What is Reiki?
Reiki has roots in ancient Japanese healing practices and is considered a form of energy healing. It stems from the Japanese words “rei,” meaning universal, and “ki,” meaning vital life force energy.
It was developed by Mikao Usui, a Japanese Buddhist monk, who believed that he received a spiritual awakening that led him to discover the practice.
A Reiki practitioner has been trained to channel the “universal life force energy” through you by either lightly placing their hands on you, or by hovering them just above you using a series of hand positions. These techniques are often referred to as:
- Centering
- Clearing
- Beaming
- Grounding
- Calming
- Soothing
Reiki practitioners don’t create energy or give their energy to you but rather act as a “conduit” for the universal life force energy that exists around us.
Although there isn’t any scientific measurable poof that Reiki energy exists, it is the same concept as trying to measure a soul or consciousness. We know that we exist, but we can’t prove that we are more than our physical form. However, we do know that energy exists all around and through us in the form of waves and particles, so it makes sense that the subtle energy we feel but are unable to measure, exists as well.
One popular theory involves a phenomenon known as the “biofield,” which is an electromagnetic field that permeates and surrounds every living being. In humans, this field extends approximately 9-15 feet from and around the body and is referred to as the Merkaba and/or Auric field in some spiritual practices.
The heart produces an electrical field that measured through an electrocardiogram (ECG) to regulate the heartbeat. Although at a lower level than the heart, the brain also produces an electrical field. In fact, all of the body’s cells produce positive and negative electrical charges which in turn create magnetic fields. According to this theory, the interaction between two human magnetic fields through the biofield may be the way that Reiki moves from the practitioner or conduit to the receiver.
Quantum physics is the study of how the incredibly small particles that make up atoms (electrons, neutrons, protons) behave and attempts to explain the interactions between energy and matter.
Quantum physicists have found through the “Double Slit Experiment” that these tiny particles of energy can change from a wave to a particle when observed during an experiment which supports the idea that a thought or intention may change how the waves and particles function.
In essence, the Reiki practitioner may be able to gather and direct biofield energy to the recipient through thoughts and intentions.
Potential health benefits of Reiki
People turn to Reiki and other energy-healing practices for a variety of reasons such as anxiety, sadness, stress, pain (physical and emotional), and to spiritually connect on a deeper more profound level.
Often times stagnant energy gets stuck in the chakras (energy centers of the body) and can lead to physical, emotional, mental and spiritual issues.
Essentially, people receive a Reiki session to help move the universal energy throughout the body to;
- Sleep better
- Reduce anxiety
- Boost their mood
- Reduce physical and emotional pain
- Increase energy and motivation
- Improve blood circulation
As a noninvasive treatment, Reiki and can be quite pleasant as you will feel relaxed during the session with the addition of aromatherapy and soothing music.
Reiki is not an alternative to conventional medicine but rather something to try as an addition to whatever health protocol or treatment you are thinking of pursuing, or currently receiving.