What is Reiki?
A Comprehensive Introduction to Reiki.
Reiki is a technique of re-balancing and healing the body, mind and soul. Reiki is a Japanese word which is made of the parts "Rei" and "Ki". “Rei” means the universal, cosmic life force and "Ki" means the flowing life-force that binds everything. In all these cultures it was understood that there is a "life force energy" or "Ki" that runs through us and everything and everyone around us. For example in China it was called "Chi" and in India it was called "Prana". When the flow of energy is good we stay healthy and vibrant. And, if energy flow becomes blocked or depleted in some area of our body, we become vulnerable to sickness and stress.
Reiki can create an energy field on the affected areas to remove such energy blocks, making the energy flow natural & smooth, leading to health and harmony. Since a Reiki treatment brings back the Balance it is commonly referred to as "Rebalancing with Reiki".
Any individual who is open to Reiki energy can use it to help improve physical, mental and spiritual growth. It is believed that Reiki energy works only for the "Highest Good" of each person, so it is safe for anyone in any life situation including pregnant women and children. Reiki energy also works on animals, plants and even situations (places, events etc.)
Founder of Reiki Practice - Dr Usui
Reiki was discovered by Dr. Mikao Usui in the early nineteenth century after years of search and toil. His quest began with a simple question asked by one of his students about the healing powers of Jesus. Although he travelled learning the teachings of other religions, he could not find the source behind healing the sick. Finally with the help of a Buddhist monk (who gave him the Lotus Sutra), he meditated for 21 days at Mt.Kori.
It is said in the legend that at the end of these 21 days a beautiful bright light shone upon him. Through this light he received all the knowledge about Reiki that he required and he realized he had received his answers for his quest. From then Dr. Usui had been helping people with his knowledge and passing on his knowledge to other people in Japan including Dr. Chujiro Hayashi, who taught Reiki to Ms. Hawayo Takata making Reiki available to everyone in the world.
Benefits of Reiki
- Body
- Relieves pain
- Accelerates healing of wounds, infections & injuries
- Mind
- Relaxing, energizing & calming
- Reduces stress
- Encourages mental focus
- Soul / Spirit
- Removes energy blocks
- Releases limiting attitudes & fears
How Does Reiki Work?
We are alive because of the life force that flows through us. The energy or Ki flows within the physical body using pathways called chakras and around the body in an energy field called the aura. A free and balanced flow of energy is the main reason for health. However, when the energy flow is disrupted, it causes diminished functioning of tissues and organs. This disruption of energy flow causes dis-ease and sicknesses.
Our thoughts and feelings are also responsible the free flow of energy. When we have a positive outlook on life, we increase the energy flow and feel better. When negative thoughts become lodged in the subconscious mind, they create a disruption of the energy flow. Depending on the area of blockage, certain cells and organs can then become affected by the diminished flow of life force energy. Such cells then create toxic substances. Therefore, if we do not release these blockages of energy in a safe and loving manner, we can eventually become ill.
When a person receives a Reiki treatment, the intelligent energy assesses where the person has blockages and directs the loving energy there. The Reiki energy then works on negative thoughts and feelings that are blocking the recipient’s natural flow of energy. By flowing through the affected parts of the energy field and charging them with positive energy, Reiki raises the vibration level in and around the physical body where the negative thoughts and feelings are attached. This causes the negative energy blockage to break apart and fall away.
Reiki clears, straightens, and re-balances the energy pathways, thus allowing a healthy flow of energy. Reiki has the ability to work at close proximity as well as distantly. The easiest way to understand how this works is to consider that there are other planes of existence in addition to our visual, physical reality. One of these is the mental plane; we are able to work with Reiki energy through our thoughts and intentions. We have the ability to channel energy those who are around us and even for those thousands of miles away!