Reiki is a spiritual healing art with its roots in Japanese origin. The word Reiki comes from the Japanese word (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 healing 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 is in a positive state of health. When the energy becomes weak or blocked it could lead to symptoms of physical or emotional imbalance.
A Reiki session can help ease tension and stress and can help support the body to facilitate healing on all levels – physical, mental, and emotional. A session is pleasant and relaxing and is often utilized for one’s personal wellness and not just for an illness.
**Reiki is not a substitute for regular medical care.
HISTORY
Reiki is believed to have begun in Tibet several thousand years ago. Dr. Mikao Usui, a Japanese educator in Kyoto, Japan, rediscovered the root system in the mid to late 1800’s. Dr. Usui did an extensive study over the period of twenty-one years of the healing phenomena of history’s greatest spiritual leaders as well as ancient systems that are linked directly to the human body and the nervous system which activate the universal life energy for healing.
After undergoing a metaphysical experience personally, he then began to instruct others on this form of healing he named Reiki and taught it until his death in 1926. His tradition and methods were passed through several grandmasters of Reiki. Today, Reiki takes many forms, however, The Usui System of Natural Healing is still the form most widely practiced. Practitioners and Master Teachers are trained through an initiation process where Masters pass on their knowledge and expertise to their students.
DESCRIPTION OF A TYPICAL SESSION
A session is usually 60 minutes long. The client will rest comfortably on a massage table or performed with the client sitting comfortably in a chair as well. Unlike massage therapy, no articles of clothing are removed; loose, comfortable clothing is suggested. A session can either be hands-on, where a Practitioner will apply a light touch during the session, or hands-off where they will hold their hands slightly above your body. If a client prefers not to be touched they can indicate this to the practitioner before they begin.
The session will then proceed with the Reiki Practitioner moving through specific standard Reiki hand positions beginning at the person’s head or feet. A recipient of Reiki might feel a warming sensation or a tingling during the session or nothing at all but sheer relaxation. The session should be very pleasant, relaxing and invigorating.
