Reki “Universal Life Energy”

 

by Diana M. Abatecola, NCLMT & RMT

 

eiki is a Japanese word meaning “Universal Life Energy.” The word Reiki is composed of two Japanese words: Rei and Ki. Rei means spirit which describes the Universal limitless aspect of this energy. Ki represents the vital life force that is in all living things. It is also the primary energy of our emotions, thought and spiritual life. Ki is very similar to what Christians refer to as the “Light,” “Prana” by the Hindu’s, “Mana” by the Kahunas and Chi by the Chinese. As long as something is alive, it has life energy circulating through it and surrounding it; when it dies, the life energy departs. If the life energy is low, or if there is a restriction in its flow, there’s an increase in vulnerability to illness. When energy is high and flowing, illness is less likely.

The Usui System of Reiki was named after its founder, Dr. Usui Mikao in the early 1900’s. During World War II, Hawayo Takata spread the Usui System of Reiki to Hawaii and the United States, then to Canada and Europe.

Reiki is spiritual in nature but it is not a religion. It Reiki is used as an alternative healing modality that supports the whole person: physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Reiki balances the body’s energies on all levels, enabling its natural ability to heal itself. Reiki is a very simple yet powerful technique that can be easily learned by anyone.

A Reiki treatment can be given hands-on or by a Reiki II or III Practitioner long distance. The fully clothed client is either lying on a massage table or is placed in a seated position with their shoes off. The practitioner gently places their hands on or above the client in a number of positions i.e., the head, chest, abdomen, back, legs, and feet. Each position is usually held for approximately 3 to 5 minutes.

Reiki flows through the practitioner into the client. This transfer may be felt as any type of sensation; heat, cold, tingling, vibration, or unusual heaviness. When the sensation ends, this signals the Reiki Practitioner to move on to the next position. First, the front part of the client’s body will be treated then the backside. A full Reiki treatment takes 60 to 90 minutes.

Research has shown that Reiki has been documented to relax muscles, still the mind, lower the heart rate, reduce blood pressure and ease pain. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine published research on a Reiki study: “Autonomic Nervous-System-Changes During Reiki Treatment: A Preliminary Study,” THE JOURNAL OF ALTERNATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE Volume 10, Number 6. ¹ This study revealed a significant reduction in heart rate and diastolic blood pressure for those that received Reiki that did not appear in the placebo or the control group.

Reiki is totally natural and holistic. It complements other types of therapies, helping them to be more effective thereby causing the healing process to be accelerated. When the life force is disrupted either consciously or unconsciously by negative thoughts and feelings which attach themselves to the energy field, it causes diminished function or unbalance in one or more of the organs and tissues of the physical body. Reiki heals by flowing through the affected parts of the energy field and changing them with positive energy.

Reiki has gained acceptance in improving patient care. There are numerous facilities in the United States that offer Reiki as a meaningful and cost effective way to improve patient care and incorporate it into their patient services.

The Department of Oncology at Women & Infants Hospital in Providence, RI was quoted on www.distance-healer.com/16.html as saying “the most exciting part of our work has been seeing the results of Reiki. Patients have experienced reduction in chemotherapy side effects, as well as reduction of neuropathy, back pain, anxiety, fatigue and faster recovery from anesthesia. They also report a general sense of comfort, well being and relaxation.”

Reiki is not a substitute for the traditional medical treatment. Reiki is a supplement to them. Reiki is guided by the Universal Consciousness and therefore, can never cause harm. It will always know what a person needs and will adjust itself accordingly for the appropriate effect.

After a full Reiki treatment people have stated they feel refreshed and revitalized!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

¹ http://www.thehealingpages.com/Articles/TheScienceofReiki.html

Rand, William. Reiki, The Healing Touch. Southfield, MI: Vision Publications 1991

Stein, Diane. Essential Reiki: A Complete Guide to An Ancient Healing Art. Berkely, CA: Crossing Press 1995