Reiki is a spiritual practice and healing art that utilises the bitfield of the human body. During a session {personal and professional}, a Reiki practitioner will lightly place their hands onto or just above the body to direct energy and help the body to heal itself. It is important to note that Reiki can be used by physically placing the hands onto the body or hovering them just above the area being treated. Not everyone likes to be touched so in these instances, you would hover above the body. Reiki is a complementary approach that is used alongside conventional medicine interventions, not as a treatment of its own. Reiki does not treat or cure any health conditions. It simply helps the body to heal itself. Anecdotal accounts and some researchers have suggested that Reiki can induce relaxation and tranquillity, reduce pain and anxiety and foster a sense of spiritual connection and well-being.
This blog post will discuss Reiki, what it may help with, and what it doesn't do.
What Is Reiki?
So what is Reiki? Reiki is derived from the Japanese words rei, meaning universal, and kei, meaning life energy. It is a Japanese healing art and a complementary energy therapy based on the principle that everything in the universe consists of energy that flows around and through living beings. Reiki proposes that disruption to this energy may cause health problems and seeks to restore the balance of the energy flow to a person by sending the energy flow received by the universe. Reiki also involves a philosophy of living surrounding mind-body-spirit unity and connection to all things.
The Reiki principles for living are:
"Just for today do not worry”
"Just for today do not anger”
"Honour your teachers, parents, and elders”
"Earn your living honestly”
"Show gratitude to all living things”
Reiki Master vs. Reiki Practitioner
Initiation into practicing Reiki involves three stages, during which "attunement" occurs. Attunement is done through a series of rituals performed by a Reiki master, which opens the energy channels of the body.
Level 1
Level 1 is also called attunement to first-degree Reiki, or Reiki I.
Students learn basic information about Reiki history, application, principles, and hand positions.
Students can balance their energies and practice Reiki with family and friends through touch.
Students cannot practice Reiki on others or charge money for their services.
Level 2
Level 2 is also called attunement to second-degree Reiki, Reiki II, or practitioner level.
Practitioners learn specific symbols that allow the transfer of energy through space and time (called absentee or distance healing).
Practitioners can practice Reiki on others.
Level 3 is also called attunement to third-degree Reiki, Reiki III, or master level.
Involves more in-depth study of Reiki practice and teaching.
This level is typically achieved via an apprenticeship with a Reiki master.
The practitioner is now considered a Reiki master or teacher.
A Reiki master can train new practitioners/attune others into Reiki.
How it Works
Reiki operates on the assumption that a universal life force sustains all living organisms and that an energetic and spiritual dimension exists in humans as part of the healing process. The theory behind Reiki is that by balancing these energies, the body's natural healing ability is stimulated. The focus is on healing, particularly through the spirit and mind-body connection, rather than a cure or treatment of specific conditions or diseases. The existence of this energy field or universal life force has not been backed by credible research, {nor has its ability to foster healing been shown by credible research} It has been suggested that the positive effects reported by people who have experienced Reiki sessions may come, at least in part, from the state of relaxation it encourages. Reiki may down-regulate the automatic nervous system tone, which relieves tension and anxiety, lowers blood pressure and elicits a feeling of calm.
What It Can Help With
While not proven concretely, Reiki may help with:
Relaxation and stress reduction
Activating the parasympathetic nervous system {reduced heart rate, reduced blood pressure, increased heart rate variability}
Pain control
Reduced anxiety and depression and increased self-esteem and quality of life in people with chronic health conditions.
Enhanced well-being and sleep quality
Symptom management in some conditions, such as cancer
Stronger sense of connection with self and others
Enhanced positive thinking
Techniques
There are several forms of Reiki, but The Usui System of Natural Healing is the most commonly practiced. A typical Usui Reiki session lasts about 30-45 minutes or up o 1 hour. During the session, the person receiving Reiki usually lies down. Then, the practitioner gently places their hands on {with the person's consent} or just above the clothed person, in at least 12 total positions on the head and the seven main energy centers {chakras}. Symbols, usually drawn onto the practitioner's palm by the palm of the other hand, may be used once a practitioner reaches level 2. These symbols are said to enhance the quality of the transmitted energy and consolidate the benefits of the treatment.
Seated sessions may also be offered, usually lasting 20 to 30 minutes.
Reiki can also be practiced on yourself {oneself}.
How Does It Feel During a Reiki Session?
Feelings of relaxation, peacefulness, warmth, and calm are commonly reported by people who experience a Reiki session.
Other sensations people may feel include:
Heat
Cold
Tingling
Or even nothing at all
Some benefits of Reiki include:
It is non-invasive and gentle, with little to no risk of adverse effects.
It can be performed nearly anywhere, including clinics, hospices, surgery rooms, or anywhere it is wanted.
It can be performed by anyone who receives training, including physicians, nurses, caregivers, therapists of all kinds, volunteers, or even the person themself.
Efficacy
While studies exist that support some benefits of Reiki, research is typically of low quality {small sample sizes, flawed methodology, etc.} and usually relies on the subjective accounts of participants. There is no clear evidence that Reiki is effective for any health-related purpose.
Cost
Fees vary and are determined by the practitioner. A typical session can cost anything from £25 for 1/2 hour or up to £45-£50 for a full 1-2hour session. Low-cost or no-cost options are also sometimes available through some practitioners but one must always remember that time must be paid for so paying your healer and/or teacher shows a sign of respect and honour for your teacher’s time and the sometimes available through volunteer programs.
Who Should Avoid Reiki
While there are no specific restrictions on who should receive Reiki, Reiki should not be used as a stand-alone treatment for any health condition or as an alternative to conventional medical care.
Summary
Reiki is a complementary treatment that seeks to promote wellness by creating balance in a person's life force or energy field. However, there is insufficient evidence to support Reiki can meaningfully address any health condition. Studies exist that support the use of Reiki, but most are flawed or low-quality. Anecdotally, many people who receive Reiki report that it helps them feel calm, relaxed, and connected. Reiki should never be used as an alternative to conventional medical care or as a treatment on its own. While Reiki won't treat or cure your medical condition, it is a low-risk practice that may help you relax while undergoing conventional treatment. If you feel it's something you want to try, look for a practitioner who has at least level 2 training, preferably one who is registered with a credible professional Reiki association.
Reiki FAQ
Where did Reiki originate? Reiki as we know it was developed by Dr. Mikao Usui in Japan in the early 1900s. The first Reiki clinic in the United States opened in 1970.
How often are Reiki sessions? There is no established optimal number of Reiki sessions. Typically, three sessions are recommended to start, but this number can vary depending on many factors.
How long are Reiki sessions? The duration of a Reiki session is typically about 45 to 90 minutes for a full session or about 15 to 20 minutes for a seated session, but these times can vary.
What are other forms of spiritual healing? Therapeutic Touch and Healing Touch are also bio-field therapies that operate on the assumption of a universal life force that sustains all living organisms.
How do you become a Reiki practitioner? A Reiki master teaches Reiki through a series of three levels. To become a Reiki practitioner, you must reach at least level 2. To become a Reiki master, you must do all three stages.
If this post has captured your interest in Usui Reiki and you would like to learn more about how to become a Reiki Practitioner, please CLICK HERE to find out more.