What is Reiki?

Reiki is a spiritual practice developed in 1922 by Mikao Usui in Japan after he encountered the power of Reiki on a retreat in Mount Kurama. Mikao Usui started the Reiki revolution in Tokyo, leaving it to spread throughout the world to spiritually heal and improve the lives of communities worldwide. Reiki is now practiced by thousands and has received both praise and criticism along its path of spiritual healing and development.

Although no scientific evidence can prove the positive workings of Reiki, Reiki is still viewed as a natural and safe complementary technique. Initiating spiritual healing and self-improvement, Reiki has been identified as a positive technique for relieving side-effects, reducing stress and promoting recovery with or without the assistance of medical treatment. Nevertheless, one should always consult a medical doctor prior to booking a session with a Reiki practitioner if chronic illness is suspected or exists. Reiki should never be viewed as a replacement for medical treatment but rather as a complementary technique to medical treatment. Ongoing sessions are usually required for improved results and it is essential to have at least 3 sessions of Reiki when a chronic ailment is being addressed.

So how does Reiki work exactly? Reiki utilizes spiritual energy to create a healing effect on mind, body and spirit. It is believed that anyone can have access to this energy through a process of attunement. When visiting a Reiki professional, you will be asked to lie down clothed on a massage table and relax. There will be little or no talking during the treatment and the practitioner will either place his hands on you in various positions or hold their hands a few centimeters away from your body. Energy flows through the practitioners hands and aids in increases the energy in the affected areas. When our energy is low, we are more likely to become sick and stressed. There are approximately 20 Reiki positions that can be used and an entire treatment can last up to 90 minutes in length. A warm sensation in the treated area as well as a feeling of deep relaxation can be experienced during and after a session of Reiki.

Reiki can also sometimes be confused as being a form of religion; however it is simply a spiritual technique that can be practiced on anyone coming from any background or belief system. There are however 5 principles, called GOKAI which are principles that are followed by most Reiki practitioners. These are: do not be angry, do not worry, be grateful, work with integrity and be kind to others. It is believed that to aid in the evolution of body and soul one should go through this list every morning and evening.

A simple Reiki routine that could be worth a try if wellness and self-improvement are on your to-do list for the year.