Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. The term comes from two Japanese words: “Rei,” which means universal, and “ki,” which loosely translates to a lifeforce of energy. “Universal Energy” is said to be transferred through the palms of the practitioner to the patient in order to encourage emotional or physical healing. The idea is that a Reiki practitioner uses gentle touch — or places their hands just above your body — to help guide this energy in a way that promotes balance and healing.
ORIGINS
The dominant style of Reiki used in the West is Usui Reiki, founded by Dr. Mikao Usui Dr. Usui had an interest in medicine, psychology and theology. During his education, these interests led him to seek a method of healing for himself and others, using the laying of hands, that was unaffiliated with any specific religion or belief system. This way, his healing modality would be available to anyone.
HOW IT WORKS
The Reiki belief system and that of the practitioner is that they do not cause the healing, nor are they the source of that healing energy; they are a channel for the energy. You, as the recipient, will lie fully dressed on a massage table. The practitioner will place their palms on or above different parts of the body, in up to 15 different ways, that are thought to be hubs for energy. The length of time in each location is determined by the flow of energy perceived through their hands. The practitioner is using non-invasive and non-manipulative touch. The recipient might feel sensations such as heat, tingling, or deep relaxation.
How does the Reiki practice actually work? The honest answer is, we don’t know. A popular belief is that each person has an electromagnetic field that is somehow manipulated by the practitioner. Another belief is that the recipient chakras are out of balance and the energy flows through the practitioner to help in balancing chakras. The most scientific explanation is that the stress level of the recipient is so reduced that it allows for the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system to help bring healing to the body and mind.
BENEFITS OF REIKI
According to a past survey conducted by the National Institutes of Health,1.2 million adults and 161,000 children in the United States had received energy healing therapy like Reiki in the previous year. Reiki is now used by a growing number of Americans to help with relaxation, anxiety, pain management, and depression. A review of studies found that hands-on Reiki was better than a placebo at lowering resting heart rate and blood pressure.
According to an article published by the Cleveland Clinic, the benefits of Reiki can include increased feelings of relaxation, stress reduction and symptom relief to improve overall health and well-being. It can:
- Bring on a meditative state.
- Foster tissue and bone healing after injury or surgery.
- Stimulate your body’s immune system.
- Promote natural self-healing.
- Relieve pain and tension.
- Support the well-being of people receiving traditional medical treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, surgery and kidney dialysis.
Studies show that reiki treatment may create feelings of:
- Peace.
- Relaxation.
- Security.
- Wellness.
It is important to know that Reiki is meant to be utilized as a complementary treatment, which means you use it along with medical treatments. It is not meant to take the place of traditional medicine. It does not guarantee any cure or promise to get rid of any health conditions by itself.
Contact us today! Resonant provides Reiki services in the greater Phoenix Metro area and virtual Reiki services no matter where you live!
