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Reiki
Reiki (ray-key) is a Japanese word most easily understood in English as “Universal Life Energy”. Here we use it to refer to a natural form of hands-on energy transfer of the Universal Life Energy. Reiki is a natural healing art which uses the laying on of hands to bring balance to body, mind and spirit.
Reiki is usually done on a massage table with the client fully clothed. Because Reiki is a holistic approach, it works to balance the entire system, rather than just focusing on certain symptoms. The healing energy seeks to remove any blocks and to re-energize the system so the body/mind/spirit is better able to work together and maintain optimal health and well-being.
In recent years the term Reiki has been used to describe many different forms of energy healing, which has created some confusion. The form of Reiki I practice is Usui Shiki Ryoho, in the Takata tradition. While there are many valid forms of energy work, Reiki, as it is taught traditionally, is very specific in its application and teaching. To be a Reiki healer in the Usui tradition, training and initiation with a Usui Reiki Master/Teacher is necessary. |
Some distinguishing characteristics of traditional Reiki healing are:
- There is no use of charms, crystals, etc. While these can be valid tools in healing, they are not a part of traditional Reiki
- Reiki is about allowing the energy to move through the practitioner, rather than the practitioner directing or seeking to control the energy.
- The Reiki practitioner will be energized, rather than tired upon completion of a Reiki treatment. If the person is tired, they are efforting the process, and that is not the way of Reiki.
- There is no need to disrobe when receiving a Reiki treatment, unless it is included as a part of a massage with a licensed massage practitioner.
- There is no chanting, sound effects, use of mantras, or waving of hands included as a part of a traditional Reiki treatment. A practitioner may subtly use symbols, but only the four traditionally taught.
- There are no special respiratory or breathing techniques used.
- The use of spirit guides, angels or other supernatural beings is not a part of traditional Reiki teaching, although some practitioners may experience their presence when doing treatments or teaching.
- While there are the 5 Precepts taught in traditional Reiki, it is not a religious practice. People of all faiths can comfortably incorporate the teachings into their lives and spiritual practice.
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There have been some lively discussions in the alternative healing community about what is and is not Reiki. I don't profess to know the "right" answer to the question. I have chosen to remain very traditional in my approach. That is not to say that other forms of energy healing are not valid or not as good. I believe there are many wonderful healing practices. I have studied some of them, and occasionally use some of the tools in my own life. Reiki has been the one that resonates most with me. It has been a good practice for me on many levels to “trust the source” and allow rather than guide the process.
I choose to keep my teaching of Reiki as pure as possible because it is my belief that people have a right to know what tools are being used when they are receiving treatment, and people also have a responsibility to be conscious of the tools they are using when treating others. In addition, when we mix things up it is sometimes difficult to discern what type of treatment is working. It is especially important for people new to energy work to have the opportunity to learn the distinctions. That way each person is able to clearly choose for him or herself the type of work that most resonates with them.
I encourage all who approach energy work to ask questions, and also to listen to their own intuition to determine which healing art (or combination) is best for them.
Contact us to schedule a treatment or learn more about Reiki Training. |
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