What Is Reiki Healing?

Reiki is a Japanese healing art form that was introduced to the Western world in the early 20th century through the teachings of Dr. Mikao Usui and Hawayo Takuta. Reiki works with your body's subtle energy system; healing energy is channeled into you by a practitioner to heal energy blockages and reduce stress, among many other possible benefits. You can find a reiki practitioner at many spas and massage clinics, or you can use Wellness-Finder.org's professional locator service to find a reiki practitioner in your area.

History

According to the International Center for Reiki Training, reiki was originally conceived as a healing art form by Dr. Mikao Usui, who lived in Japan from 1865 to 1926. Dr. Usui experienced a spiritual awakening when he was on a retreat in 1922, and felt that he received healing power when he experienced vibrational energy coming from above his head. Dr. Usui conducted many initiations for reiki healers, and initiated Dr. Hayashi, who subsequently initiated Hawayo Takuta, a Hawaiian woman who brought reiki to Westerners in the late 1930s.

Purpose

Reiki can provide a healing experience and increase your overall well-being. You might consider reiki as an alternative to conventional medical treatments. According to the National Institutes of Health's Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, reiki is being used more and more by people who are seeking pain relief and relief of symptoms related to illness.

Features

Reiki is a system of healing where a certified reiki practitioner lays her hands on affected parts of your body. The practitioner channels energy to heal any energy blockages you may be experiencing. According to the NIH Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, reiki is based on the idea that there is a universal energy source -- or "ki" -- that practitioners try to access to facilitate healing by guiding this energy through their hands into affected parts of your body.

Effects

If you undergo a reiki treatment, you may experience profound effects, ranging from a deep sense of relaxation to feeling warmth or even healing from illness. Pamela Miles points out in her book, "Reiki: A Comprehensive Guide," that some people have reported experiencing improvements in their conditions after a reiki treatment. According to the NIH Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, reiki is generally considered to be a safe treatment with no serious side effects.

Training

Reiki training is not currently regulated through a governmental body. However, practitioners generally undergo rigorous training from a teacher who is typically a reiki master. According to the NIH Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, training in reiki traditionally has three levels -- the last of which, reiki master, can take up to three years to complete.