As a Reiki practitioner, I’m often asked what Reiki is. The answer is always difficult for me. How do you explain the transfer of positive energy from one individual to another in terms that make is sound solid, concrete? How do you explain the sense of peace and well being that come from a session?
My training and attunement came during my classes at The Center for Reiki Wellness in Rochester with Reiki Master Cyndy Paxton. I became interested in Reiki many years ago while watching a TV show that was spotlighting attempts to transform the lives of different participants on the show. I remember one of the participants being given Reiki treatments and my interest was peaked. Fast forward several years later when a friend of mine was going through some severe health problems that could not be diagnosed. She was sent to a neurologist who could find no physical reason for her symptoms. He employed a Reiki healer in his practice and suggested my friend schedule an appointment. She did and she “felt” something. I quickly made an appointment for my own Reiki session and found a sense of peace after the session that stayed with me for some time. Money was tight and I was unable to follow up with additional sessions but the session I did have stayed with me. Fast forward several more years and another close friend of mine was given a gift certificate for a Reiki session. She and I discussed the session beforehand and I told her what little I knew. This session proved life changing for her. She found her destiny in that one session and is now the Reiki master from whom I study.
So back to the question…what is Reiki?
“Reiki” (ray-key) is Japanese for ‘universal life energy’ (“rei” stands for unseen and “ki” means life force or energy). It is also a word used to describe a system of natural healing. This tradition was founded by Dr Mikao Usui in the early 20th century and evolved as a result of his research, experience and dedication. Reiki promotes self healing and is not a substitute for medical care, but works in conjunction with it. The core treatment of Reiki involves your Chakras (the seven energy centers of your body) along with your aura (the field of energy around your body). We live in a world of energy that nourishes and maintains all living things. When this energy flows uninterrupted, there is a balance and harmony within and around us which creates a sense of well being. When this flow is interrupted, it can cause disease – emotionally and / or physically.
What happens during a Reiki session?
Before the session begins, a discussion will take place to determine the areas of concern, if any. Some people arrive for a session with no answer to this question. They feel some sense of discourse, but cannot identify it. A pendulum is used to determine the status of the seven chakras and a general sense of the individual’s aura. You will lie on a massage table, fully clothed. During the session, you may experience touch by the practitioner in areas of the body – usually the head, shoulders, stomach, arms, legs and feet. There is no massage and participants can opt for a no-touch session if uncomfortable with touch. Participants may feel warmth or tingling in the areas being concentrated on, see colors, or experience forms of “release”. A typical session is one hour in length and at the end of a session, the participant should feel a deep sense of relaxation.
What does Reiki Treat?
Reiki treats your mind, body and sprit by working from the inside out on root cause. It works on the emotional issues that may cause or intensify physical ailments. Reiki can be beneficial for those suffering from chronic illness as it works on the root causes of unbalance within the body. Like meditation, it can create a sense of calm within the body that promotes physical and mental healing.
How do I use Reiki?
As a practitioner, I often use Reiki to center myself, especially when I am looking for answers that I seek. Reiki has no basis in religion although I do use it as a meditation conduit to seek answers from my own God. My own alignment leaves me open to actually listen to the answers that I seek. A cluttered mind makes it more difficult to “hear” answers when they are given. Reiki quiets my mind and allows my energy to flow where it is needed. I find I waste less energy worrying about “the little things” and can concentrate more on the task at hand. I also find things less daunting and find peace in the unknown when I stop to let my energy flow.
So this is an overview of Reiki. A very standard, uncomplicated overview. If you have further questions, please ask!
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