Reiki (Ray-key) is a safe natural method of spiritual healing that is transmitted through the practitioner to the receiver. The word Reiki is a combination of two Japanese words that translate to “spiritually guided life force energy”. This life force energy is identified in many ways – the Divine, God, Christ, Spirit, Buddha, Mohammed, etc. No religious belief context is associated with Reiki; but it is practiced within a spiritual framework.
Reiki uses divine energy and not the energy of the practitioner to help balance body, mind and spirit. When these three aspects are balanced, healing can take place. As there is no physical manipulation of the body, Reiki is appropriate for treating all ages and conditions. A Reiki session feels like being in warm, gentle sunshine that surrounds you in peace and comfort. It is wonderful and powerful while being subtle and nurturing.
Although not a replacement for medical or mental health care, Reiki works in combination with medical and psychological therapies to help facilitate recovery and healing. It is a complimentary medicine that may help relieve excessive stress, promote deep relaxation, strengthen the immune system, reduce pain, alleviate symptoms and causes of illness, clear toxins from the body, allow more creative energy to flow, release suppressed feelings, heal relationships, and more.
There are many applications for Reiki. In addition to the more well known sessions given to people, it is very effective for animal companions of all shapes, sizes, and species. Animals love the warm sensation they get when receiving Reiki. It can help animals through the same difficulties that humans experience. I have found it particularly helpful with animals that have grief problems, joint pain, or anxiety problems. It is also helpful for animals preparing for, and recovering from, surgery. Reiki is wonderful for plants and gardens; its healing energy promotes strong vital growth without chemicals.
During a Reiki session, you relax, fully clothed, lying on a massage table, seated, or in any comfortable position. A ‘full’ session typically lasts 45 minutes to an hour covering all the major energy centers of the body using standard hand positions. Shorter sessions can be scheduled as needed. Specific areas of concern can also be targeted. As you begin your session you may want to practice deep breathing, prayer, and/or meditation to assist the process. Even though Spirit will direct the energy, visualizing the relief/healing that you desire is helpful.
The spiritually guided healing energy of Reiki flows wherever it is most needed and will have its own priority. That may be a very different priority than you had when you made your appointment for the session! In addition to deep relaxation, you may experience tingling, warmth, changes in your breathing, or see vivid colors.
Reiki practitioners often use prayer and meditation before, during and after giving a Reiki session. Once the session has begun the practitioner endeavors to step aside and become the hands that Reiki moves through. Hands are placed lightly on the body at various locations or, if preferred, can be held above the body to transmit the energy; often it is a combination of the two.
A metaphor I use for how the energy flows from us, the practitioners, to the receiver: We are the radio, Reiki is the song, you are the receiver and can sing along in harmony all you want.
I invite you find a practitioner in your area to experience Reiki and enjoy a very relaxing, healing, and peaceful time just for you!