Many ancient cultures embrace the belief that life energy flows through the body, deeply affecting our entire being. Current research strongly suggests that energy does extend throughout and beyond the physical body, and that disruptions or imbalances in its flow correlate to physical, mental, and emotional illness. The healing art of Reiki (pronounced "RAY-key") addresses these imbalances to support your good health and well-being.
What is Reiki?
Reiki is a Japanese word meaning universal life energy. It is a gentle method of hands-on healing that taps into the energy referred to as Ki in Japan, chi in China, and prana in India. Reiki was developed in the early 1900's by Mikao Usui in Japan. It is an art that is passed from Master to student. The term "Reiki" is used to describe both the energy and the Usui system of using it.
Reiki is not massage, hypnosis or a tool for diagnosing illness. Reiki is a technique that addresses both chronic and acute conditions, gently and powerfully promoting balance among all the body's systems and the regenerative processes of body and mind.
The purpose of a Reiki healing treatment is to increase the body's energies and clear any blockages that might exist. Reiki is usually transferred with the practitioner's hands resting gently above the body in areas corresponding to the various energy centers (chakras) of the body.
What can I expect?
To receive Reiki, most people lie on a table fully clothed, so wear comfortable clothing. The technique is so adaptable that you can receive it in almost any setting, in a chair or hospital bed, and through casts and bandages.
Practitioners routinely follow a series of hand positions, but can place their hands anywhere you would like them to, for example over an injury or other area of discomfort. The teachings say that universal energy flows, not from the practitioner but rather through the practitioner, to you. You will receive the amount of energy you need to bring your mind and body into balance.
A recipient may experience a wide range of sensations during a Reiki session such as gentle tingling, pulsing, heat, cold, visual sensations, nothing at all, or you may fall asleep. Although Reiki techniques appear simple, the effects can feel profound. Most people experience deep relaxation.
Results can be subtle. Some recipients say they feel little during the session, but afterwards enjoy a sense of calm and well-being, and a deep, restful sleep. Just because one may not feel anything after a treatment doesn't mean nothing is happening; the healing is taking place on a level other than the physical. It is possible that you could experience powerful sensations or emotions during or after a session. Your practitioner will want to hear about your responses to the degree you are comfortable sharing them.
What can be treated with Reiki?
Reiki is both powerful and gentle. In its long history of use it has aided in healing virtually every known illness and injury including serious problems like: multiple sclerosis, heart disease, and cancer as well as skin problems, cuts, bruises, broken bones, headache, colds, flu, sore throat, sunburn, fatigue, insomnia, impotence, poor memory, lack of confidence, etc. It is always beneficial and works to improve the effectiveness of all other types of therapy.
Some other benefits of Reiki are:
If a client has a health condition, and wants to be treated with Reiki, it is recommended that they do so under the supervision of an enlightened medical doctor or other health care professional. Reiki will improve the results of all medical treatment, acting to reduce negative side effects, shorten healing time, reduce or eliminate pain, reduce stress, and help create optimism.
Reiki in Health Care
Used by a rapidly growing number of hospitals all over the world, Reiki complements medical treatment, psychological counseling and 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.
Many hospitals have Reiki practitioners available to a range of patients, including those with cancer or recovering from surgery. It is especially appreciated in hospice care due to its ability to alleviate pain and anxiety for both patient and family members.
Recent Research
Studies of Reiki show significant reduction of pain, including cancer pain, following treatment. Patients also report increased feeling of relaxation and a sense of well-being. 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 Portsmouth Regional Hospital in New Hampshire, surgical patients decreased their used of pain medications, stayed for shorter periods, and reported increased satisfaction with pre and post surgical Reiki sessions.
Reiki is a Japanese word meaning universal life energy. It is a gentle method of hands-on healing that taps into the energy referred to as Ki in Japan, chi in China, and prana in India. Reiki was developed in the early 1900's by Mikao Usui in Japan. It is an art that is passed from Master to student. The term "Reiki" is used to describe both the energy and the Usui system of using it.
Reiki is not massage, hypnosis or a tool for diagnosing illness. Reiki is a technique that addresses both chronic and acute conditions, gently and powerfully promoting balance among all the body's systems and the regenerative processes of body and mind.
The purpose of a Reiki healing treatment is to increase the body's energies and clear any blockages that might exist. Reiki is usually transferred with the practitioner's hands resting gently above the body in areas corresponding to the various energy centers (chakras) of the body.
What can I expect?
To receive Reiki, most people lie on a table fully clothed, so wear comfortable clothing. The technique is so adaptable that you can receive it in almost any setting, in a chair or hospital bed, and through casts and bandages.
Practitioners routinely follow a series of hand positions, but can place their hands anywhere you would like them to, for example over an injury or other area of discomfort. The teachings say that universal energy flows, not from the practitioner but rather through the practitioner, to you. You will receive the amount of energy you need to bring your mind and body into balance.
A recipient may experience a wide range of sensations during a Reiki session such as gentle tingling, pulsing, heat, cold, visual sensations, nothing at all, or you may fall asleep. Although Reiki techniques appear simple, the effects can feel profound. Most people experience deep relaxation.
Results can be subtle. Some recipients say they feel little during the session, but afterwards enjoy a sense of calm and well-being, and a deep, restful sleep. Just because one may not feel anything after a treatment doesn't mean nothing is happening; the healing is taking place on a level other than the physical. It is possible that you could experience powerful sensations or emotions during or after a session. Your practitioner will want to hear about your responses to the degree you are comfortable sharing them.
What can be treated with Reiki?
Reiki is both powerful and gentle. In its long history of use it has aided in healing virtually every known illness and injury including serious problems like: multiple sclerosis, heart disease, and cancer as well as skin problems, cuts, bruises, broken bones, headache, colds, flu, sore throat, sunburn, fatigue, insomnia, impotence, poor memory, lack of confidence, etc. It is always beneficial and works to improve the effectiveness of all other types of therapy.
Some other benefits of Reiki are:
- stress reduction
- increased sense of peace and well-being
- reduced depression and anxiety
- increased awareness, creativity and focus
- reduced pain
- negative patterns in your life may disappear
- it may make one's transition at the end of life more comfortable, less anxious.
If a client has a health condition, and wants to be treated with Reiki, it is recommended that they do so under the supervision of an enlightened medical doctor or other health care professional. Reiki will improve the results of all medical treatment, acting to reduce negative side effects, shorten healing time, reduce or eliminate pain, reduce stress, and help create optimism.
Reiki in Health Care
Used by a rapidly growing number of hospitals all over the world, Reiki complements medical treatment, psychological counseling and 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.
Many hospitals have Reiki practitioners available to a range of patients, including those with cancer or recovering from surgery. It is especially appreciated in hospice care due to its ability to alleviate pain and anxiety for both patient and family members.
Recent Research
Studies of Reiki show significant reduction of pain, including cancer pain, following treatment. Patients also report increased feeling of relaxation and a sense of well-being. 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 Portsmouth Regional Hospital in New Hampshire, surgical patients decreased their used of pain medications, stayed for shorter periods, and reported increased satisfaction with pre and post surgical Reiki sessions.