Reiki is a subtle, specific type of energy work that gently balances the patient's energies to aid health and well-being. It is a healing modality performed by the flow of universal energy through the practitioner's hands to the patient. It is a simple, non-invasive therapy used for stress reduction and relaxation, which also enhances the body's natural healing abilities.
Reiki is Japanese in origin. The name is made of two Japanese words: Rei which means "Higher Power or God's Wisdom" and Ki which means "Life force energy". So together they mean "Higher-power guided life-force energy."
There are different beliefs about the origin of Reiki--one is that it is based on Tibetan sutras (texts of Buddhism) written by monks. Other sources indicate that it was one of the original bases for Traditional Oriental Medicine. However, all agree that in the mid-19th century, Dr. Mikao Usui, a Japanese physician and monk, developed this healing approach and spiritual path, named it Reiki, trained others in it, and developed an organization.
One of Dr. Usui's students further developed these teachings and opened his own clinic in Tokyo, where, in 1936, an American named Hawayo Takata went for treatment. Later, she trained in Reiki, became a Master, and is credited with introducing Reiki to the West in the late 1930s.
The client usually sits or lies comfortably, fully clothed. The practitioner places their hands on, or slightly above, the client's body, using different hand positions, with the intent to transmit the Ki. The hands are positioned with the palms down, fingers and thumbs extended. Each hand position is held until the practitioner feels that the flow of energy has slowed or stopped, typically about 2 to 5 minutes.
Reiki is performed in offices, hospitals, clinics, and private homes. The practitioner and client determine the number of sessions together. Typically, the practitioner delivers at least four sessions.
Clients may report a deep feeling of relaxation after a Reiki session. Relaxation may have beneficial health-related effects, such as reducing pain, nausea, and fatigue. A client might also experience warmth, tingling, sleepiness, refreshment, and/or the easing of one or more other symptoms after treatment.
Reiki appears to be safe, and no serious side effects have been reported. Some practitioners advise caution about using Reiki in people with psychiatric problems.
Sometimes a Reiki client experiences what practitioners call a "cleansing crisis." The person may have symptoms such as a feeling of weakness or tiredness, a headache, or a stomach ache. Reiki practitioners believe that these are effects of the body releasing toxins. They advise the client on how to deal with such symptoms if they occur, such as by getting more rest, drinking plenty of water, or eating a lighter diet.
* Thanks to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine of the National Institutes of Health, The International Center for Reiki Training, and Reiki-for-Holistic-Health for this information.
