A couple of friends have asked me about Reiki recently, asking what it is and how it works. Now, I am still learning so far be it for me to comment as an expert, but I thought I would give some background to it that I have already learned.
There is a universal life force energy in and around all life on earth, Reiki is the Japanese word for universal life force. This I have believed myself for many years before I became aware of Reiki. Reiki, Tai Chi and Feng Shui are some of the disciplines that have achieved the ability to move the flow of this energy.
It was Dr. Mikao Usui that developed the Usui Shiki Rhoyo method of healing. Whilst near to death with cholera in Tokyo, he had a spiritual experience, which inspired him to study the ancient teachings of his ancestors. After many years of study, he found references to an ancient form of healing, which gave the knowledge of how to practice this method of healing, revealing formulas and symbols.
Dr. Usui now had the knowledge to practice healing but needed to know how to turn this into reality. He decided to go on a 21 day meditation retreat on the holy mountain of Kurama, here he received a vision showing him the same symbols he had found earlier. He knew these were the keys to unlock the healing. Dr. Usui repeated this meditation 5 times throughout his life, during one of these he was enlightened with the 5 principles of Reiki.
The 5 principles are what I practice daily, they are:
* Just for today I will be free from worry
* Just for today I will be free from anger
* Just for today I will be work honestly
* Just for today I will be kind to all living things
* Just for today I will count my blessings
There are 7 main energy centres in the body, called Chakras, which control the flow of universal life force. Obviously blockages in the Chakras result in energy not being used where needed. Reiki re-opens the Chakras, restores balance and the flow of energy.
What to expect from a Reiki treatment
Reiki is a non-invasive experience where the practitioner channels energy through their hands to balance the Chakras and promote relaxation. You will lie down on a treatment bed or sit in a chair, fully clothed. The practitioner will then place their hands on the body, or hover slightly above, moving across the body to target the energy centres.
Sensations you may feel:
* A warmth or tingling sensation where the hands are placed
* Heaviness or lightness in the body
* Feeling very relaxed as in a meditative state or feeling sleepy
* Feeling emotional, either teary or a feeling of release
I have personally fallen asleep, usually feel warmth where hands are placed, and lightness in my lower arms as if they are floating. You can of course feel nothing at all, the energy is still working and being directed to where needed. I suffer with fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis, and regular sessions of Reiki have greatly helped me with my pain levels. I also feel much calmer.
Reiki is a complementary practice, and although it can be used alongside most medical issues, it should never be used instead of professional medical treatment.
