Reiki is a form of alternative therapy commonly referred to as energy healing. It emerged in Japan in the late 1800’s and is said to involve the transfer of universal energy from the practitioner’s palms to their patient.
Energy healing has been used for centuries in various forms. Advocates say it works with the energy fields around the body.
Here are some key points about Reiki.
- Reiki is a form of energy therapy focused around the 7 Chakra that is in the body.
- It involves the transfer of energy by laying on hands.
- Reiki’s advocates say it can treat many conditions and emotional states.
The word “Reiki” means “mysterious atmosphere, miraculous sign.” It comes from the Japanese words “rei” (universal) and “ki” (life energy). Reiki is a type of energy healing.
Energy healing targets the energy fields around the body, energy can stagnate in the body where there has been physical injury or possibly emotional pain. In time, these energy blocks can cause illness.
Energy medicine aims to help the flow of energy and remove blocks in a similar way to acupuncture or acupressure. By improving the flow of energy around the body, practitioners can enable relaxation, reduce pain, speed healing, and reduce other symptoms of illness.
Reiki is best held in a peaceful setting, but it can be carried out anywhere. The patient will sit in a comfortable chair or lie on a table, fully clothed. There may or may not be music, depending on the patient’s preference.
The practitioner places their hands lightly on or over specific areas of the head, limbs, and torso using different hand shapes, for between 2 and 5 minutes. The hands can be placed over 20 different areas of the body.
If there is a particular injury, such as a burn, the hands may be held just above the wound.
While the practitioner holds their hands lightly on or over the body, the transfer of energy takes place. During this time, the practitioner’s hands may be warm and tingling. Each hand position is held until the practitioner senses that the energy has stopped flowing.
When the practitioner feels that the heat, or energy, in their hands has abated, they will remove their hands and may place them over a different area of the body.
How to prepare for your appointment
Wear clean, loose-fitting, comfortable clothing. You may wish to wear natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, or silk. Remove your shoes, jewellery, and glasses before your session, and keep your phone switched off or leave it behind.
What to expect after your appointment.
Drink plenty of water after your session. Some people feel calm, peaceful, or energized. You may also feel tired.
Distance Reiki
During Reiki training, practitioners learn about three symbols—one of which is the "distance symbol." When invoked, this symbol is thought to allow the practitioner to send healing Reiki energy across time and space.
The distance symbol is used to cross any distance in time or space. It allows practitioners to clear blockages from someone's past, as well as perform Reiki on someone who is not physically present. Distance Reiki works according to an ancient principle called the Hermetic Law of Similarity, which holds that we are all connected, as we are all made of energy and part of a larger whole. Invoking this law during a distance Reiki session allows the practitioner to link up to the energy field of the recipient.