The Power of Reiki: A Journey into Japanese Healing and Energy Balance
This week’s blog post was written by Ruth Levesque, our Medical/Administrative Assistant. Ruth is a certified Reiki Master and Clinical Herbalist. We are so excited that she’s chosen to share her knowledge with us. Read on to learn all about the power of Reiki!
Reiki (pronounced ray-key) is a Japanese healing method that helps to reduce stress and encourages relaxation. The name combines two Japanese words- Rei and Ki. Rei means universal energy. Ki is life energy. This is the same as Chi in Chinese or Prana in Sanskrit. It describes the energy that is in all living things. When Ki is low or if the flow of life energy is restricted, you are more likely to get sick. When Ki is high or flowing freely, you are less likely to get sick. Ki flows in the body through energy pathways called chakras or meridians. It also flows around us in a field of energy called the aura. When negative thoughts or feelings get lodged in the subconscious mind, Ki is disrupted or blocked. Reiki helps to heal and release the blocks in the energy centers, allowing Ki to flow more freely.
Usui Mikao is thought of as the creator of Reiki, though it has been discovered that there were at least 4 other types of Reiki being practiced in Japan beforehand. In March 1922, Usui Mikao had a mystical experience on Mt Kurama in which he was given the Reiki energy. Later, he developed his style of Reiki, which he called Usui Reiki Ryoho. He began using Reiki to help the poor in Kyoto and then started a healing society and Reiki clinic where he gave treatments and taught classes. Hawaya Takata is credited with bringing Usui Reiki to the west. She sought out Reiki healing while in Japan for gallstones, appendicitis, asthma, and a tumor. With many Reiki sessions, her ailments were healed. Then, she began her Reiki training and became a Reiki Master. She returnd to her home in Hawaii in 1937 and began performing and teaching Reiki in America. Today, there are more than 30 types of Reiki being practiced.
The Original Reiki Ideals:
The secret art of inviting happiness
The miraculous medicine of all diseases
Just for today, do not be angry
Do not worry and be filled with gratitude
Devote yourself to your work and be kind to people
Every morning and evening join your hands in prayer,
Pray these words to your heart,
And chant these words with your mouth
Usui Reiki Treatment for the improvement of body and mind
Usui Mikao
During a Reiki session, the practitioner places their hands gently on different parts of the client's body to direct the healing energy. The client is usually lying on a massage table, but treatments can also be given while the client is seated or standing. Reiki can also be sent to someone who is not physically in the same space as the Reiki practitioner. During a Reiki session, the client remains fully clothed. Treatment sessions typically last 30–60 minutes. One of the unique aspects of Reiki is that touch is not required for healing to occur. During the session, the practitioner acts as a conduit for the healing energy, meaning they allow the energy to flow through them into the client. The practitioner doesn’t have special powers, but has taken a Reiki class and received an attunement. During the attunement process, the practitioner receives the ability to channel Reiki healing energy. There are different levels of training that a Reiki practitioner can receive, and are able to provide a Reiki healing session after Level I training. The offered trainings are Level 1, Level 2, Reiki Master and Reiki Master Teacher. Training can vary from teacher to teacher, but are typically at least 8 hours each. The cost of the training is also dependent on the teacher. I have been trained as an Usui Reiki Master.
Reiki can never cause harm. It knows exactly what the client needs. Energy naturally goes where it is needed. All the client needs to do is remain calm and relaxed. Since the practitioner is simply a channel for energy, there is no danger of them “taking on” the energy of the client or having their energy depleted. Providing a Reiki session is beneficial to the practitioner, helping increase their energy and feelings of well-being. During a session, the client may feel hot, cold, see colors, become tearful, experience a sense of relaxation or peace, and they might even fall asleep. People will often feel “lighter” after the session. As a person’s vibration rises during a Reiki session, it is possible that toxins will be released. This is not worrisome because the body will filter the toxins, but it can result in headache, stomachache, or fatigue. If this happens, it is important to drink plenty of water, eat lighter meals and get more rest. If these symptoms occur, they should be brief and are a positive sign that healing/ release is happening. Reiki is safe for pregnant women and babies, as well as animals and plants.
Reiki is a wonderful complement to traditional medical treatment. For serious injuries or ailments, it is recommended to also seek more traditional medical care. Reiki sessions are now being offered in many hospitals. Reiki can help improve the results of any treatment and decrease any negative side effects of medications or treatments. It shortens healing time, decreases or eliminates pain, and reduces stress. It will not interfere with more traditional treatments. It can be very effective in treating conditions such as headache, sprains,strains or sports injuries, insomnia, decreased appetite, nausea. It can help boost confidence, provide a sense of overall well being, and increase creativity. It can also be a wonderful tool in end of life care. Reiki has had a positive effect on all forms of illness and negative conditions. Stress reduction with some improvement in physical and psychological condition are what most people who receive Reiki experience.
To find a qualified Reiki practitioner or teacher, https://holisticnh.org/ is a great website/ tool. It also provides resources to find any type of holistic healing in NH.
Common misconceptions:
It’s Just a Placebo
Reiki is religious
You have to feel it to work
Reiki is only beneficial if you are unwell
Practitioners are all the same
Reiki is complicated New Age stuff
Reiki can cure anything
Why I decided to become a Reiki practitioner:
I have always been interested in holistic healing and care of the whole person. I think it is important to address not only disease/ illness, but also the underlying causes of these. When I first became certified, I had been a nurse for a few years and was quickly becoming frustrated with the traditional medical model. I did not find that medications were always the answer for people. I am an anxious person and found that Reiki was a great tool for decreasing my anxiety. I had a friend who taught Reiki, and thought “Why not?” I love the idea that you can meet people where they are at during a session and there is flexibility. You don’t need any equipment, the person receiving the treatment can decide if they want to be touched or not, they can sit, stand, or lay down, it can be a short 5 minute treatment, and above all, it can never harm someone.
