Reiki is a Japanese technique or system of healing that is administered by the “laying of hands” on the client. Reiki has been described as universal life energy. It is the fundamental energy that creates and sustains the universe. This energy is not electrical or chemical energy. Reiki energy exists on a higher dimension than the physical world. Reiki comes from a High Power and practitioners say it comes from God, the Creator, the Source.
Reiki Practitioners are conduits for this universal higher energy. These may seem like lofty words. Energy is within all of us. This healing energy comes from the transcendental part of all people and connected to an abundant and infinite supply. The word Reiki comes from two Japanese words, Rei meaning Higher Power or God’s Wisdom and Ki meaning Life’s Energy Force. Reiki is spiritually guided Life Force Energy.
Many holistic and spiritual techniques and systems are often considered religions. Reiki is spiritual in nature but it is NOT a religion. Reiki practitioners come from all walks of life. They are free to make their own decisions regarding their religious practices. This is also true for Reiki clients. While Reiki is not a religion and has no dogma, it is important to live and act in such a way that promotes peace, harmony, and good ethics with others.
The most common reference to Reiki in today’s modern world originates from the Usui System of Healing. Its founder is Dr. Mikao Usui. Reiki practitioners of this lineage can trace their teachers back to Dr. Usui. Without learning the traditions, philosophies and techniques from a qualified Reiki teacher, you do not receive important benefits and safeguards. When a practitioner is part of the Reiki training tradition, he or she has the ability to regulate energy and is protected from clients’ issues and illnesses. The ability of Reiki is transferred to a student during an attunement given by a Reiki Master. Through this attunement, the student is able to tap into the infinite supply of the universal energy force. Reiki has been taught to thousands of people. Reiki attunement is available to everyone regardless of one’s background.
Reiki is for relaxation and stress reduction that promotes healing and self-improvement. Everyone can avail themselves to Reiki, which is natural and safe. It has shown beneficial effects on virtually every known illness and has been combined with traditional/conventional medicine as an effective healing tool.
A typical treatment is energy flowing from the practitioner’s hands to the client. The client is fully clothed and is usually lying on a Reiki/massage table. Reiki can also be administered seated or standing. The practitioner places his or her hands in several hand positions on the body starting from the head and down to the feet. Depending on the client’s needs, the hand positions are held 3 to 10 minutes. A standard session lasts from 45 minutes to even 90 minutes. Reiki can be experienced by anyone, including babies and animals.
Our family dog, Angel, a five-pound, long-haired, chihuahua, loves receiving Reiki. Reiki can also be sent to others at a distance.
During a session, experiences are different from person to person. Common experiences include:
* Drifting off to sleep
* Floating outside their bodies
* Experiencing visions
* Feeling a flowing radiance through or around the body
* Feeling deeply relaxed
* Feeling refreshed
* Having a positive outlook
Reiki is all about harmony, peace, balance and good ethics. Dr. Usui taught and offered these principles:
Just for today, I will be grateful. Just for today, I will not anger. Just for today I will not worry. Just for today, I will do my work honestly. Just for today, I will respect life.
“Just for today” is a great reminder to live for today, because you cannot control the past or the future. I encourage my readers to live a harmonious peaceful and balanced life and enjoy living “Just for today.”
Blessings and Namaste to you all.
Daisy Villa is a certified yoga teacher and has certification in Usui Reiki. Reiki sessions are by appointment only.
