What is reiki?
“Reiki is love. Love is wholeness. Wholeness is balance. Balance is well being. Wellbeing is freedom from disease”.
These are the words of Reiki founder and healer Dr. Mikao Usui, who established this energy healing technique in Japan early in the 20th century. The words Rei and Ki translate to “universal life energy”, which is the unseen life force that flows within our bodies and keeps us alive. The goal of his teachings was to provide a method for people to achieve a connection with this life force to assist them on their path of self- growth and healing.
When our life force energy is depleted or blocked, we are more susceptible to physical illness and emotional distress. Reiki practitioners act as a channel or conduit to allow for this universal life force to enter and support the body’s natural ability to heal. This movement of energy within the body improves physical, mental-emotional, and spiritual wellness. It is crucial to balance all three of these areas for overall health and wellbeing.
During a Reiki session, the receiver lies comfortably on the table fully clothed. The Reiki practitioner will then tune into a higher vibrational energy while placing their hands over specific energy centers, allowing the universal energy flow to enter the recipient. Unlike massages, Reiki uses a very minimal touch to stimulate and promote the flow of energy within the body. Sensations often experienced by the recipient include warmth, tingles or subtle waves or pulsations throughout the body followed with a deep state of relaxation.
Reiki can be beneficial on its own or as an effective complement to any Western Medicine treatment by inducing a state of calmness and creating a positive healing environment. According to the Cleveland Clinic, Reiki can promote relaxion, stress reduction and improve overall health and wellness by producing a meditative state, stimulating the body’s immune system and thereby promoting the body’s innate ability to heal. Benefits from receiving Reiki may include lowering blood pressure, stress and anxiety reduction, improved sleep quality, increased energy levels, and enhanced focus and mental clarity.
Although Reiki is not a religion, it is certainly a way of life that is focused towards creating harmony with others. Dr. Usui suggested that one universal practice across all cultures with simple ethical ideals can promote peace on earth. His teachings included the Five Reiki Principles, and they continue to be an integral part of the modern reiki curriculum.
Just for today, I will not worry.
Just for today, I will not be angry.
Just for today, I will do my work honestly.
Just for today, I will give thanks for my many blessings.
Just for today, I will be kind to my neighbor and every living thing.
These principles were designed to remind us to live in the moment and never take one day for granted, along with the practice of gratitude and to treat all life with kindness and reverence. These ideals may seem simple and practical but how many of us can say these are EASY to follow in our daily lives. If only we can practice these simple and fundamental ideas, we may be able to encounter more peace, calmness, and joy in our everyday lives.
If you would like to experience Reiki for yourself, come and try a Reiki infused acupuncture treatment today at Sacred Spa +Wellness.
