Reiki

Disclaimer: This information is in no way intended to be a substitute for modern medical care. Do not self-treat any medical complaint without the guidance of a licensed health care provider.

      Reiki (ray-key) is a practice based on the theory that all people carry within them a positive life energy. Reiki means universal life energy. The technique was re-discovered by the Japanese monk Mikao Usui in the nineteenth century from his reading of ancient Sanskrit writings. Usui passed on his knowledge, training "masters" to channel this universal energy through their own bodies as well as the bodies of others. Reiki is a spiritual, but not considered a religion.
      The practitioner balances and enhances your vital energy; in the case of illness or general malaise, the energy is believed to be healing. To do this, the Reiki practitioner places his/her hands over major organs or chakras thought to be the centers of energy. It is believed that the resulting harmonious balance aids the body in healing itself. The warmth of the energy flow is felt during the session by both the practitioner and recipient, and both receive the healing energy of Reiki.

The Proper Preparations

  1. Go to the bathroom before a Reiki treatment for an uninterrupted, stress-free session.
  2. Put on comfortable clothing to feel relaxed and allow your energy to flow and any blockages to be released.
  3. Close your eyes and relax completely. Take even, deep breaths.
  4. Focus on your center, which is located just below your navel, and sense the natural energy flow of your body.
The Treatment
      When you seek treatment, select a certified Reiki practitioner. On average, a session lasts 30-60 minutes. Often, more than one application is necessary to achieve improvement of the problem. Many spas or wellness centers offer Reiki services, check local newspapers for introductory classes.

The Effect
      Rei is the universal life energy, and ki is the part of the energy that flows through all living things. Reiki theory teaches that this energy runs through special channels, called chakras, in our bodies. When these channels become blocked, treatment can re-open them, so that vital energy can move again through the entire body and the self-healing process can be stimulated. The effect of Reiki is often strongly dependent on the trust of the person who is undergoing the treatment, if they resist the energy, they don't benefit from it as much.

What does mainstream medicine say?
      Reiki methods are beginning to be recognized by conventional medicine. They are, however, considered "alternative" procedures and have been associated with spiritual healing. Its relaxing effect, however, isn't refuted.

Self-treatment with Reiki
      Reiki has great potential for self-treatment. However, you must first train with a master-level Reiki practitioner. You can find intensive and weekend courses in Reiki offered through many continuing education and alternative health programs. Once you have learned this laying on of hands method, you can use Reiki to help improve your health, protect yourself against illness and continuously supply yourself with strength and energy.
      When you work on yourself, follow the guidelines for preparation in order to be as relaxed and receptive as possible. Self-treatment with Reiki can assist the body in dealing with stressful situations, calming nerves and normalizing a racing pulse. There is virtually no illness, ailment or complaint that can not be treated with Reiki.

Hand Positions for Treatment
  1. Positions on the head
    Place your hands on the forehead, eyes and cheeks for headaches and tired eyes; on the back of the head for pressure in the head and to improve concentration; on the side and front of the neck for sore throats.
  2. Positions on the back
    Place your hands where the neck meets the shoulders for shoulder tension; on the cervical vertebrae for neck muscle pain; over the kidneys for kidney and urinary-tract problems; and on the hips for low back pain.
  3. Fundamental positions
    Place your hands under the breasts for digestion problems; at waist level for diarrhea or constipation; on the heart to normalize blood pressure; one hand on the stomach and one hand below the navel for nervousness and insomnia.
  4. Group healing
    In group healing, one person places his/her hands on the receiver's head, acting as the director, while the others work on the lower positions.

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Sources:
      All information provided in this article is the result of research using (but not limited to) the following books and guides: Herbs for Health and Healing, Rodale; Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Scott Cunningham; Magical Herbalism, Scott Cunningham; The Complete Guide to Natural Healing, International Masters Publishers; Earthway, Mary Summer Rain; Teach Yourself Herbs, Susie White; Natural Beauty from the Garden, Janice Cox; Nature's Prescriptions, Editors of FC&A Medical Publishing, and The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies, Joe Graedon and Theresa Graedon, Ph.D