A Brief Overview of Reiki Healing
Reiki is a Japanese energy healing technique for stress reduction and relaxation that enhances the body’s natural healing response. Energy healing is based on the idea that an unseen “life force energy” flows through us and is what allows us to be alive. This energy is referred to by different names: chi or qi in Chinese culture, ki in Japanese, and prana in Indian. Other Westernized names may include life force energy, spirit, universe, divine love, creator, higher self, or even god.
Our bodies are constantly working to maintain a state of homeostasis and health. Reiki or energy healing can help boost this process. During times of stress, our energy (chi) may become low which can make us more susceptible to illness (a state of dis-ease) or feel drained. When this energy is high, we are more likely to be happy and healthy. This can be equated to the notion of “feeling stuck” vs “in the flow.”
A Simple Visual Explanation of Reiki
Here’s a little visual that I’ve been using in my Reiki classes. Imagine you have a jar of water with some mud in it (this is us). Shake that jar up and the water becomes muddy (less chi flowing through the body). Depending on what is going on in our life and what emotions or tension we may be holding onto, this may be more or less muddy. Now visualize a jar with crystal clear water (this is the Reiki Energy). Pour this pure water into the jar with the muddy water and notice that as the water overflows, it also becomes clearer. The more pure water we pour, the clearer the water becomes (more chi flowing through the body). Many of my students have found that this simple view of Reiki helps them understand the overall concept of energy healing.
Reiki is typically taught and practiced from either a traditional or Westernized perspective. Traditionally, the focus of Reiki is as a spiritual practice, with enlightenment being the desired goal. Whereas the Westernized versions tend to more popular and approached primarily as a hands-on healing modality involving chakra work.
The Reiki Attunement
In order for Reiki energy to flow, one needs to take a class and be “attuned” to the energy. This opens the connection to the Reiki energy so it can be channeled. Working with a Reiki Master and receiving the attunement process is one aspect that distinguishes Reiki from other forms of energy healing.
The Reiki Precepts
Another aspect that makes it different are the five precepts or principles which form the foundation that Reiki is based on:
Do not anger.
Do not worry.
Be grateful.
Be true to your way and your being.
Show compassion to yourself and others.
By incorporating the precepts and creating a daily self-practice of Reiki, we grow into the best version of ourselves; healthy, balanced and authentic. From here we are better able to help others.
Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of spiritual healing and self-improvement that everyone can benefit from. It also works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery.
Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind, and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and wellness.