What is this thing called Reiki? I am asked this question a lot. I have yet to come up with a one or two sentence explanation that adequately describes it in a way that everyone knows what it is. Let me attempt to explain it in this blog. No, it won’t be a sentence or two! 😉
The National Institutes of Health’s National Center of Complimentary and Alternative Medicine defines Reiki as a healing method based on an Eastern belief in an energy that supports the body’s natural ability to heal. William Rand founder and CEO of the International Center for Reiki Training defines Reiki as a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by “laying on hands” and is based on the idea that an unseen “life force energy” flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. What the heck does that really mean?! See the difficulty in defining it in a sentence or two? Those that know Reiki understand these definitions. Those that don’t are left trying to interpret it for themselves. I love William’s fuller definition of what Reiki is, which can be found on my website under the “Reiki” link.
With William Rand 2014 for Holy Fire Karuna Reiki Training
Reiki is not meditation or massage. It is not witchcraft or magic or a religion. It is not of the devil! (as someone commented on my Facebook page) It can be performed with the hands gently placed on or near the body. It can be beamed from the eyes or hands and sent at a distance, depending on what level you are attuned to. Reiki knows no time or boundaries. It can be used to send healing to the past, present or future. Anyone can learn to do Reiki. Once attuned to Reiki, it is a wonderful treatment you can do for yourself, others, animals, plants, etc. Virtually anything and everything can benefit from Reiki. While Reiki works well with modern medicine, it should never be substituted for conventional medical or psychological care.
What is a Reiki Session like? This too can be a little tricky to describe, for the experience is unique for everyone. An in person Reiki session is performed with the client fully clothed, laying on a massage table. The practitioner lays their hands on energy centers throughout the body. The hands may feel warm or cool, depending on what is needed by the person receiving it. Usually, the client will find the Reiki energy to be soothing. Sometimes an emotional release will be experienced. You might want to laugh or cry, might see images or colors, or you might fall asleep. The first Reiki treatment I received, I felt like I was coming home. I love receiving Reiki. It is such a relaxing, energizing experience for me. I enjoy the warmth and sometimes fall asleep. I notice a visible shift in my energy and feel more balanced after a Reiki session. I am teaching a Reiki II class today and can’t wait for the practice time of class!
I hope this helps to demystify Reiki a little bit. Check out my website for further information to schedule an in person or distance Reiki session, as well as class information if you would like to learn this wonderful healing art.
