Reiki

REIKI                                                                                               

Reiki , a Japanese system of energy healing was developed by Dr. Mikao Usui.  Reiki is not massage therapy, but often massage therapists learn Reiki .  There are training levels that lead up to a Reiki Master.   Massage therapists often will combine Reiki therapy and their massage patterns to increase healing results.   Reiki is practiced in different ways.  The Reiki healing system is based on oriental and Indian beliefs that include energy centers in the body known as chakras.   There are seven major chakra centers in the body.   Imbalances in these centers may indicate potential health problems.  In the hands of a Reiki practitioner, problem areas may feel cool, “full” or warm.   Clients may already hold discomfort and can tell the practitioner where more work is needed.   Energy healing has been used world wide for thousands of years.  Reiki treatments are one hundred percent safe; they do not incur any side effects or injuries.   Clients describe different sensations.   Many feel deeply relaxed, warm, some feel a gentle tingling.  Energy work involves simple touching rather than stroking.   Reiki practitioners may choose to use non-touch.   The therapist always uses both hands, either merely resting them in specific places, or rhythmically moving them across the body.   These movements are designed to release obstructions to the free flow of energy through the body, allowing the person to return to a healthy energy state.                                            

HISTORY OF ENERGY WORK                                                           

In looking back, the underlying principle of Asian bodywork as well as those in the Middle East, and ancient India, all the traditions believe in a subtle form of life energy that permeates the body and gives it health, and the understanding that disease is a result of obstruction to the flow of energy.   Through modern physiology we can see that these seven chakras correspond exactly to the seven main nerve ganglia which emanate from the spinal column.  The Japanese practice of Reiki –rei ,meaning spiritual wisdom and ki, energy- developed in the early 20^th century making it a relatively new form of energy work.   All the principles are based on energy flows along a pathway in the body.   Certain points (chakras or meridians) control corresponding areas of the body.   Reiki practitioners take classes to achieve “ attunement” so they can properly work with these energy pathways thus effecting the client’s energy.  Different skill levels, divide the practitioners into three categories, level one is Reiki practitioner, level two is a Reiki practitioner two, and the third level is Master Reiki.                                                       

WHAT TO EXPECT                                                                                 

Reiki treatments generally begin at the head and work through the seven different chakras.   The hand placements are in a pattern that coincides with the seven major chakras or energy centers of the physical body.   The energy of healing is sent through the channels of the practitioner into the client.   During this treatment you will remain in your clothing, there is no need for skin contact because the energy field emanates beyond our bodies.   Treatments vary in length of time depending on the practitioner.   It is commonly used for stress disorders, pain management and is being researched in numerous diseases including cancer.   Depending on the client and the illness being treated you may see results immediately or over a period of extended time.  Clients need to be sure they are seeing a certified Reiki practitioner.   Energy work isn’t something you have to believe in and anyone open to the idea of receiving these treatments may want to themselves study Reiki.