Reiki, the gentle Art of Healing

What is Reiki?

Reiki is a Japanese word meaning spiritual life energy.  It is a gentle method of hands-on-healing that taps into the body’s energy systems to clear any imbalances and to support good health and well-being.

Reiki addresses both chronic and acute conditions by gently and powerfully promoting balance among all the body’s systems and stimulates the normal regenerative processes of the body and mind.  What is in excess, Reiki lessens (like pain). What is lacking, Reiki increases and fills.  It puts your physical body in the best condition to promote healing. When people are anxious, Reiki relaxes them. When they are in pain, Reiki can reduce or eliminate it. When people are emotionally upset, Reiki can calm them and balance their emotions so that they can see their situation and problems more clearly. So one can say that Reiki restores and balances one’s physical, mental, and emotional energies.

What is a Reiki Session Like?

A session is one hour long. To receive Reiki, most people lie on a Reiki table fully clothed, so wear comfortable clothing.  The technique is so adaptable that you can receive Reiki in almost any setting, in a chair or hospitable bed, and through casts and bandages.

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. The Reiki practitioner moves through specific standard Reiki hand positions beginning at your head or feet, or individually tailor’s the session to your needs and condition. The universal life energy flows, not from the practitioner but rather through the practitioner to you. You will receive the energy you need to bring your mind and body into balance. Though Reiki techniques appear simple, the effects can feel profound. Most people experience deep relaxation. You may also feel tingling, pulsing, a feeling of warmth and comfort, or you may fall asleep.

 

Reiki in Health Care

Used by a rapidly growing number of hospitals throughout the US and the world, Reiki complements medical treatments, natural therapies and physical or massage therapy. Reiki is appropriate for patients in any state of health and is easily practiced in all hospital environments from outpatient clinic to intensive care.

Hospitals such as the Tucson Medical Center, ST. Luke’s Hospital in San Francisco and St. Mary Medical Center in Langhorne, PA have teams of Reiki practitioners available for a full range of patients, including those with cancer or recovering from surgery.

Reiki is gentle enough to offer support and reduce the discomforts of pregnant women and can help ease the pain of childbirth. Reiki is also used in hospice care where ability to reduce pain and anxiety for both patient and family members is greatly appreciated.

Recent Research

Medical researchers, including studies at the NIH, which have focused on verifying the effects of Reiki, are impressive. Studies of Reiki show significant reduction in pain, including cancer pain, following treatment. One study cited improvement in immune and nervous system function and increased mobility in patients with conditions such as multiple sclerosis, lupus and fibromyalgia. At Columbia/HCA Portsmouth Regional Hospital in Portsmouth, NH, surgical patients who receive Reiki pre- and post surgery decrease their use of pain medications and stayed for shorter periods of recovery time.  

Reiki Classes

Reiki is usually taught in three levels. Each level builds upon the other and increases one’s ability to hold and channel this life force energy.  In the 1^st level, you learn how to use Reiki on yourself and others.  At the 2^nd level, different tools are taught to focus your intent and build personal practice.  In the 3^rd level, you learn how to perform attunements and pass the system on to others.

Many times a client, after experiencing Reiki treatments, will wish to learn Reiki to treat themselves by taking a Reiki I course. This can be beneficial and can sometimes provide the number of treatments that are recommended for a more serious condition/issue when cost would prohibit it otherwise. A Reiki I class is a great gift to give yourself.