Reiki, a complementary or alternative healthcare approach, is a Japanese energy healing technique that is used as a way to manage symptoms of a disease or illness and improve general well-being. The practitioner is believed to be able to successfully stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities.
History
In 1914, Matiji Kawakami, a Japanese therapist, is believed to have created a healing technique called Reiki Ryoho. In 1922, Mikao Usui Sensei, a successful businessman and journalist among his other professions, came up with his own technique which he discovered while practicing healing using Reiki energy. He named his technique Usui Reiki Ryoho. After the disastrous circumstances that developed during World War II, Reiki Ryoho fell into disuse and remained unknown, while Usui Reiki continued to be practiced and gained popularity. Several grandmasters of Reiki have passed on his traditions and methods to their students during the initiation process. Today, Reiki is practiced in many forms, however, the most widely practiced form is of the Usui System of Natural Healing.
What is Reiki?
The word Reiki comes from the Japanese word “Rei” which means “Universal Life” and “Ki” which means “Energy”. It is an art of subtle and effective spiritual healing using guided life force energy. Reiki practitioners work on the principle that everyone has the ability to connect with their own healing energy and use it to strengthen themselves and help others. When the “ki” or energy is strong and free-flowing, the person’s body is in a positive state of health, whereas, when the energy becomes weak or blocked, it could lead to physical or emotional imbalance.
A Reiki practitioner can help ease tension and stress and heal the body on all levels – physical, mental, and emotional – providing a pleasant and relaxing experience.
How does it work?
If you are a first-time client, the Reiki practitioner makes sure to understand your condition, your needs, and what you expect from the session. This will be followed by the practitioner explaining to you what a typical session looks like and the duration each extensive session will take.
During the session, you will be made to rest comfortably on a massage table on your back without your shoes or sit comfortably in a chair. The practitioner can carry out the session either hands-on, by applying a light touch, or hands-off by holding the hands slightly above the body. The practitioner will start the session either from your head or your feet. While undergoing Reiki, you might feel a warming sensation, or tingling throughout the session, or just a sense of relaxation which will make you feel pleasant, relaxed, and invigorated.
Benefits of Reiki
The relaxation response achieved post-Reiki has proven beneficial in easing the symptoms of the following conditions:
