"Life opens up in so many different ways when your energy has been awakened."- Panache Desai, thought and spiritual leader, author, speaker
Reiki ("ray-key") comes from the Japanese rei, or universal, and ki, the energy that flows through all living things. Thought of as alternative medicine, reiki is meant to facilitate healing, both physical and emotional.
Having undergone reiki sessions, and working on a reiki certification training, I'd love to share my experience and more information about this practice.
Lying on a soft mat with warm blankets over me, the reiki practitioner gently placed their hands on energy locations in my body, spending a good amount of time in different areas depending on the type and strength of the energy that was coming from each one. The physical exchange transferred healing energy, with the practitioner intuiting what might be coming up for me. After the hand placements, I sat up and we talked about how I felt and what resonated with me from the session.
It sounds like a fairly straightforward process (it is) but with this being my first experience with reiki, I was pretty blown away. I felt like a huge weight had been lifted, and I actually cried with relief.
If you're raising your eyebrows right now, I completely get it. Reiki sounds "sus" (as my 10-year old would say). But if it can help you heal from wounds on the outside or the inside, it's worth taking a look, don't you think?
What exactly is reiki, though?, you might be asking. Let's start with the basics.
What is reiki? Reiki is described as an ancient energy-based healing technique. Mikao Usui is credited with the invention of modern reiki and though there are differences in technique, they are slight.
What is reiki based on? Reiki is based on the belief that all living things have energy fields. When our energy is flowing, it supports our healing and vitality. When it is blocked, we can experience negative things in our life -- physically, mentally, emotionally and more.
What does reiki involve? A session is usually similar to what I described above. A practitioner uses their hands to sense energy blocks, and send or move energy in your body, with the goal of balancing and improving it in you. This is meant to facilitate healing. Reiki is not massage or acupressure. You don't get undressed, and a practitioner can put their hands on you or slightly above you to transfer energy. It's even done remotely.
What does reiki feel like? It's different for everyone, but the energy transfer can feel like tingling, pulsing, or just a sense of heat. I'd describe my sensation as "gentle whooshes." You may also experience feelings of relaxation, calm and peace. You might even fall asleep!
What does reiki help with? Benefits of reiki are said to be stress reduction, natural healing stimulation, pain relief, and stimulation of your immune system, among other things. "Because it works on the entire self – mind, body and emotions – and because it is universal life force energy, reiki may be successful in all types of physical, emotional, mental and spiritual healing,” noted Reiki Master Victoria Bodner, LMT.
Is reiki safe or proven? Because it's non-invasive, reiki is thought to be safe. There have been scientific studies which over time suggest that reiki is a valid technique for aiding relaxation and relief from chronic health conditions.
How do I book a reiki session? Stick with me! I'll let you know when I receive my certification! Until then, you can find practitioners using the International Association of Reiki Professionals(R), the Reiki Association, or The International Center for Reiki Training.
If you decide to give reiki a try, I'd love to hear about your experience!
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