introduction
to Reiki
Reiki
is a Japanese form of healing that is becoming increasingly
popular worldwide. What makes Reiki unique is that
it incorporates elements of just about every other
alternative healing practices such as spiritual healing,
auras, crystals, chakra balancing, meditation, aromatherapy,
naturopathy, and homeopathy.
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Reiki
involves the transfer of energy from practitioner to
patient to enhance the body's natural ability to heal
itself through the balancing of energy. Reiki utilizes
specific techniques for restoring and balancing the
natural life force energy within the body. It is a
holistic, natural, hands-on energy healing system that
touches on all levels: body, mind, and spirit.
Reiki
(pronounced ray-key) is a Japanese word representing
universal life energy, the energy which is all around
us. It is derived from rei, meaning "free passage" or "transcendental
spirit" and ki, meaning "vital life force
energy" or " universal life energy".
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What
Is Reiki?
Reiki
practitioners channel energy in a particular pattern
to heal and harmonize. Unlike other healing therapies
based on the premise of a human energy field, Reiki
seeks to restore order to the body whose vital energy
has become unbalanced.
Reiki
energy has several basic effects: it brings about deep
relaxation, destroys energy blockages, detoxifies the
system, provides new vitality in the form of healing
universal life energy, and increases the vibrational
frequency of the body.
The
laying of hands is used in Reiki therapy also as in
spiritual healing. There is a difference though. In
spiritual healing, a person with a strong energy field
places his or her hands above a particular part of
the recipient's body in order to release energy into
it. So, here the healer is the one who is sending out
the energy. In Reiki, however, the healer places the
hands above the recipient; however, it is the recipient
that draws the energy as needed. Thus, in this case,
the individual being healed takes an active part in
the healing process as opposed to having a passive
part in spiritual healing. The individual takes responsibility
for his or her healing. The recipient identifies the
needs and cater to them by drawing energy as needed.
Although
there are a few positions in which the practitioner
is in contact with the patient (such as cradling the
head), most Reiki treatments do not involve actual
touching. The practitioner holds his or her hands a
few inches or farther away from the patient's body
and manipulates the energy field from there.
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History
of Reiki
Reiki
is believed to have begun in Tibet several thousand
years ago. Seers in the Orient studied energies and
developed a system of sounds and symbols for universal
healing energies. Various healing systems, which crossed
many different cultures, emerged from this single root
system. Unfortunately, the original source itself was
forgotten.
Dr.
Mikao Usui, a Japanese Christian educator in Kyoto,
Japan, rediscovered the root system in the mid- to
late 1800s. He began an extensive twenty-one-year study
of the healing phenomena of history's greatest spiritual
leaders. He also studied ancient sutras (Buddhist teachings
written in Sanskrit). He discovered ancient sounds
and symbols that are linked directly to the human body
and nervous system which activate the universal life
energy for healing.
Usui
then underwent a metaphysical experience and became
empowered to use these sounds and symbols to heal.
He called this form of healing Reiki and taught it
throughout Japan until his death around 1893.
The
tradition was passed through several grandmasters of
reiki such as Dr. Chujiro Hyashi, Hawayo Takata, and
Phyllis Lei Furumoto.
There
are many forms of reiki being practiced now. The two
principal ones are: "the Usui System of Natural
Healing" and "the Radiance Technique."
The
Usui System of Natural Healing balances and strengthens
the body's energy, promoting its ability to heal itself.
Reiki
is useful in treating serious serious illnesses as
well as others. Examples are: sports injuries, cuts,
burns, internal diseases, emotional disorders, and
stress-related illnesses.
Reiki
was introduced to the Western world in the mid-1970s.
Since then its use has spread dramatically worldwide.
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Reiki
Energy
Reiki
energy is regarded as life energy at its most effective-with
the maximum vibration. It is considered to have an
almost divine quality and as such includes everything,
in a world where problems and disorders are deemed
to be due to the feeling of detachment from the world.
There is no division of Reiki energy into positive
and negative forms but when a person undergoes a session
of therapy, they allow the energy to be taken into
themselves with beneficial effects. Essentially, those
receiving Reiki energy decide subconsciously just how
much of the life energy is taken in.
Those
who use Reiki regularly often find they are more joyful,
lively and their own in-built energy is enhanced-almost
as if their batteries had been fully charged! Existing
conflicts within the person are broken down and there
is a greater vitality, leading to relaxation and a
stimulation of the body. As this improvement develops,
the natural processes of renewal and removal of toxins
are enhanced and rendered more effective, ultimately
opening up more of the body to the life energy.
Body
organs such as the skin, and protective systems such
as the immune system are improved providing the individual
is prepared regularly to undertake Reiki and in the
first place to undergo an attunement or initiation
into Reiki energy. The initiation is merely a means
whereby the universal life energy is bestowed through
the Reiki master. The master acts as a channel and
a link with God to release the healing power.
An
initiation is not absolutely essential but it allows
the individual access to the universal life energy,
which is used rather than their own life energy. Also,
an initiation conveys a greater capacity for using
Reiki energy, with no associated tiredness and further,
it provides a protective mechanism against any negative
manifestations.
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Initiation
or Becoming a Reiki Master
Through
a series of attunements, part of the initiation process
for new Reiki practitioners, a Reiki master employs
the ancient sounds and symbols that attune an individual's
nervous system to a higher level of energy. A level
is reached in which the students, neither highly trained
nor especially gifted, can experience more energy flowing
through their hands, giving them the power to heal
themselves and others.
Reiki
is taught in three levels or degrees. In Level I or
First Degree, the participant receives attunement or
initiation to the Reiki energy by the Reiki master.
This permanently guides the person to greater healing
power. The student learns how to do full body treatments
on self and others.
In
Level II or Second Degree, the participant receives
attunements which increase the strength of the practitioner's
Reiki energy. This primarily involves learning the
sounds and symbols which are used in advanced Reiki
bodywork and absentee healing.
In
Level III or Third Degree, the participant receives
third-level empowerment and the 'final symbol'. It
is taught mainly for personal growth. A person who
has completed the third level is able to give the Level
I Reiki attunement.
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Who
Does The Reiki Master Initiation?
Practitioners
study with Reiki masters to learn how to access ki
and become a channel for its transmission. Students
learn basic healing patterns and the "laying on
of hands" for themselves and others. More advanced
practitioners may use absentee healing-which involves
practicing Reiki on someone from a long distance, such
as a different part of the country- or goal-oriented
healing to address specific problems.
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The
Use of Whole-Body Reiki
Since,
a disease or disorder in one area will inevitably affect
the whole body, the use of Reiki is best applied to
the whole-body, to cleanse and revitalize the complete
system.
The
implementation of Reiki is highly ritualized and ceremonious.
Many practitioners undertake a particular routine before
commencing a regime of whole-body treatment. The main
elements are briefly described below.
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Preparing
For Whole-Body Reiki
Remove
jewelry
Jewelry
contains items such as stones (semi-precious or precious),
metal rings or chains, leather thongs or a variety
of other objects. Many of these will attract energies
that may interfere with the life energy of Reiki. Items
such as watches create a closed circuit that reduce
the flow of life energy. Earrings are especially a
problem. The pierced ears interfere with the flow of
energy. The ears are very important in many therapies
such as acupuncture that utilize meridians and must
be kept unencumbered.
Wash
hands
There
are two reasons for washing hands. First, there is
the physical effect of cleaning. It makes the hands
pleasant to feel for the recipient of Reiki. Hot, sticky
hands should be avoided in Reiki as they are not conducive
to the state of relaxation being sought.
The
second benefit relates to the aura surrounding the
body. This aura may be affected by contact with objects,
people, etc over the course of the day and washing
removes such influences, which could, in sensitive
people, have an adverse effect.
Say
a prayer
It
is helpful at this stage to recite a short prayer asking
for healing and to concentrate upon and acknowledge
your aims, self-perception and those of the person
upon whom your hands will be placed. The prayer makes
you ready to enter into the relaxation process.
Even
out the aura
This
is a means of gently making contact and starting the
therapy. It involves a number of steps.
Ask
the person to lie down.
Sit beside the person; put your left hand on your sacrum.
With your right hand held about 6-9 inches (15-25 cm) above the body
and palm facing down, move your hand along the length of the body from
the head to the toes.
Return the hand to the starting point using a circular motion along
the side of the body.
Repeat this three or four times
This process can be repeated after the Reiki therapy when your left
hand can be placed on the sacrum of the recipient.
Energize
When
each Reiki therapy session is complete the whole body
may be energized via the root chakra. The hand is held
vertically above the body and then quickly moved from
the pelvis to the head.
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The
Practice of Whole-Body Reiki
Before
the Whole Body Reiki Treatment
There
is great scope for variation in the number and sequence
of positions used for whole-body treatment. It will
depend greatly upon the practitioner and what is felt
to be best for the recipient, but no one sequence can
be deemed the best one for all. It is important to
be certain that your client/partner is not suffering
from any illness or condition that might require the
attention of another health professional. Reiki has
its particular uses but it is unwise to try to address
problems that clearly fall beyond its scope. The client
can easily ask advice from their doctor, or other professional,
as to whether they should undergo Reiki therapy.
The
extent of each session of Reiki will vary depending
upon circumstances and the individual receiving treatment.
Certain positions may be better left out of the sequence
or therapy may be focused on a particular area to help
relieve blockages or deal with tension. If the recipient
is currently on a regime of medication then a shorter
session may be appropriate.
Similarly,
if dealing with a small child or an elderly or infirm
person, it is probably wise to limit the therapy to
a session of 15 to 20 minutes. In all cases the Reiki
practitioner should be sensitive to and aware of the
condition, needs and well being of the recipient.
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Positions
In Reiki Therapy
The
hands are clearly the 'instruments' of healing in Reiki.
The position in which the hands are placed on the recipient
is important. However, it may be varied depending on
the circumstances. Just placing the hands on the appropriate
part of the body is sufficient.
Reiki
can be effected through clothing, as the energy will
flow the clothing. But many people prefer to have no
material obstacles to the therapy.
The
Head
The
hands are placed either side of the nose, with the
palms covering the eyes; the thumbs rest by the bridge
of the nose and the fingertips cover the cheeks and
reach the upper lip. This arrangement covers the sinuses,
eyes, Pituitary gland, and teeth. It is useful for
dealing with colds, sinusitis, eye complaints, allergies,
fatigue and general discontent.
Another
position is to place the hands over the ears, with
the fingertips extending down the jaw-line to the neck,
encompassing the ears including the semi-circular canals,
responsible for balance. The effect also extends to
the pharyngeal area. Diseases and problems of these
organs such as colds, trouble with balance, hearing
loss, etc. are dealt with in this position.
For
relieving conditions such as headaches, colds, asthma
and circulatory problems, place the hands on the back
of the head. It also promotes relaxation.
The
Chest And Abdomen
There
are many variations for the chest and abdomen; we will
only discuss a few here.
The
arrangement for the thymus, heart and lungs is as follows:
one hand is laid across the thymus and the other at
90 degrees starting just below and between the breasts.
The thymus is a bi-lobed gland in the neck. It is an
important part of the immune system. This arrangement
therefore reinforces the immune system and helps the
lymphatics, the heart, lungs and counters any general
debility.
Another
technique is to place the hands on either side of the
navel and slightly to one side. The stomach and digestive
organs are the focus of attention here and the conditions/symptoms
addressed are the digestion and the metabolism. Specifically,
this treatment will combat nausea, heartburn, gastrointestinal
diseases and indigestion. Because the presence of such
conditions often results in tension and worry, the
relief of symptoms will similarly help relieve anxiety
and depression.
There
are two other positions that are worth exploring: Here,
the hands are placed in a position similar to that
used to focus on the stomach and digestive organs but
further away from the body midline. Approach the body
from the right side of the recipient. Place your left
hand around the base of the ribcage. In this position,
we are dealing with the gall bladder and liver. This
position is for diseases and conditions of these important
organs and associated problems of a metabolic nature.
The liver is a vital organ in the process of removing
toxins from the body. Hence this arrangement is very
important for healing those ailments.
The
position related to this one is essentially a reflection
where the hands are placed on the left side of the
body to encompass the area of the bowels, spleen and
some of the pancreas. Here, diseases of these organs
such as indigestion and healthy blood are all dealt
with.
Another
position involves focusing on the appendix, intestines
and urinogenital organs. The hands are placed where
the pelvic bones are covered and meet over the pubic
area. This is used for the healing of a number of ailments
associated with the appendix, intestines and urinogenital
organs. It is also useful for the treatment of allergies,
general debility, problems of a sexual nature and related
to weight. It is believed to reinforce the immune system.
The
Back
Here
again, there are a number of positions that are used.
In one such position, the hands are placed across the
shoulder blades at mid to upper point, to influence
the intestines, lung, heart and various muscles in
the neck and shoulder region. This will help lung and
heart diseases, muscular tension, headaches and related
conditions.
If
the hands are placed lower down the back, around the
midriff (on the lower ribs) this position will accommodate
the kidneys and adrenal glands. (The adrenal glands
are situated one each on the upper surface of each
kidney and are important because they manufacture hormones
that control a variety of body functions.)
Warning:
Please
consult a qualified practitioner before you start with
Reiki especially if you are suffering from serious
conditions or diseases
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The
Benefits Of Whole-Body Reiki
A
Reinforcing Effect
The
whole body Reiki is used to treat the whole body to
achieve relaxation. It facilitates the removal of blockages
in energy flow and the dispersal of toxins.
Long-term
practice of whole-body Reiki will restore the general
condition of the body. The energy channels are opened
to allow the body to deal properly and naturally with
both stress and the build-up of toxins. It will help
you to cope with anxiety and depression.
Reiki
therapy is also useful when you are recovering from
an illness. Reiki will provide the additional energy
required to recover from the illness. It will also
reinforce the effects of any other method of natural
healing. It can be used as a supplementary therapy
as it is a truly complementary system of treatment.
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Reduction
Of Side-Effects
Reiki
therapy can be a very useful adjunct for anyone taking
a course of drugs. It can help reduce some of the side
effects of drug therapy. Reiki helps the body in the
recovery after drug therapy, after surgery and after
chemotherapy. In all these cases, Reiki therapy supplies
the body with extra life energy, enabling the body
to bounce back more quickly from the burdens of surgery
and chemicals.
In
some cases, use of Reiki therapy after an operation
will lessen pain. It will accelerate the natural healing
processes. The key to success is that the therapy be
undertaken on a regular basis. When a person is enjoying
good health, the regular therapy increases the body's
built-in defenses which manifests itself as a confidence
and outward harmony in dealing with everyday events.
It bestows a greater ability to deal with stressful
situations. You will gain a positive outlook on life.
Once the blockages and toxins have been removed from
the system, the scope for personal advancement and
growth becomes available. In general, the better metabolic
functioning afforded by Reiki therapy means that benefits
and improvements may be experienced in many ways.
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Combination
Treatments: Reiki With Other Holistic Therapies
Reiki
therapy works very well in combination with other holistic
therapies. Virtually any treatment can be used. We
will examine a few such combinations to illustrate
the synergy that can be accomplished.
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Reiki
And The Use Of Crystals
Crystal
therapy involves the use of precious and semi-precious
stones. The stones are believed to store positive energy
and they act as a conduit for healing from the practitioner
to the recipient. They also believed to generate a
healing vibration that acts upon the body. In some
cases the stone is placed on the body where treatment
is focused, in others it may be positioned on the appropriate
acupuncture point. Most therapists use quartz for physical
healing, amethyst for spiritual healing and rose quartz
to heal emotions. Fluorite may be used to develop awareness
and knowledge of a spiritual nature.
In
Reiki, three varieties of quartz are commonly used-amethyst,
rose quartz and ordinary quartz (or rock crystal).
The crystal structure of quartz is often taken to be
related to the six chakras and the tip of the crystal
to the seventh chakra. Practitioners recommend using
rock crystal to avoid feeling overpowered by changes,
mounting pressures and the stress of everyday life.
Carrying the crystal or wearing it is meant to bring
light into your workaday routines.
Rock
crystal, held in the hand or between the hands, can
also be used in conjunction with Reiki meditation.
The energy emanating from the crystal is thought to
go into the palms and then the rest of the body via
the reflex zones. It is recommended by some in a variety
of applications such as relaxation, wound-healing with
other therapy and treating particular organs.
Rose
quartz, with its soft pink coloration, is used for
mending emotional problems. Examples are: shutting
out certain desires or facing trauma and stress brought
about by a separation.
The
use of amethyst with Reiki is varied. It is said to
help promote the proper function of an organ that has
been under treatment. Placed on the Third Eye (center
of the forehead), it facilitates clearer vision in
one's path through life. It can also reduce tension
and fear.
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Meditation
With Reiki
Reiki
is said to assist in the concentration required for
meditation, with the flow of energy aiding relaxation.
There are some positions that can be adopted in Reiki
meditation to achieve particular goals. In the first
position the legs are drawn up and the soles of the
feet put together with the knees falling apart. This
can be done while lying down or sitting against a wall
or chair. The hands adopt a praying gesture. This is
meant to complete the circuit of energy, allowing a
flow around the body. The Reiki energy removes any
blockages and performed regularly, this becomes a powerful
meditation exercise. It can be done for short periods
initially, just a couple of minutes, and then built
up in small increases.
Group
meditation is also possible with Reiki, in which the
participants stand in a circle with hands joined.
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Aromatherapy
Blended With Reiki
Aromatherapy
employs essential oils extracted from plants. The oils
can be used in three ways: by direct application, bathing
in water to which a few drops of the appropriate oil
have been added, and inhalation.
When
used in conjunction with Reiki, some oils can be applied
directly on particular areas of the body, or their
aroma can be made to fill the room using an aroma lamp.
Below a few oils are considered and their use compared
to their therapeutic value in aromatherapy.
Lavender
In
aromatherapy lavender is a tonic with relaxing effects.
It is also an antiseptic, an antispasmodic and stimulates
the appetite. It is also used for minor burns and wounds.
Its soothing effects render it helpful for headaches,
tension and similar conditions.
In
Reiki, lavender is associated primarily with recipients
who are sensitive and easily hurt. In long sessions
of Reiki lavender helps to promote the calm and confidence
necessary for a period of building and strengthening
of the life force energy.
Sandalwood
In
aromatherapy, sandalwood oil is prized for its relaxing
and antiseptic effects. It forms a very effective oil
for application to the skin (especially facial), particularly
for dry or sensitive skin.
Sandalwood
oil produces an ambience conducive to the Reiki therapy
because the oil is considered to elicit trust and confidence,
between practitioner and recipient.
Clary
sage
Clary
sage is a tonic, antispasmodic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory,
bactericidal and more. It is also used to treat colds,
menstrual problems and its very low toxicity renders
it suitable for general use.
In
a session of Reiki therapy, clary sage is used to open
blocked channels and to enhance sensitivity.
Patchouli
Patchouli
has some aphrodisiac qualities, and is also used to
treat skin disorders and minor bums because of its
anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities.
It
is also used in Reiki therapy for allergies and impurities
of the skin; but the fundamental use and aim is to
enhance the sensual qualities and aspects of life.
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Reiki
and Prescription drugs
Many
Reiki therapists believe that Reiki can readily affect
the way in which drugs work in the body. Side effects
of drugs can be lessened through the use of Reiki,
and in some cases it is reported that the process will
be accelerated. In addition, Reiki makes the body more
receptive to drugs. Thus, it may be beneficial to undergo
Reiki therapy prior to the start of a course of drugs.
The relaxed state rendered by Reiki may also counter,
to some extent, the efficacy of an anesthetic. However,
injections such as anesthetics can more readily and
easily be released from the body with the help of Reiki.
Although
minor pains can often be remedied through the use of
Reiki alone, stronger pain killers do not have their
effect lessened by Reiki. The interaction between Reiki
and drugs is neither well tested nor documented.
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Reiki
and Homeopathy
In
conjunction with Homeopathy, Reiki provides a reinforcing
effect by rendering the treatment more effective. Reiki
can help avoid strain, improve the removal of toxins
and increase the body's sensitivity. After treatment,
whole-body Reiki will help recovery.
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Reiki
and Bach remedies
These
are named after Edward Bach who studied plants with
healing qualities. He identified 38 plants, the flowers
of which he floated on clear spring water. This, he
believed, transferred medicinal properties to the water
which could be given to patients. His practice mimicked
the drops of dew found on the plant which was used
in the beginning. Stock solutions are diluted in water
and a few drops taken.
Typical
examples are:
cherry
plum for fear, tension, irrationality
holly for envy, jealousy and hatred
pine for guilt and constantly apologizing
sweet chestnut for despair
wild rose for apathy.
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Is
Reiki Effective?
The
vast majority of reports on the effectiveness of Reiki
appear in popular rather than scientific literature.
Proponents of Reiki cite the growing body of research
in the field of Therapeutic Touch as evidence of the
therapeutic transfer of energy through touch.
One
California study showed that Reiki can increase hemoglobin
and hematocrit levels. The study compared 47 people
participating in Reiki training and a small control
group of 9 healthy medical professionals. The study
found a significant increase in hemoglobin and hematocrit
levels among the Reiki group and no significant change
in the control group.
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Warning:
Please
consult a qualified practitioner before you start with
Reiki especially if you are suffering from serious
conditions or diseases.
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An
alternative medical practice of massage in which the
patient is not physically touched.
A Brief Overview:
The knowledge that an unseen energy flows through all living things
and is connected directly to the quality of health has been part of
the wisdom of many cultures since ancient times. The existence of this "life
force energy" has been verified by recent scientific experiments,
and medical doctors are considering the role it plays in the functioning
of the immune system and the healing process.
Reiki is a technique for stress reduction and relaxation that allows
everyone to tap into an unlimited supply of "life force energy" to
improve health and enhance the quality of life.
An amazingly simple technique to learn, the ability to use Reiki is
not taught in the usual sense, but is transferred to the student by
the Reiki Master. Its use is not dependent on ones intellectual capacity
or spiritual development and, therefore, is available to everyone.
It has been successfully taught to thousands of people of all ages
and backgrounds.
A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through
you and surrounds you. Reiki treats the whole person including body,
emotions, mind and spirit and creates many beneficial effects including
relaxation and feelings of peace, security, and well-being. Many have
reported miraculous results. Reiki is a simple, natural, and safe method
of spiritual healing and self-improvement that everyone can use.
Brief
overview borrowed From The
International Center for Reiki Training
