Reiki refers to a Japanese technique of relaxation and healing. The word Reiki comes from the Japanese word Rei, meaning "God's wisdom or the Higher Power and Ki, which means "life force energy." The International Center for Reiki Training calls Reiki a safe and natural method of healing and self-improvement. The information contained in this article does not substitute for medical advice. Please speak with your health care provider regarding your health care concerns.
History
Many theories exist about the origin of Reiki healing. According to The International Center for Reiki Training, Dr. Mikao Usui originated the system of Reiki after allegedly receiving healing abilities during a 21-day meditation at Mount Kurama. Dr. Usui spent the next 7 years in Kyoto, where he opened a Reiki training school. Dr. Chujiro Hayashi, a former student of Dr. Usui, later modified the healing system and likely developed the 12 standard hand positions of Reiki. Dr. Hayashi initiated Hawayo Takata as a Reiki Master in 1938. According to The Reiki Healing Centre, Takata brought a less spiritual version of Reiki to the Western world.
Indications
According to the Long Island Reiki Connection, Reiki healing may help headaches, colds, fatigue, insomnia, heart disease and cancer. Reiki aids in the healing process after an injury or surgery. Because Reiki brings balance and harmony, it is useful for treatment of anxiety conditions. Reiki works with conventional medicine to complement and support other medical techniques.
Theory
Reiki healing works through healing energies flowing from the hands of a Reiki practitioner and into the body of the person receiving treatment. The practitioner transfers the energy to the person receiving treatment by either laying hands on him or placing hands very close to his body. Once inside the recipient's body, the healing energy goes where it will produce the greatest healing and benefit.
Sessions
Because Reiki is a highly personal experience, treatments produce varying sensations. Many people report feeling deep relaxation and a sense of radiance. Reiki encourages the recipient to release all feelings of negativity, thus creating feelings of peace and harmony. Some recipients of Reiki treatment report falling asleep or floating outside their bodies during the treatment session. After the treatment, recipients commonly feel refreshed and in possession of a renewed sense of vigor.
Side Effects
On occasion, a recipient of Reiki healing treatments may experience a healing crisis. Reiki healing encourages the removal of stored toxins from the body. Toxins released into the bloodstream move through the liver and kidneys for filtration. During this cleansing process the recipient may experience a headache, stomach pain or feelings of weakness. If a healing crisis occurs, the recipient should rest and increase fluids. Keep in mind that cleansing from toxins results in greater well-being and signals the success of the Reiki treatment.
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