Reiki Therapy
Reiki is a form of alternative therapy commonly referred to as energy healing. It emerged in Japan in the late 1800's and is said to involve the transfer of universal energy from the practitioner's palms to their patient. Energy healing has been used for centuries in various forms.
What is Reiki Therapy
“Reiki” is a spiritual healing art with its roots in Japanese orgin. The word Reiki comes from the Japanese words “Rei” which means “Universal Life” and “Ki” which means “Energy”. Reiki is not affiliated with any particular religion or religious practice. It is not massage nor is it based on belief or suggestion. It is a subtle and effective form of energy work using spiritually guided life force energy.
Reiki is the life energy that flows through all living things. Reiki Practitioners understand that everyone has the ability to connect with their own healing energy and use it to strengthen energy in themselves and help others. It is believed that a person’s “ki” or energy should be strong and free-flowing. When this is true a person’s body and mind are in a positive state of health. When the energy becomes weak or blocked it could lead to symptoms of physical or emotional imbalance.
What Is a Reiki Therapy Session Like?
A Reiki session can help ease tension and stress and can help support the body to facilitate an environment for healing on all levels – physical, mental, and emotional. A session is pleasant and relaxing and is often utilized for one’s personal wellness.
The Benefits of Reiki Therapy
According to practitioners, the healing effects are mediated by channeling the universal energy known as qi, pronounced “chi.” In India, this is known as “prana.” This is the same energy involved in tai chi exercise. It is the life force energy that some believe surrounds all of us.
This energy is said to permeate the body. Reiki experts point out that, while this energy is not measurable by modern scientific techniques, it can be felt by many who tune in to it.
Reiki is alleged to aid relaxation, assist in the body’s natural healing processes, and develop emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.
It is also said to induce deep relaxation, help people cope with difficulties, relieve emotional stress, and improve overall wellbeing.
People who receive Reiki describe it as “intensely relaxing.”
Conditions that Reiki has been used to help treat include:
- cancer
- heart disease
- anxiety
- depression
- chronic pain
- infertility
- neurodegenerative disorders
- autism
- Crohn’s disease
- fatigue syndromes
According to the University of Minnesota, patients who have undergone a Reiki session may say:
- “I feel very refreshed and seem to be thinking more clearly.”
- “I think I fell asleep.”
- “I can’t believe how hot your hands got!”
- “I feel more relaxed than even after a massage.”
- “My headache is gone.”
Cancer patients who have Reiki say they feel better after. This may be because it helps them relax. Another reason, according to Cancer Research U.K. could be that the therapist spends time with them and touches them. This has a soothing effect on patients who may be overwhelmed by invasive therapy, fear, and stress.
Individuals report different experiences. Some say that the practitioner’s hands become hot, others report cooling hands and some people feel pulsating waves. The most common reports are of a release of stress and deep relaxation.
