What is Reiki?
What a wonderful question. When I was first learning about Reiki, it felt very mysterious. Allow me to help you understand about this healing modality. I know it is going to sound hard to believe, but stick with me, because there is scientific data that backs up the effectiveness of Reiki therapy.
Reiki is a healing technique, discovered by Mikao Usui in Japan in 1922. Prior to the discovery of Reiki, he was trained in history, medicine, Buddhism, Christianity, psychology, and Taoism. Usui had a mission to help students connect with the universal life force for self development.
What is universal life force energy?
To answer your question, let us talk about science. There is a theory called the Big Bang Theory. It states that everything in the universe came from one source of matter, that was under intense pressure and temperature. Have you ever put something in the microwave for longer than you intended and it makes a mess? You can absolutely think of the Big Bang like that.
All of that matter from the Big Bang is made up of tiny particles called atoms. Atoms are made of electrically charged pieces like protons and electrons. Electricity is a type of energy. These atoms come together, based on their electrical charges, to form complex structures. These structures form living organisms - birds, fish, plants, pets…and human beings. We ourselves are made up of energy from the Big Bang. Yes, we are indeed made of stardust.
Life force energy is the electricity that keeps our hearts beating, the sun shining, and your pet barking or purring each and every day.
Discovery of Reiki
Like most good history lessons, there is not much information about HOW Usui discovered Reiki. The current information teaches that Usui was on Mount Kurama in Japan for a 21 day discipline of prayer and fasting. During this time is when it is believed that he discovered Reiki.
I have days where I cannot imagine a few hours without food or water. It sounds hard to believe that praying and fasting can lead to remarkable shifts in the body, mind, and Spirit. Science is becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of fasting. To read more about those benefits click here.
Okay, okay, so tell us Calla, what IS Reiki?
Reiki is a healing technique that can only be practiced by practitioners who have completed training. There are multiple levels to Reiki training: Reiki I, Reiki II, and Reiki Master. Reiki I training allows the practioner to perform in person healing. Reiki II confers training for distance Reiki. These two levels are often taught together. Reiki Master is the highest level of Reiki training. Reiki masters can teach Reiki.
Reiki practitioners are taught to recharge the body, emotions, mind, and Spirit of clients with the universal life force. It’s like plugging your iPhone to charge directly into the source of power. Reiki practitioners act as a channel or vessel for the life force to flow through. They do not generate Reiki on their own.
Reiki can be practiced by placing hands on a client’s body in specific positions, which are taught during Reiki training. Reiki can also be practiced without touching a client’s body and from a distance over a phone call or video conference platform. No Reiki practitioner should ever touch you without your consent. No Reiki practitioner should touch you in sensitive areas like the chest or genitals.
Reiki feels different for every person. It can feel like nothing, it can feel like a gentle hug, it can cause you to cry, or fall asleep. No matter how it feels, Reiki therapy is working.
Reiki works by filling the cells of your body with life force energy. Giving your body this healing is like giving them the purest form of fuel. By giving your body the highest grade of fuel possible, you will notice subtle, but significant changes in the way you think and feel. You will find yourself acting in ways that are aligned with what is best for you. It is a very good strategy to alleviate self deprecating thoughts and behaviors.
What is Reiki used for?
What a splendid question. Receiving Reiki gives life force to the best possible outcome for the client. There is no health condition or life circumstance that will be negatively impacted by Reiki. Reiki can be used for everything!
Reiki was used by Usui and his lineage to heal almost every known medical affliction. It is very helpful for those with chronic pain. One or multiple Reiki sessions can help a person process the difficulty of losing a loved one, pet, relationship, and the grief of life transitions.
I like to use Reiki to help creative people find inspiration or work on unblocking themselves from negative criticism the world feels obliged to provide artists. Another speciality of mine is assisting those in their journeys of gender expression and identity. Reiki helps us process the fear, guilt, and shame society has taught us we should feel if we are different. Finally, I like to use Reiki for people wanting to reclaim body and sexual autonomy.
Is Reiki safe?
Yes! Reiki is safe for humans, pets, and plants. Even babies can receive Reiki.
There are no contraindications (reasons someone cannot receive) Reiki.
Can Reiki cause harm?
No. Reiki cannot cause harm.
Resources for further reading
The effect of reiki on pain: A meta-analysis
The Effect of Reiki on Sexual Function and Sexual Self-Confidence in Women with Sexual Distress