Simply put, Reiki is a Japanese technique of stress reduction and deep relaxation that also promotes healing. It is a light touch method that works with the body’s energy systems including the aura, the chakras, and the meridians. Reiki will strengthen the body’s energy systems by unblocking stuck or stagnant energy which will increase the natural flow of energy throughout the body, bringing it into balance. The result is the creation of conditions in the body by which the body can do what it is designed to do – heal itself.
Reiki works by accessing the highest vibration in the Universe, the energy of love. The Reiki practitioner connects with the Universe, harnessing the highest form of loving and healing energy, moving it through the body of the practitioner, who acts as the channel, and out through the palms of the hands. The receiver then takes the Reiki energy that is being offered through the practitioner and accepts it into the body where it will automatically move throughout the receiver’s body, impacting the body’s energy systems, which will in turn effect the body’s physical systems. We can observe the same process with the energy of electricity. A current of electricity that is being directed into a light bulb will diffuse energy throughout the room. Take the same electrical current and focus it into a laser beam and you will have energy powerful enough to cut through metal.
What is Reiki?
The Reiki energy is transferred from the Universe through the practitioner through a process called an attunement, which opens the chakras and allows the energy to flow through the body to the palms of the hands. The palms of the hands are natural healing centers of the body. This is evidenced by how we respond to injuries. For example, when we bang our elbow on the desk corner, or our knee on the edge of the coffee table, what is the first thing we do? We ease the pain by putting our hand over it. Every parent knows that the touch of the hand to the child’s back, forehead or face will sooth and comfort.
The process of Reiki is simple. The receiver can lie on a massage table or sit in a chair. The practitioner will lightly place the hands on the body, moving them from the head to the feet, paying particular attention to the areas of the chakras or in any specific places of current pain or discomfort. The receiver typically experiences a deep sense of relaxation and connection with the inner self. Generally, the longer the Reiki session, the stronger the effect on the receiver, however, Reiki acts more like an antibiotic than a shot of morphine and the full impact may take a few days.
What can Reiki be used for and how effective is it?
Reiki can be used to heal the body, mind and spirit. We all have a natural capacity to heal. For example, consider a simple scratch on the arm. When the scratch stops bleeding, the body has already begun the natural healing process. The physical body can begin to heal when the Reiki energy has cleared out the blockages and higher vibration energy moves freely throughout the physical body’s systems. Once the energy is balanced and flowing freely, the physical body can begin to heal itself.
Reiki can help heal the mind and the emotions of the receiver. The thoughts and beliefs that are created in the mind and lead to emotions are of a higher vibration than the physical body. But because Reiki energy is the highest vibration of energy it will influence the mind as well. Oftentimes, emotions created by erroneous beliefs about ourselves can be released during a Reiki session and an emotional healing will begin.
Probably the most important benefit of Reiki is that it offers a space in which one can be present with oneself and the opportunity to listen to our still, small voice. The busy world that we live in, with all of the stimulus, does not allow us to listen to our inner voice. And only when we can hear the call of our soul do we step on the path of our life’s purpose. Reiki sessions provide a sacred place to connect with our divine selves and begin our spiritual journey.
There are different levels of Reiki practitioner. What is that all about?
There are four levels of Reiki practitioners, with the fourth level being that of Master Teacher. Reiki I is about learning the basics of Reiki. This includes: the origins of Reiki, history and philosophy; hand positions for both self-healing and healing others; structure of a Reiki session; healing of plants and animals; and cleansing and infusing space with energy. Once the student has learned the basics of Reiki, they receive an attunement, which allows them to channel the Reiki energy and begin to practice.
Reiki II takes the practice further by introducing the first three symbols and their kotodamas. The symbols are tools to use during a Reiki session and will increase the power of the Reiki energy. Kotodamas are the names of the symbols, and are similar to mantras in the respect that there is great power in words. Repeating the kotodamas while visualizing the symbols increases the student’s effect during the Reiki session. An attunement is also given at the Reiki II level. Many students remain at the Reiki II level, being of service to their friends and family.
With all levels of Reiki, the most important and critical element is the impact on the student themselves. Each attunement, and each time they channel Reiki, the student goes deeper into their own self-awareness and spiritual enhancement. This is the focus of Reiki III. The student now enters a higher dimension, deepening their meditation and affirmation, and learning to use Reiki for more creativity in their daily lives. Also, the Master symbol and its meaning is introduced at this level.
The Master Teacher level is the highest level and must be considered with respect and reverence. It is at this level that the student commits to passing the legacy and gift onto others. This is a great honor as well as a great responsibility.
