Overview

Reiki is a system of natural hands-on healing originating in Japan. Reiki means "Universal Life Energy", the vital energy around and within all living things. There is no belief system attached to Reiki so anyone can receive or learn to give a Reiki treatment, the only prerequisite is the desire to be healed. It is possible to heal at any level of being - physical, mental, emotional or spiritual.

History

Reiki is the name given to a system of natural healing which evolved in Japan from the experience and dedication of Dr Mikao Usui (d. 1926). Fired by a burning question, Dr Usui was inspired to develop this healing system from ancient teachings after many years of study, research and meditation. He spent the rest of his life practising and teaching Reiki.

Today Reiki continues to be taught by Reiki Masters who have trained in the tradition passed down from Master to student.

Benefits

Reiki supports all forms of treatment both orthodox and complementary.

It is possible to heal at any level of being: physical, mental, emotional or spiritual. Acute injuries can be helped to heal very quickly but more chronic illness takes longer. In some cases such as terminal illness, there is not enough time for the progress of the disease to be reversed. However, in such cases there is usually great benefit and enhancement of the quality of life giving a sense of peace and acceptance during the time remaining.

Reiki healing can be given anywhere at any time as no special equipment is needed. The practitioner is a channel through which the energy is drawn by the need or imbalance in the recipient. Neither person has to use any effort of will or concentration during this process.

As running water smoothes the jagged edges of a rock until it is small enough to roll away, Reiki flows to the areas of need, soothing pain and supporting the body's natural ability to heal itself. Reiki restores balance in one's life.

Procedure

The method of receiving a Reiki treatment from a practitioner is a very simple process. The recipient simply lies on a couch and relaxes. If they are unable to lie down the treatment can be given in a sitting position, the main thing is for the recipient to be as comfortable as possible. There is no need to remove any clothing as Reiki will pass through anything, even plaster casts.

The practitioner gently places their hands non-intrusively in a sequence of positions which cover the whole body. The whole person is treated rather than specific symptoms.

A full treatment usually takes 1 to 1½ hours with each position held for several minutes.

Source of information: The Reiki Association