Reiki is an ancient therapy for relaxation and stress relief that promotes
healing. The therapeutic touch of Reiki involves clearing and enhancing energy according to the needs of your
body to bring it back into balance. It is both safe and gentle for all while never requiring disrobing, lotions,
oils, medications, supplements, or manipulation.
Pronounced "ray-key" which means Rei "spiritual" or "sacred " and ki
"energy." In Japanese these two kanji together are translated in the West to mean "Universal
Energy." Ki has the same meaning as Chi in Chinese, Prana in Sanskrit, and Ti or Ki in Hawaiian, however, whatever you
choose to call this energy it's the same vital life force of all living things. The basis of Reiki energy is
the understnding that when an individual's energy is low they are most vulnerable to illness.
Reiki was rediscovered by Dr. Mikao Usui in the mid-1800s through his search in
the mountains of Japan and renamed as the Usui Shiki Ryoho method of healing. The technique is basically the
same as that used by the Lamas of ancient Tibet, who are thought to have been the originators of the Reiki system
of healing. The Principles of Reiki, often referred to as the Principals, Percepts, Gokai, or Tenets, were
formulated by Dr. Usui with the intention that all who follow his teachings would adapt them to their daily life and in doing
so they would create a level of healing in themselves and others beyond that which one could concieve possible. In following
these principles and removing negative thoughts you will find that you are more open to heal and to being healed.
Reiki was passed on to Dr. Chugiro Hayashi after Dr. Usui's death and
later the teachings were introduced in the United States by Hawayo Takata around 1938. Currently there are well
over 200,000 Reiki practitioners within the United States alone and the original Gokai is still practiced daily
around the world.
Many hospitals have incorporated
Reiki into their patient care plans before and after procedures and have reported that while Reiki helps to promote healing
with fewer complications they often saw a decrease in the use of pain medication, a quicker recovery
time as well as a shorter hospital stay.
Reiki
is taught by practitioners who have been attuned, a procedure for preparing them so that they may be an open channel
for the energy by an individual who is a Reiki Master/Teacher (RMT). The ancient Reiki initiations open
the door to grace and a deepening connection with both self and spirit. They offer the gift of light. It has been
said that Reiki is like a very powerful light that fills each person illuminating the darkness within. The energy of
Reiki is so powerful that it inspires awe and yet it is so gentle that it feels like unconditional love.
Reiki helps to replenish your vital energy and strengthen the immune
system. At the same time Reiki helps with both acute and chronic illnesses by reducing and relieving stress.
Note: Reiki
is not a form of massage although it is often learned and combined with massage and other modalities by trained therapists
to enhance their sessions.
