Reiki is a Japanese healing system designed to energize, reduce stress and aid in balancing mind, body and spirit. The Japanese words Rei Ki mean "higher power" and "life force energy." The theory of Reiki healing holds that practitioners become vessels, drawing life force energy from the higher power, and this energy travels to areas of the body in need. Reiki is administered by laying hands on or over the body, or through distance healing. It's not based on religion and requires minimal training to practice.
History
Reiki has existed for almost 100 years. Its founder, Dr. Mikao Usui, a Buddhist Monk, was inspired in 1922 upon a spiritual journey to Mount Koriyama where he fasted, prayed and meditated for 21 days. As legend has it, Usui had the ability to heal himself and others after receiving Reiki energy during his time in the mountains. Many variations about Usui's experience and his initiation to Reiki circulate, although no written documentation exists. For this reason, it's difficult to determine fact from fable. In a 2009 article published by "Life Center For Well-Being" Don Brennan described Usui's theory of Reiki as "an original therapy built upon the spiritual power of the universe."
Chakras
Life force energy is transferred to the body through chakras. A chakra, which means "vortex" in Sanskrit, is an energy-receiving and -transporting portal. The human body has nearly 100 chakras, called meridians, with seven primary ones beginning at the base of the spine, traveling upward to the crown. They govern the emotional and spiritual aspects of the self. When a chakra becomes blocked or sluggish, life force energy stagnates and illness manifests. Reiki is designed to unblock chakras, clear energy and restore balance to the body. Regular Reiki treatment will encourage your body to begin healing itself.
Attunement
To use Reiki as a healing tool, you have to receive an attunement from a Reiki master. The process involves the cleansing, clearing and balancing of chakras, and Reiki energy is transferred through your crown, palms and heart. Once completed, you'll have permanent access to life force energy.
Preparing for Attunement
It's advisable to go through a period of purification three days prior to and 21 days after attunement. Quit smoking and alcohol and eliminate all meat, fish and junk food. Eat live foods, fresh fruits and vegetables and avoid over-stimulating the senses. Meditate, pray and reflect by writing in a journal. Drink plenty of water to cleanse and clear toxins.
Reiki Levels
There are three levels of Reiki: first degree, second degree and Reiki Master or third degree. During a first-degree attunement, you will learn the philosophy of Reiki and how to heal and energize yourself. Once mastered, you can move to the more powerful second-degree attunement to learn how to heal others and apply distance healing. The third-degree attunement, the most powerful of all, gives you the ability to attune others to Reiki.
Receiving Reiki
When receiving Reiki in person, a practitioner will administer the energy to you by placing his hands on or over 12 positions of your body for about 5 minutes at a time to clear chakras. A session generally lasts for an hour and can be used in conjunction with other therapies such as Bach Flowers, meditation crystals and massage. You will feel deeply relaxed or energized after a session, depending on your own individual needs. Reiki energy is intuitive and delivers healing energy to the problem area. Distance healing is useful in treating people with mobility challenges, as well as pets and plants.
Health Benefits
Reiki encourages your body to heal itself by releasing stress and tension and promoting relaxation. Reiki can also be used as complementary therapy in treating conditions like cancer. The Cleveland Clinic uses Reiki as a part of its cancer treatment program and acknowledges it as an important factor of symptom relief. Reiki also can be used to support the immune system, treat addiction, lower blood pressure, assist in spiritual growth and reduce side effects of prescription drugs.
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