I have to admit, I have very little experience with the healing technique known as reiki.
I’m curious, to be sure, but I’ve never had a reiki treatment in my life.
Sure, I’ve treated myself to massages, and even a facial or two here and there. But, a reiki treatment?
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Never.
Which is why I wanted to do a bit of exploration on the subject matter. It’s certainly not as popular as other healing modalities, but who knows?
Maybe its time has come…
Read on to find out why and how reiki works, and how it can help heal your energy.
What is Reiki?
Reiki is a form of energy healing that originated in Japan. “Ki” is the same as chi, or prana, as we call it in yoga.
As many of you know, these words translate to ‘life force energy.’
This is the life force energy we all have within us.
Then there’s the energy of the universe—the energy in the external world. The ‘rei’ part of reiki stands for this universal energy.
So, reiki, when translated, means universal life force energy.
This form of energy healing’s primary goal is to give the client more life force energy in order for the body to work its innate healing powers more effectively. (Learn more in Is Your Chi Blocked?)
Why is Reiki Relevant Today?
In this fast-paced modern world, we’re all running on empty.
Unless we’re practicing yoga and meditating in some blissed out natural environment day in and day out, our internal life force (prana) is likely running low.
When we are depleted, burnt out, and run down, it’s really hard for our bodies to work the healing magic they’re capable of.
This is where reiki comes in.
Reiki’s believed to restore this life force energy when it’s become drained and depleted. As such, reiki is the perfect energetic healing modality for the pressures of modern life. (Learn more in 10 Reasons Reiki Can Up-level Your Yoga Practice.)
What to Expect During a Reiki Session
If you’re wondering what happens during a reiki session, you’re not alone.
Most of us have no idea what goes on behind the reiki scenes, so to speak. I know I didn’t.
What I’ve learned is that like a massage, the client lies down, typically on his or her back—fully clothed, and covered with a sheet or blanket.
It can also be performed with the client sitting in a chair, fully clothed and uncovered. This is referred to as chair reiki.
A reiki treatment can last anywhere from a half hour to two hours depending upon what you and your trained reiki practitioner deem appropriate for you.
The reiki healer will use his or her hands to create and move energy—hovering them or lightly resting them over various parts of the body—those believed to be energetic centers for healing to take place.
These centers are located in the areas associated with the primary organs of the body, the primary energy centers, or chakras, of the body, and the main meridians (or nadis) of the body.
The nadis are the energetic channels through which energy flows.
Because these healing areas are located in various places all over the body, you can expect your practitioner’s healing hands to work their magic over the feet, legs, belly, arms, hands, and head.
And of course, you are at a reiki session for you.
So, if there’s any area of your body you don’t want to be touched, simply let your energy healer know. She’ll follow your wishes with your healing and comfort in mind. (Learn more in Pranic Energy: Can It Heal What Ails You?)
Is Reiki Safe?
Yes, reiki is completely safe. There’s never been an incident reported to the contrary. There are even scientific studies supporting its efficacy.
But, more important than scientific proof, is experiential proof.
You are your body’s best advocate, and only you know what’s right for you.
Therefore, always try something and see how it affects your body and mind.
Go into a reiki session with an open mind and heart.
Pay attention to how you feel. Pay attention to the sensations that arise in your body. When you attune to the needs of your body, and listen to its signals, you’ll know if reiki is right for you. (Learn more in The Roots of Suffering: Sprouted From the Mind, Healed by the Heart.)
In Conclusion
Since reiki aims to promote healing by stimulating the life force energy (prana) within, it’s not unlike yoga.
The difference is, there’s a healer working with their hands, rather than you working with your breath, body, and intention.
You may find, however, that reiki complements your yoga practice beautifully.
There are times when we all need someone else to help with our healing. Sometimes, it’s not enough to do it on our own. (Learn more in Unlock the Stress in Your Body With Healing Yoga Techniques.)
If you’re interested in giving reiki a try, by all means do!
However, always seek out a highly-trained professional—someone with credentials. You’ll no doubt feel better about your experience knowing your healer is experienced and well-trained.
[Strengthen your body's healing energy with this reiki bracelet.]
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