What is Reiki? The Benefits, Method and Background of This Universal Life Energy Technique Explained
by www.SixWise.com
Reiki, a Japanese healing technique, is gaining popularity
in the United States as more and more people seek natural
treatments for the mind and body.
Composed of two Japanese words -- Rei, which means "God's
wisdom or the Higher Power," and Ki, which is "life
force energy" -- reiki is often interpreted to mean "universal
life energy."
During a Reiki session the practitioner places his
or her hands on or over the client's body, delivering
healing energy that breaks up negative blockages and
restores positive energy flow.
|
This ancient form of energy healing is based on the idea
that we all have an invisible "life force energy"
(or Ki) that flows through our bodies and causes us to be
alive. This energy, however, is often disrupted by our own
negative thoughts and feelings (both conscious and unconscious
ones). If your Ki becomes too low, you are at an increased
risk of becoming stressed out, sick, tired and unhappy.
"Ki is flowing in everything that is alive including
plants, animals and humans. When a person's Ki is high, they
will feel strong, confident, and ready to enjoy life and take
on its challenges. When it is low, they will feel weak and
are more likely to get sick," says William Lee Rand,
founder and president of The International Center for Reiki
Training.
How Does Reiki Work?
Reiki (pronounced "ray-kee") is a gentle, hands-on
technique in which a practitioner channels the healing energy
through their hands and into the client.
The energy naturally flows where the negative thoughts and
feelings are attached, thereby clearing any blockages and
restoring a normal flow of energy. In other words, Reiki clears
and heals the clouded energy pathways and allows the life
force to flow through again.
"As Reiki flows through a sick or unhealthy area, it
breaks up and washes away any negative thoughts or feelings
lodged in the unconscious mind/body thus allowing a normal
healthy flow of Ki to resume. As this happens, the unhealthy
physical organs and tissues become properly nourished with
Ki and begin functioning in a balanced healthy way thus replacing
illness with health," Rand explains.
It's said that anyone can perform Reiki, but you first
must be attuned to the energy by training with a Reiki
Master.
|
While it is possible to be born with the ability to use Reiki,
most people must first be attuned to it (by training with
an experienced Reiki Master) before they can channel it to
someone else.
Reiki Benefits to the Mind and Body
Reiki is most commonly used as a tool for stress reduction
and relaxation, but its benefits seem to extend much further.
Scientific studies regarding Reiki are still few and far between,
but those that have been done, along with a host of client
testimonials, have found that Reiki:
-
Helps relieve pain
-
Eases the symptoms of depression and anxiety
-
Alleviates the symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis, lupus, fibromyalgia
and thyroid goiter
-
Promotes better sleep
-
Reduces blood pressure
-
Instills peace in terminally ill cancer patients
-
Creates deep relaxation in the body and helps relieve
stress
-
Supports the immune system
-
Helps the body to rid itself of toxins
-
Helps the body to recover after surgery and chemotherapy,
and reduces some drug side effects
"A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance
that flows through and around you. Reiki treats the whole
person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating
many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings
of peace, security and well-being. Many have reported miraculous
results," according to the International Center for Reiki
Training.
Meanwhile, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative
Medicine (NCCAM) is sponsoring scientific studies to find
out more about how Reiki works and how it may help with various
diseases.
Where Can You Find a Reiki Practitioner?
Reiki is offered at many locations across the country, including
hospitals for cancer patients, emergency rooms, nursing homes,
hospices, OB/GYN units and health spas, but you can also find
individual Reiki practitioners.
If you are interested in giving it a try, check out this
directory
of Reiki practitioners. You can also do a "Google"
search online to find others.
Though Reiki is thought to be safe, NCCAM suggests not using
it as a replacement for conventional medical care, discussing
the technique with your health care provider before proceeding
and talking with the Reiki practitioner about their experience
and/or training.
Recommended Reading
The
Healing Power of Silence
Does
Chicken Soup Have Healing Powers?
Sources
The International
Center for Reiki Training
The
Sun News January 11, 2007