Hands-on Healing Technique
Reiki (pronounced ray-key) is a gentle, hands-on healing technique that was first introduced to the West by Japanese Masters in the early 1940s. The word Reiki means “universal life force energy,” which is the same energy found in and around all things. Reiki restores energetic balance and facilitates growth and healing on all levels: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. It’s a natural, non-invasive, yet powerful method of healing that’s given by gentle touch. The aim of this healing is to enhance the body’s innate ability to heal itself. The theory is that health and well being is a function of the free flow of life force energy through us. Oriental medicine, acupuncture, massage therapy, Yoga, Tai Chi and chiropractic all incorporate this idea.
The Body’s Barriers
Where there are blocks to the energy flow, illness may result. Blocks may be caused by physical, mental, emotional, environmental and other factors. Reiki works to dissolve these blocks and create inner balance (homeostasis). Reiki isn’t a substitute for medical and/or other health care treatments, but, complements and enhances them. It has no side effects and no contraindications. Reiki is safe for all ages, from premature babies to the elderly.
Reiki has been shown to:
- Restore balance to the energy field.
- Induce deep relaxation; reducing anxiety and stress.
- Reduce pain.
- Dissolve addictive behavior.
- Ease the suffering of terminally ill clients.
- Strengthen the immune system and accelerate the body’s natural healing ability.
- Improve focus and concentration. ? Establish mental well-being.
- Reduce fatigue and nausea from radiation and chemotherapy.
- Reduce a client’s recovery time after an invasive procedure.
What Is a Session Like?
Reiki is given by the laying of hands either directly on or a few inches above the body. The practitioner acts as a conduit for the energy, allowing it to flow into the client. The client remains fully clothed and may be either sitting or lying down. You may feel energy moving through your body. It can be experienced as tingles, waves, muscle release/twitches, heat, cold and more. Some people see colors or have visions. Some people fall asleep or experience being in a state that’s somewhere between waking and dreaming. Others don’t feel anything, but notice the results of the session later, once it has ended and they go home. The most common experience is a deep sense of relaxation.
A complete Reiki session may take an hour or longer and can include other healing modalities such as crystals, aromatherapy, acupressure and guided imagery just to name a few.
Learning to Do Reiki
Reiki is simple and easy to learn. It can be taught to children as well as adults. All kinds of people take Reiki training classes including, nurses, doctors, clergymen, massage therapists, educators, corporate employees, artists, business owners and stay-at-home moms. Some people have personal, familial or professional reasons for taking classes. You don’t need to have a professional interest in Reiki in order to learn it or to be trained. Reiki is a wonderful gift to give yourself and those you love. There are several degrees of Reiki training: Level I, II, Advanced Practitioner and Master Teacher. Each higher level includes additional skills. In the process of learning Reiki, the student goes through a series of energetic empowerments by a Master Teacher that opens and clears the energy centers of their body. This allows them to access this healing energy and bring it to those they’re treating.
The Future of Reiki
Interest in Reiki is growing very rapidly in the United States and Europe. There are currently millions of people practicing it and it’s being used in thousands of medical facilities throughout the world as a compliment to the more standard medical therapies. As more people look for alternative ways to decrease stress and bring a sense of well being to their lives, the demand for Reiki will continue to rise. Give the gift of healing to yourself or someone you love and experience the beauty of Reiki today.
Lorraine Austin is in private practice in Smithtown. For more information, visit www.handsofenlightenment. com or call 631-235-4154.