A to Z Challenge: R is for Reiki!

You can't tell me you didn't see this one coming if you know me well!  :-)

Reiki (ray-kee) is an ancient spiritual (not religious) natural healing method.  Reiki comes from the Japanse ‘Rei’ which means universal and the source of the energy and ‘ki’ which means life force or movement of that energy.  The Reiki practitioner acts as a conduit for spiritual life force energy, which you may have heard referred to as Ki, Chi, Prana, and other terms.  It has been clearly documented that human beings, indeed all living things have an energy field, often referred to as an aura.  In fact, if you remember your physics, we are made of matter, which is energy!  Each of our cells, even our DNA vibrates at different rates. 

Reiki Kanji

When our body is stressed, it experiences dis-ease.  The chakras or energy centers of the body get 'stuck' or blocked.  This can cause physical and emotional symptoms and often a feeling of disconnectedness with one's higher self and purpose.  Reiki can promote relaxation and the relief and release of physical and emotional stress, decrease pain or discomfort and promote healing on an emotional, physical and spiritual level. 

Reiki can help to facilitate the self-healing process by raising the vibratory level of our physical, mental, and emotional bodies where thoughts, feelings, and memories are held, providing an opportunity to release the blocked energy and held emotions.  Reiki can also clear, adjust, and balance the energies that flow through and around our bodies that can be out of balance as a result of injury, illness, or emotional stress.  Reiki can also help to expand our awareness of our own connection to a higher power or simply ourselves.  Anyone can benefit from Reiki.

The Reiki practitioner is only a facilitator thorough which healing energy is conducted and transmitted to the client through hand positions on the body. Using your body's own energy, the Reiki practitioner helps to 'reset' the chakras, release that stuck energy and facilitate whatever healing the client wants and needs. The client makes the choice to accept and use this energy in whatever way they see is in their best interest. The Reiki practitioner is merely a facilitator. 

Reiki can not cause harm or cause injury.  It is a lovingly given divinely guided energy, given only with your permission.  It's long been called 'therapeutic touch' by those who didn't realize they were called to Reiki energy.  It is not a massage, but it can be more relaxing and healing than one!  It is done with the client fully clothed, and really can be done anywhere, even long distance!  The power of intention is strong!  Some Reiki practitioners also use music, aromatherapy and crystals or sound healing in their practice to facilitate relaxation and energy balancing.  

What is the History of Reiki?

It is believed to have originated in the ancient civilization of Mu and was also practiced in India and Tibet.  It was rediscovered in the mid 1800’s by Dr. Mikao Usui, during a spiritual experience.  In 1925 Dr. Usui trained Dr. Chujiro Hayashi who opened a Reiki clinic in Tokyo and developed the Usui system of Reiki. Dr. Hayashi trained Mrs. Hawayo Takata in 1938 and she brought Reiki to the U.S.   My Reiki training is from this lineage.

What Conditions Can Reiki Facilitate Healing?
               

Reiki can aid in healing any illness, injury, or condition from the common cold or headache to diseases and disorders.  It is very helpful in processing emotional stress as well

Reiki can ease the process of terminal disease but it will not prevent a being from transitioning from this life if it is their designated time.  It can help to ease the transition though and help those left behind process their grief

Reiki can ease pain and stress (both physical and emotional), calm emotions, and create a physical relaxation

Reiki can improve the results of medical treatments, reduce side effects, shorten healing time and reduce pain

Reiki can help you connect to your inner self and spirit as well as to a higher power if you so desire

Reiki is a great way to connect with your baby when pregnant and prepare for birth and parenting

The only requirement is that the client must give the practitioner permission to offer them the gift of Reiki.  How they use the Reiki energy is totally up to the client.  All healing is self-healing.  The Reiki Practitioner is simply a facilitator to help create the conditions for self-healing.

As I say in my brochure, Reiki is a way to relaxation and facilitation of healing for mind, body and spirit. 

I am also particularly drawn to this adaptation of the Reiki Precepts.  We'd all be better off to remind ourselves to live our lives following these 5 simple rules.

Just for Today...

I will have conscious awareness

I will live my life with integrity

I shall gratefully receive

I will live my own truth

I will honor each person to have their own truth

If you've never experienced Reiki I encourage you to try it.  If you have, I'm curious to hear what your experience of it was.  

If you are local, I can give you information on local Reiki shares or on classes where you can learn to be a Reiki Practitioner yourself!  There are 4 levels of Reiki and many different 'flavors' or variations of Reiki now.  

Reiki I is about self healing

Reiki II is about facilitation of healing in others and distance healing

Reiki III Is Mastery

Reiki IV is Master Teacher

If you want to learn more a few good books are Essential Reiki  or Reiki: The Healing Touch.  There are many other books out there. If you have a favorite, let me know what it is! 

Go forth and spread the love and light!