Reiki: The Movement of Universal Life Energy

Many people do not know of Reiki. The premise is that the therapist or practitioner can channel energy into the patient through touch. It is said that this energy activates our bodies natural healing process and restores our physical and emotional well-being. Reiki is a Japanese word, made up of two other Japanese words, Rei and Ki. Although, there are people who practice and teach Reiki it is not quite mainstream. This is more of an Eastern, holistic medical practice. Individuals who undergo these treatments report back feeling benefits. To fully understand the benefits you must first understand it’s origins and where it comes from.

Translations Of Reiki

Translating exact meanings from one language to another can be difficult. This attempt at translation can be especially hard from Japanese to English. This hardship stems from the fact that the Japanese language and culture is complex. Words can have different layers of meaning depending on the context. If you take the literal translation of both these words, Rei translates to ghost and Ki to vapor. When searching for a deeper meaning, we find that Rei means “Higher Intelligence.” Rei, with its infinite nature, is all-knowing and guides the evolution of all creation ranging from the unfolding of galaxies to the development of life. Ki is the non-physical energy that animates all living things. When Ki is high, a person will feel strong, confident, and ready to enjoy life and take on its challenges. When Ki is low, you will feel weak and more likely to become sick.
Once you put these two definitions together, you start to get a sense for what Reiki treatments are targeting. According to The International Center for Reiki Training Reiki is “non-physical healing energy made up of life force energy that is guided by the Higher Intelligence, or spiritually guided life force energy.” Practitioners support this idea that Reiki has a mind of its own. The energy seems to know where the patient wants it to go and creates a sustainable healing environment.

How Reiki Treatments Work

Most people do not have any understanding of how Reiki treatments work. These treatments although best in a soothing environment can be done anywhere. Just like a massage can be done in a spa they can also be done in the mall, and the same goes for Reiki treatments. The actual treatment is very straightforward and simple. The client typically lays or sits down, in full clothing. The practitioner then places their hands in various positions along the client’s body. Common areas include the head, shoulders, and stomach. The energy flows from the practitioner’s hands to the client. Just like other types of medicine, Reiki treatments can be custom to meet your specific needs. Typically, each position takes anywhere from three to ten minutes. The time for each position depends on how much energy that area needs. An entire treatment session can last between forty-five to ninety minutes.

Effects of Reiki

Although, how people feel during their treatments vary, deep relaxation is usually felt by all. Some even feel an energy flow and radiate through their body and surround them. The energy encourages one to let go of stress, tension, anxiety, and fear or other negative feelings. On the flip side, it also promotes entering a state of peace and well-being. Some even report feeling like they are floating outside their bodies or having visions and other mystical experiences.

Yoga and Reiki

Yoga and Reiki both have great benefits when you perform them separately. However, when done back to back the benefits can enhance greatly. Reiki is a special type of energy flowing through your body. This energy tries to break up as much tension in your body as possible while it flows through you. Yoga breaks up the tension in your body. The benefits of practicing Reiki after your yoga is better then if you just do one of these by themselves. Using yoga to break up the tension in your mind and muscles allows Reiki to have no restrictions. With the energy not having to break up areas or blockages it can focus on solely radiating throughout the entire body. This free movement allows the healing process to really take effect. The feelings of Reiki after also doing yoga are much more intense and last longer.
Today, with everyone so busy and bottling up tension and stress it is crucial we look for ways to relieve some of this tension and Reiki is a great option.