Reiki is a holistic healing practice unlike any Western medical treatment. Allopathic, or traditional western medicine, seeks to treat symptoms and cure disease. Reiki seeks to restore balance to the human energy field, bringing about unique individual healing. Though research on Reiki's effectiveness is limited, the popularity of Reiki continues to grow. Clients and patients who receive Reiki report stress reduction, improved mental clarity and a sense of spiritual connection. Reiki is most frequently given as a massage which involves light touch to different areas of the body. Although research shows that Reiki is safe, it should not be substituted for medical treatment.
Definition
According to the University of Minnesota, Reiki is a vibrational, spiritual healing modality. During a typical session, a Reiki practitioner lightly places her hands on areas of their client's body. If the client does not wish to be touched, Reiki practitioners will hover their hands over their client, instead of making direct physical contact. Unlike other massage techniques, Reiki does not involve physically manipulating client's bodies. Instead, Reiki practitioner's hands remain still for a period of time at one location on the body, then switch to another location. Reiki sessions can last anywhere from a few minutes to over an hour.
Biofield
Reiki is thought to manipulate what is called the biofield, or the energy which surrounds every living person. According to the University of Minnesota, the biofield is an intricately layered vibrational field surrounding and penetrating the body. Some cultures practice vibrational healing through sound, which is a form of vibration. For example, chanting, drumming and the use of the instrument the didgeridoo, have been used for vibrational healing. Though sound is not used in Reiki, the practitioner's hands are thought to convey healing vibrations to the client's biofield.
Experience
Each client's experience of Reiki will vary depending on his needs and readiness to leave behind suffering. A specific illness or obstacle to healing may exist to facilitate the client's individual growth. If a client is open to healing and no longer needs his illness to grow spiritually, Reiki has the greatest effect. Reiki clients commonly experience relaxation and a sense of spiritual connection. Some clients feel refreshed and energized. Aside from the sensation of a light touch, clients sometimes feel tingling or heat, as energy moves through their biofields.
Use
Anyone can benefit from Reiki, and Reiki practitioners exist as friends, family, medical providers and alternative health practitioners. According to a survey by the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine, more than 1.2 million adults used an energy healing technique in 2007, and over 161,000 children had participated in energy healing. Patients have found Reiki beneficial for chronic pain, stress reduction, depression, anxiety and HIV/AIDS. Reiki is also used to help patients recover from surgery, cancer and to help them make peace with dying.
Origins
Though many consider Reiki to provide spiritual benefits, it is not associated with a specific religion. Reiki originated in Japan in the 1920s through the spiritual realizations of Mikao Usui.
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