What is Reiki?
Reiki is most simply described as the "laying on of hands". It is an ancient, holistic healing method, first taught by Mikao Usui, a Buddhist monk who sought the healing energy of Jesus. Reiki is not associated with any one religion or bound by any one culture, but is a healing tradition in its own right. As an oral tradition, Reiki has been passed down from Master to student. Anyone may receive, or learn to practice Reiki.
Rei-ki literally translates into "universal life force energy". This concept of such life energy is certainly not new, and is found in many different cultures, as in chi, qui, prana, and even the holy spirit. Reiki is believed to enhance the body's natural ability to heal itself. Receiving Reiki can be deeply relaxing. It can feel like heat or coolness, tingling, or other tactile or energetic sensations.
A Scientific Explanation
Reiki, Therapeutic Touch, Polarity Therapy, Qi-Gong, and others are together in the field of Energy Medicine. As a new field, scientists are grappling to understand how this "energy" works, but evidence is growing that Energy Medicine has a measurable effect on the human body.
The first thing to understand is that the body has an energetic field. This field is measurable and real, and has been confirmed by modern science. From the heart to the brain, our body's organs rely on electrical signals to function properly. From the basic principles of physics, electrical signals create a magnetic field in the surrounding space. The Human Energy Field can only be detected by the most sensitive of instruments, such as an electrocardiogram or electroencephalogram. These diagnostic instruments of modern science are used to detect disruptions in the electrical field of the heart and the brain respectively, and such disruptions indicate illness.
In experiments on energy healing, Healers have been shown to emit this same type of energy field from their hands. Further, their hands emit energy many times more powerful than the hands of non-healers mimicking their movement. Preliminary research on Reiki has shown that it reduces pain, reduces anxiety, and lowers blood pressure. It also stimulates wound healing.
Mainstream science still cannot explain what exactly is happening with Reiki and other energetic healing methods. Perhaps Reiki's most profound effects are something that cannot easily be measured. Reiki is subtle. Its long-term effects include personal growth and well-being. Anecdotal evidence abounds on the healing power of Reiki and other energy modalities. Interested readers are encouraged to follow-up with the books and links listed below. Whether healing energy is electromagnetic in nature, or something more subtle is unclear at this point in our understanding. Whatever its source or nature, Reiki can profoundly affect emotional and physical health.
What is a Reiki session like?
During a Reiki session, the recipient lies fully clothed on massage table, while the practitioner holds hand positions over the body, especially at the energy centers known as the chakras. Touch is not necessary, though some practitioners may employ it with the recipient's permission. A typical session may last from 30 minutes to an hour, but is variable depending on the needs of the individual. Time is allowed before and after the actual Reiki for discussion and questions about the experience.
Reiki feels different to everyone. It may feel like heat, cold, tingling, or a feeling that energy is moving through your body. The most common experience is deep relaxation. Like after a massage, it is important to take care of yourself and your body's needs afterwards as you integrate the experience. Many people feel thirsty after Reiki, which is thought to be the body's response to flush out toxins.
What Can Reiki do for Me?
Reiki is most often used for relaxation and as a boost for overall health. Reiki can do no harm and will go where it needs to go. Anecdotal stories abound as to Reiki's almost miraculous ability to heal, although no practitioner can claim to be able to cure disease: Reiki helps your body heal itself.
Most people experience a more subtle change in the way they feel. It is thought that Reiki can heal on all levels: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. Some do think of it as a spiritual experience, although it is not tied to any religion or spiritual tradition. The experience of Reiki can help you to reconnect with your self, as it promotes awareness of self and connection with all things.
For Further Information on Reiki & Energy Healing:
Further research is needed to help us understand Reiki's clinical significance. There already is much research to show that Energy Medicine, focused intentions, and prayer have a measurable, positive effect on health, far beyond that of placebo.
Books
Energy Medicine: The Scientific Basis by James L. Oschman, Ph.D.
Spiritual Healing: Scientific Validation of a Healing Revolution by Daniel J. Benor, M.D.
Works by Larry Dossey, M.D,. and Candace Pert
Reiki Energy Medicine: Bringing Healing Touch into Home, Hospital, and Hospice - Written by nurses and their experience with Reiki in a clinical setting.
Essential Reiki by Diane Stein - contains much information specifically on Reiki. Read with an open mind, as the author also brings in her own spiritual beliefs, which are not necessary for, or a part of Reiki.
Magick of Reiki by Christopher Penczak - A new age type book about Reiki, taking it further as a complement with other energy work.
Hands of Light by Barbara Brennan - A practical manual for healing, written by a former physicist turned healer, not specifically about Reiki, but contains great details about the Human Energy Field and chakra system.
Hand of Life by Julie Motz - An amazing story of a healer who went from skeptical curiosity, to working in concert with physicians in the operating room.
Links
Reiki.org
Christianreiki.org - Reiki is not Christian or non-Christian, but for everyone, no matter their faith or background.
*Disclaimer: The information on this page is informational in nature and is not intended to treat, diagnose, or cure disease. Reiki is not a replacement for the care of your doctor or other health professional.