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Reiki - Healing with Love

Reiki (pronounced Ray-Key) is an ancient form of healing re-discovered in the 1900's by Mikao Usui (1865 - 1926). Reiki techniques involve the Reiki master placing his/her hands over specific parts of the body in order to channel energy into the body for deep relaxation and a sense of well being.

Background
Healing through human touch is the oldest, simplest and most natural of all the therapies available to us. The act of laying
on of hands to comfort, heal and relieve

pain conveys warmth, caring and affection. It is an act of love. This is the basic instinct a mother has when her child is unwell or hurt, it comes from deep within. In the same way, an animal's mother's first instinct is to lick or nuzzle her young in distress.

Sadly, in the Western world, our healing skills have been temporarily neglected or forgotten, thus we have been giving up the power to heal ourselves. At a time when the pace of life is becoming faster and faster and demands on our bodies are becoming greater and greater, many of the ancient natural healing therapies are being re-discovered and with the trend towards more holistic therapies, that power is being reclaimed.


History of Reiki
One of the oldest and simplest forms of healing is Reiki. Rei means universal wisdom and Ki means life energy, therefore Reiki means universal life energy. Ki energy is the vital flowing life force contained in all life, which is known also as Chi or Prana. Reiki provides a way of channelling this energy, allowing it to be used for healing. It is one of the oldest healing methods known to man and was re-discovered in the nineteenth century by Dr. Mikao Usui, a Christian minister in Japan, who was challenged by his students to tell them how Jesus was able to heal. Dr. Usui devoted many years of his life searching for the answer, and eventually after studying ancient Indian and Buddhist teachings, the roots of Reiki with its symbols and mantras were found. Further experiences during a period of fasting on a sacred mountain near Kyoto revealed more information and The Usui System of Reiki Natural Healing was born.

Benefits of Reiki
Good health is a question of being in balance, in body, mind and spirit. If our natural equilibrium is upset, then Ki or energy cannot flow and we may become ill. During a treatment, the practitioner channels healing energy into the body by lightly and non intrusively placing the hands in a sequence of positions on or just above the body. Clients are treated fully clothed and are usually lying comfortably on a massage couch (if this is not possible the treatment can be given whilst seated). Reiki heals on many levels: mental, emotional, physical and spiritual. The beauty of Reiki lies in the fact that it heals on a very deep level, and emotional blocks and suppressed feelings which are often the cause of physical illness are released, allowing for deep personal healing to take place. In cases of terminal illness Reiki enhances the quality of life, allowing for peace and serenity during the time remaining. Acute injuries can be helped to heal very quickly, although more chronic injuries may take longer. On a spiritual level Reiki offers both the giver and receiver a greater experience of higher consciousness, self awareness and intuition. In some cases the experience will facilitate profound life changes such as positivity, creativity, and personal growth.


Effects of a Treatment
During a treatment the client may experience many different sensations, which vary due to the effects of the higher energy vibration being different from person to person. There may be feelings of heat, cold, or tingling sensations as the energy is absorbed and adapts to the needs of the receiver. This will lead to a feeling of deep relaxation and lightness as the body's energy systems become balanced. Reiki is simple to give and simple to receive. The effects, however, are experienced on many levels. All this from the placing on of hands!

Reiki and Other Therapies
Reiki combines well with other complementary therapies, but works especially well with Reflexology, Aromatherapy and all forms of massage. All that is required is the desire to heal and to be healed. Whenever the hands are in contact with the body, Reiki will ease pain and discomfort and will bring about a feeling of relaxation, nurturing and security. Reiki is a very subtle energy - it has its own intelligence and will go to where it is needed, giving the client a deeper experience of personal healing.

Learning Reiki
Reiki is a gift, the use of which can be learnt easily and by anyone. It is taught on three levels, each level or degree being taught during a one or two day course, during which students are initiated or attuned to the energy by a Reiki Master. Level one is used for one-self, family and friends. Level two involves the use of three symbols, one of which enables distance healing, then after a practise period, practitioner level can be attained. Level three is the teachers level, and is not normally undertaken unless the student is prepared to accept the accelerated personal and spiritual growth which will result.


Self Healing and More
One of the greatest benefits offered by Reiki is that of self healing. When we allow ourselves to heal, then we are more able to support others in their own healing process. This is true for all therapies. Once someone is attuned to Reiki, the connection is there for life, and self treatments can easily be given every day, reducing stress, freeing negative emotions and bringing balance and harmony. Reiki can also be used to treat animals and plants, to balance energy around the home and for events and situations.

Summary
Reiki is a natural healing system that benefits both giver and receiver. It works with most therapies, enhancing therapeutic touch, relieving pain, allowing a deeper relaxation and leaving the client with a complete feeling of well-being. In a world where there is much suffering and pain, it comforts, calms, soothes, and releases emotional trauma. It cannot be misused, nor can it do harm. Reiki is a healing vibration that belongs to everyone and is for everyone. It heals with love.

© Federation of Holistic Therapists 2001

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