What is Reiki?
Reiki is a form of healing using channelled energy. The word ‘reiki’ is usually translated as ‘universal life energy’ and the therapist channels
this energy to stimulate the energy centres of the client being worked on.
Where does Reiki come from?
The modern version is attributed to a Japanese
man called Mikao Usui (1865 – 1926). He trained in a Buddhist temple from childhood where he became proficient
in several martial arts.
As an adult he travelled extensively to China,
America and Europe and was subjected to many social and cultural influences. He also studied keenly, covering medicine
(eastern and western), numerology, astrology, psychic and clairvoyant development, and trained as a Zen Buddhist monk.
He drew on all these influences and started using his own system of healing on others. Eventually
his work spread to the west and is now widely used all over the world.
What does a Reiki treatment involve?
A treatment normally lasts for one hour, the first half
of which the client is face up (to address current or recent issues) and the second half of which they will be face down (to
address past issues, or those which the client has avoided).
The Reiki therapist will
channel energy to each of the body's main energy centres (or chakras) in turn, starting at the head and working down
to the base chakra in the groin. This will be repeated on each side of the body.
Although the therapist's hands may be placed directly on
the body for most chakras, they will be a few inches away from some chakras, eg, to avoid contact with the
genitals.
It is not unusual
for a client to feel disoriented after a Reiki treatment, so we allow time for the client to sit up and have a glass
of water before leaving. We provide after-care advice to ensure the client gets the full benefit from their treatment as it
may continue to work for up to ten days afterwards.
Who is Reiki for?
Reiki works on spiritual,
mental, physical and emotional levels and doesn’t contradict any religious creeds, so it is suitable for people of all
backgrounds. There is a certain amount of crossover with massage (and other techniques) to clear muscular pain, but it
can also locate and address underlying issues for more serious issues.
Because each layer of
the persion's aura relates to a different aspect of their being, working in one area can address several issues. For example,
working around the head can address a headache (if working in the physical body layer), stress if working in the mental
body layer, or the spiritual aspect if working in the spirit layer.
Although Reiki is regarded
as ‘hands-on’ healing, treatment often does not need physical touch so it is useful to people who cannot be touched
because of physical problems (eg, hypersensitivity), psychological reasons (eg, extreme shyness), or religious reasons.
Reiki is truly a therapy
for all people.
