Reiki, the energy healing system, is based on the belief that thoughts have the power to direct energy—the underlying dynamo shaping the world. Often described as a form of Shinto-Buddhist Qigong, reiki was rediscovered by Dr. Mikao Usui, a Japanese, in the early 20th century. Dr Usui`s initial task was to discover how spiritual leaders such as the Buddha and Christ were able to perform miraculous healing through mere touch without depleting their own energy reserves. A deep spiritual experience led him to devote several years to the study. During his quest he experienced an intense energy gratification, which had healing powers. He named this energy—Usui Reiki Ryoho. His disciples, after the World War II, popularized the concept and its practice in the West.
Reiki (pronounced as `ray-key`) is made up of two words—`rei` and `ki`. `Rei` can be interpreted as a higher form of intelligence while `ki` denotes life force. Taken together, `reiki` is understood to be a kind of universal energy. This system heals by raising the vibrations, of the being or object to be healed, closer to that of the practitioner. Reiki is a multidimensional energy healing system, which can heal the cause of a problem at whatever level it may exist—body, mind, or spirit.
Reiki is transferred to students by Reiki Masters through a series of attunements. During an attunement process, the Master selects a series of symbols, which represent important points located along a person`s energy field, and guides them through higher vibrations of energy. This attunement process enables recipients to access the healing energy on their own—and in turn, help others to access it too.
What To Expect During a Reiki Treatment:
Reiki practitioners are trained to use their own energy centers (chakras) to draw in universal life energy (reiki) and direct it through their hands to the client. The client’s own body draws in this energy and uses it for the client’s greatest good.
A typical one-hour Reiki treatment begins with the client lying fully clothed on a treatment table. The Reiki practitioner then works systematically, gently placing their hands on pre-determined sites along the client’s body to maximize the beneficial effects of Reiki. Many clients find the process so relaxing that they drift in and out of sleep. At the close of the session, the practitioner gently guides the client back to a full waking state.
