Reiki

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 Reiki is a healing modality founded in Japan by Mikao Usui.  It is described as a simple, natural, non-invasive, safe method of “giving Rei-Ki”.  The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words:  “Rei” which means "God's Wisdom or Higher Power"; and “Ki” which means "life force energy". So Reiki restated is actually, "Higher Power Guided life force energy.”  Usui’s inspiration and commitment to teach a simple method of “giving healing” to one’s self and others became Reiki practice as we know it today in the West. 

 Mikao Usui taught the purpose of Reiki is to help all people realize that all healing is self-healing.  A practitioner of Reiki supports all recipients by “giving” Rei-Ki.  The joining of giver and receiver strengthens the desire for healing in both simultaneously.  Reiki’s healing purpose and belief in this healing purpose is not necessary for any recipient to understand in order to receive healing.  In recognizing the equality of both practitioner’s and recipient’s power to heal, this joining and strengthening the idea of self-healing in our minds is reinforced through experience. 

 It can be used safely in conjunction with modern western medicines as well as any eastern or global traditional treatments. Currently it is practiced in many hospitals and medical centers.   Reiki has been reported to help with pre-surgical relaxation of practitioners as well as pain reduction for pre and post-surgical patients.  It is also reported to improve recovery times and to help reduce side effects of certain cancer treatments. 

 All things on earth have energy that flows through them. This energy, or ‘Ki’ freely flows when anyone’s mind (and body by extension) has no internal conflict. When conflict is noticed the energy is depleted or blocked, physical or emotional symptoms seem to develop.  Reiki can promote the return of the person’s natural free flowing energy, and can assist in dissolving energy blocks. It is known that any stress can play a role in physical and emotional illness. Reiki helps promote deep relaxation and an experience of peace of mind that can help reduce stress. Stress amplifies the experience of anxiety and chronic pain.  The natural relaxation that often occurs during Reiki healing can help to reduce the anxiety and chronic pain, leaving one feeling calm and centered. 

 A Reiki recipient remains fully clothed and shoeless throughout the session. He or she can choose to be seated or to lie down on a comfortable table. Reiki is known as a gentle “laying on of hands” or it can be done with “no touch”: if touch is uncomfortable for any reason—the practitioner’s hands can just hover above the body; or a soft cloth or towel can be placed upon any or all body areas with the practitioner’s hands placed atop the cloth or towel. Reiki sessions can be scheduled for 30 minutes, 60 minutes, or 90 minutes.

 From beginning to end, each Reiki practitioner feels intuitively guided to direct the positioning and hand placement upon the recipient.  The standard protocol taught by Usui for positioning and hand placement is a suggested protocol for novice practitioners.  Therefore most healing sessions are often unique and specific to the recipient’s needs at the time.