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 REIKI

What is it?
DEFINITION AND EXPLANATION OF REIKI
Reiki is a Japanese term meaning universal life energy.  The word reiki comes from the word “rei” meaning “free passage” and “ki” meaning “essential life force energy.”  Reiki uses the life energy innate in the individual to promote healing and wellness.  It is a holistic healing system utilizing hands-on approaches to improve physical, mental, and spiritual health.

Reiki views the flow of life force in and around the body as intimately connected to physical, emotional and mental health. This energy can be responsive to thoughts and feelings. Conscious or unconscious negative thoughts or beliefs may disrupt the flow of energy, believed to eventually become impairing to the function of our body's organs and cells. 

Reiki practitioners use specific techniques and symbols to channel energy into the client's energy field. This infusion of energy raises the vibratory level in and around their body, causing the negative energy to break apart and fall away so order and health can be restored.  

What is it used for?
CONDITIONS REIKI MAY HELP
Reiki can help balance the energy in the body and maximize its functions.  It is commonly used for stress reduction, wellness, emotional healing, and for any type of ailment, condition or sickness.  Reiki is known to improve the results of medical treatments, reduce negative side-effects as well as healing time, and help to decrease and/or eliminate pain and stress.  It is now used in medical treatment facilities and is accepted widely as an adjunct therapy in hospitals and clinics. 

Where did it come from?
HISTORY OF REIKI
The exact origins of reiki are unknown, but are thought by many to be rooted in Tibetan tantric spiritual practices from several thousand years ago.  

Dr. Mikao Usui is credited with founding the practice of reiki after two decades spent studying the healing phenomena of history's spiritual leaders and ancient sutras.  During his studies he became aware of sounds and symbols connected directly to the body that help galvanize the healing process of universal life energy.

It is thought that, during a time of personal crisis, Usui underwent a metaphysical experience during a 21-day retreat at theTendai Buddhist temple on the holy Mount Kurama near Kyoto.  This experience is thought to have empowered him to use the ancient sounds and symbols he had learned of in his studies for healing. He taught reiki throughout Japan until his death in 1926.

Reiki was begun and practiced by many distinguished masters before finally being introduced to the Western world in the mid-1970s.  Since then, it has spread to thousands of practitioners worldwide, and several different forms are practiced.

What is it based on?
THEORY OF REIKI
Reiki energy is regarded as life energy at its maximum vibration, and is not divided into positive and negative. The recipient of reiki subconsciously chooses the amount of life energy to be received and the areas of the body where it should be directed.

Reiki is transmitted from master to student in a process called "initiation" or "attunement."  This process is said to open the crown, heart, and palm chakras to create a special link between the student and the reiki source. The reiki master serves to connect with a high power to stimulate the innate healing power residing within the student.

While an initiation is not required for Reiki, it does assist the individual in accessing the universal life energy, which can then be utilized rather than his own life energy.  An initiation may allow the recipient a greater capacity for using Reiki energy with no associated tiredness in addition to providing protection against any negative manifestations.

How is it done?
WHAT A REIKI SESSION IS LIKE
Though reiki may be done in any position, treatments are usually done on a massage table with the client fully clothed. The practitioner places their hands on or near the client, which allows energy to flow. The energy is then directed to any areas of need, as well as around the stomach, feet, head and shoulders. Sessions generally last from 45-90 minutes. 

Many recipients report feeling deeply relaxed and sense a warm, radiance surrounding them during a session. Some recipients may also experience altered states of consciousness or even spiritual encounters.  Some people fall into a peaceful sleep. Others attain a state of deep peace as tension, fear, and negativity release.  Following reiki, many clients experience a peaceful, balanced, and harmonious state.

Who does it?
REIKI PRACTITIONERS 
Reiki is taught in three levels, or degrees, generally by a teacher that has gained reiki “master” status. In Level I or the First Degree, the participant receives initiation to the reiki energy by the reiki master. This guides the person toward greater healing power, and teaches the student how to do full body treatments on self and others.

Level II or Second Degree Reiki involves a stronger reiki energy.  This primarily involves learning the sounds and symbols used in advanced reiki bodywork and absentee healing.

In Level III or Third Degree Reiki the individual attains third-level empowerment and the “final symbol”.  This form is practiced mainly for personal growth and learning, and completion of this level enables an individual to teach Level I Reiki.