While Reiki is often referred to as a massage, this is incorrect. You normally think of the word "massage" as denoting a physical type of body work. Reiki is more accurately described as a type of energy work. It can be done on oneself, for self-healing or on other people. The word "Reiki" is Japanese and is roughly translated as "universal life energy."
History
Reiki was developed in Japan by Mikao Usui. A Buddhist, he is said to have developed the concept of Reiki healing through a period of fasting and meditation. Some people say he came upon the system suddenly as a form of enlightenment. Others say he developed it during a longer period through regular meditation. He started teaching his system of healing to others and opened a school in 1922.
Theory
The Reiki practitioner acts as a conduit for Reiki energy and transmits it to the client. The energy then goes wherever it is needed in the body to effect the necessary changes so that the person will attain his natural balance. To be able to give a Reiki treatment, the practitioner must first be attuned, or linked, to the Reiki energy. These attunements are done by Reiki masters.
Treatments
Reiki treatments are generally done with the client fully clothed, although, if combined with another type of massage, this may not be the case. During treatments, the client should be comfortable and can be sitting or lying down. Some practitioners will use a set treatment for everyone, which generally involves starting at the crown chakra and working their way down the body, placing their hands above or lightly on the body of the person in specific positions. Other practitioners will use a more intuitive approach and simply go where the Reiki takes them.
Distance Treatments
After a practitioner completes the second level of Reiki attunements, she is capable of doing treatments from a distance. In this case, location is irrelevant. Practitioner and client can be on opposite sides of the world. By focusing the healing energy on the client, the Reiki therapist is able to send the energy to clients wherever they are located.
Benefits
Reiki has been used to tackle many different diseases, sometimes in combination with other therapies, such as to cope with the side effects from chemotherapy or radiation. It is used for emotional problems, for relieving stress, and for overall health and relaxation. It is increasingly used in traditional medical environments by nurses as well. No major side effects have been noted. However, if you have a serious illness, it is advised that you not use this type of treatment in lieu of medical treatment.
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