What is Reiki?
Reiki (pronounced RAY-KEY), is a Japanese word derived from “Rei” which means universal life force, and “Ki” which means sacred energy.
Reiki is an ancient, traditional Japanese healing technique which some relate to Biblical times and the “laying on of hands.” This healing modality is wonderful for stress reduction, and is incredibly calming to the body’s central nervous system. It supports the body’s innate healing ability, and works great for cuts, bruising and burns, and is essential for broken bones and post-surgical recovery.
Reiki came to North America in the 1930s when Hawayo Takata (1900 – 1980) brought it to the West. This particular lineage, Usui Shiki Ryoho, was founded by Mikao Usui in early 20th Century Japan. As the story goes, Usui was given the gift of Reiki on Mt. Kurama, a scared mountain north of Kyoto, Japan, after 21 days of fasting, praying and meditating. Tradition tells of a great bright light, which came down from the sky and hit his third eye chakra, awakening an understanding of how to work with and harness the universal life force. Usui dedicated his life to learning how to work with this energy, and to teaching others how to use it for natural healing and wellbeing.
During a Reiki treatment, the client lies fully clothed on a massage table, while I place my hands on or just over the body in 16 different locations, including the head, torso, knees, feet and back, as well as specific areas in pain or in need of healing. This subtle, universal energy flows gently from my hands into the body, creating a profound state of calm and peaceful relaxation. Reiki may also be sent over distance. Perhaps best of all, the client doesn’t need to believe in Reiki in order to benefit from it.
What to Expect from a Reiki Treatment
Reiki is offered through light, non-invasive touch with the practitioner’s hands placed and held on a series of locations on the head and front and back of the torso. The placement of the hands should never be intrusive or inappropriate, nor should there be any pressure.
Additional placements on the limbs can be done as needed (for example, if there is an injury or surgical scar), and some practitioners routinely do so. The Reiki practitioner can hold her hands just off the body if needed (for example, in the presence of an open wound or burn), and some practitioners always offer Reiki in this way