What is Reiki?

Reiki (pronounced Ray-Key) roughly translates to “ray of light” and is based on the application of the Universal Life Force Energy. It is an ancient teaching that promotes physical, mental, and emotional balance by enhancing the person’s own innate intelligence to heal. Reiki manifests in increase relaxation and energy, reduction of pain, less anxiety, and promotes tissue repair. It is emerging as an adjunct healing method in palliative care programs throughout the country.

Reiki practitioners believe that everyone has the potential to access the universal life energy, but that over time most people’s systems become blocked and the energy becomes weakened in them. A Reiki practitioner is trained to be able to detect these blockages, and practitioners will use their hands, thoughts, and own energy fields to improve the energy flow in a patient. Reiki is one of the more esoteric alternative medical practices, because no one is sure exactly how it works on the physiological level. Practitioners claim that it works on very subtle energy levels, or possibly works within the chakra system. The chakras are the system of seven energy centers along the middle of the body believed to be connected with the nervous and endocrine systems a central concept in Ayurvedic medicine and traditional Chinese medicine, including acupuncture.

Reiki reaches back to the days of Sanskirt, and was brought forward as a formal healing
method by Dr. Usui, a theologian from Japan in the early 1900’s.

Dr. Mikao Usui, the Founder of Reiki

In his adult life, Mikao Usui developed an interest in the metaphysical healing talent of Buddha and became determined to regenerate theese healing secrets for the benefit of humanity. He traveled to countless temples and spoke with many holy people, but all said that the secret of Buddha’s powers were lost to the world due to lack of use.

Eventually the abbot of a Zen monastery encouraged Usui to study the ancient writings containing the secrets on healing. Usui learned two new languages, Chinese and Sanskrit in order to understand the writings better, and from his reading he obtained the formula for healing. The Sutras in particular provided the enlightenment that he sought.

Prior to his death, he imparted the secrets of healing to 16 teachers in order to ensure that the secrets would not be lost again.

Research

Reiki has attracted the attention of the National Institutes of Health. Studies funded by the NIH are looking at the effect of energy work on abuse traumas, joint disorders, cardiovascular health, cancer, wound healing, neonatal stress, generalized pain, fibromyalgia and AIDS. Some studies have already suggested positive effects on various orthopedic conditions, including fractures, arthritis and injuries to the muscle and connective tissue.

If you are looking for a way to improve you health or the overall well being of your family (including your pets!), give Reiki a a shot! Many insurance providers also cover Reiki treatments.