What is Reiki?
Reiki is a Japanese healing technique used for stress reduction, relaxation and healing. It was discovered by Mikao Usui in 1922 and it has been around for almost 100 years now! It is applied by using non invasive, non manipulative touch. The client remains clothed, usually lying down and the practicioner places their hands on different areas of the body to stimulate relaxation and healing. The client usually feels a warm, calm energy during this time. A single session usually last about one hour. Reiki is not affiliated with any religions and it is compatible with all belief systems.
There are many positive effects described by those who have received reiki. After a session people report being more relaxed, having a clear mind, and feeling a deep sense of peace. There are also physical changes that take place during a reiki session. One such effect is the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest). Our bodies fluctuate between the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic system is our fight or flight response. This system increases our heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure and cortisol levels. The parasympathetic has the opposite effect lowering heart rate, blood pressure, cortisol levels and respiratory rates. It is a well known fact that when we enter the parasympathetic state our body begins to heal. This is the place where all healing takes place, Reiki is a great way to facilitate your bodies innate ability to heal.
The word Reiki itself comes from the Japanese kanji shown here. Rei means universal and ki means life force energy. Our ki or life force is more than just the physical body, it includes the energetic body as well.
Reiki is a form of biofield therapy This is based on the principle that energy and information surround living beings and these fields can be influenced by a practitioner to promote healing. Reiki is different than other therapies in this field because the healing doesn’t come directly from the practitioner rather through the practitioner from universal life energy which is the one life energy that flows through all. This technique releases blockages in the energetic system which helps to promote healing in the physical.
Today Reiki is accepted as a complementary healing technique in some hospitals, cancer support centers, drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers, and in palliative care across the planet. It is used in over 800 hospitals in the United States. Although the research is limited in this field there are several studies which have proven Reiki decreases pain, anxiety and healing time in patients.
Reiki is a wonderful way to better your life but dont take my word for it. The best way to discover if Reiki is for you is to try it out yourself and discover the positive effects for yourself.