What is Reiki?

Reiki is an energy healing technique that promotes relaxation and reduces stress and anxiety through gentle touch. Developed by Mikao Usui in the early 1920s, Reiki originates from Japan, with "Rei" meaning "universal" and "Ki" meaning "life force energy." Some also refer to it as chi or prana.

 

Before a session, the practitioner meditates and cleanses themselves. They channel the energy into the receiver, working on the chakras and specific points in the body. The receiver remains fully clothed during the session, and there is no pressure, manipulation, or massage involved in Reiki. No energy from the practitioner is given to the receiver; it comes from a place of love and light with the intention of healing for the receiver.

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What does it feel like? Everyone's experience is unique. The energy can be felt in the form of sensations like heat, tingling, or pulsing where the practitioner has placed their hands. Some people feel sensations moving throughout the body, while others barely feel any sensations at all. People often feel very relaxed and peaceful during a Reiki treatment, and many fall asleep during the process.

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Reiki has many health benefits. It can:

• Induce a meditative state

• Foster tissue and bone healing after injury or surgery

• Stimulate the body’s immune system

• Promote natural self-healing

• Relieve pain and tension

• Support the well-being of people receiving traditional medical treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and kidney dialysis

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According to a study conducted by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), Reiki treatments are shown to create feelings of peace, relaxation, security, and wellness.

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Modern medicine has started using Reiki as a complementary therapy to existing medical treatments. It is safe, gentle, and non-invasive. According to a survey by the American Hospital Association (AHA), Reiki is now one of the top three complementary in-patient therapies in U.S. hospitals. Massage therapy takes first place, with 37% of hospital patients requesting it. Music and art therapy are second at 25%, and "healing touch therapies," including Reiki and Therapeutic Touch, are a close third at 25%. Mounting anecdotal evidence confirms its benefits repeatedly. Nurses and physicians who use Reiki in clinical settings consistently report that it makes patients relaxed, calm, and cooperative; relieves acute and chronic pain; boosts the immune system; reduces stress; decreases the need for pain medication; improves sleep and appetite; accelerates the healing process; and has no side effects or contraindications. They also say that Reiki reduces many of the unwanted side effects of radiation and chemotherapy, including nausea and fatigue.

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While Reiki is spiritual in nature, it is not a religion. It has no dogma, and there is nothing you must believe in to receive, learn, or use Reiki. In fact, Reiki is not dependent on belief at all and will work whether you believe in it or not. Because Reiki is energy from the Universe, many people find that using Reiki puts them more in touch with the experience of their religion rather than having only an intellectual concept of it. This isn't surface-level healing; Reiki works deeper.