Reiki (pronounced ray-key) is an integrative medicine technique of therapeutic touch developed in Japan thousands of years ago. The current practice of “laying on hands” either on or just above the person to administer Reiki energy was developed by Mikao Usui in 1922. “Rei” means universal and “Ki” means life energy, which is similar to Chi in Chinese, Prana in Sanskrit and Ti or Ki in Hawaiian. Life energy is a non-physical energy that gives life to all living things. If your life energy is low or there is a restriction to its flow, you will be more susceptible to illness or disease. Ki is present all around us and can be accumulated and guided by the mind. Reiki practitioners have received training to channel Reiki energy through their hands to administer the healing energy to others.
Reiki can never cause harm because it is universal life energy. All living things have life energy within them and when they die, the energy departs from them. Ki flows within the physical body through pathways called chakras, meridians (acupuncture points) and nadis (channels carrying life energy) which are connected to organs and tissues in the body. Balanced and unrestricted flow of Ki promotes wellbeing.
Ki is also receptive to thoughts and feelings. When we have positive thought patterns, we feel well. However, negative thought patterns result in stress and/or sadness and can become lodged in the subconscious mind, disrupting the flow of Ki. Overtime, these negative thoughts can result in blockages of Ki throughout the body as the negative thoughts become attached to organs and tissues leading to illness. Reiki energy works with negative thoughts and feelings and replaces them with healthy positive thoughts and feelings by raising their vibrational frequency.
What might I experience during a Reiki session?
Reiki energy works with negative thoughts and feelings and replaces them with healthy thoughts and feelings by raising their vibrational frequency. In doing so, Reiki clears and heals the energy pathways within the body, removing blockages and breaking off negative energy. When a blockage is released a person may feel tingling throughout their body, a warming or a cooling sensation, twitching within their muscles, or movement within their digestive tract. It is also completely normal to feel nothing; this does not mean that the person did not receive the healing energy. Everybody is different and will have slightly different experiences. Many people feel very relaxed during a Reiki session and some fall asleep.
What can be treated by Reiki?
Reiki is energizing and gentle. It has been used to aid to heal virtually every known illness and injury including life threatening illnesses such as multiple sclerosis, heart disease and cancer. Reiki has been given in operating rooms and intensive care units and also has been used in conjunction with psychotherapy to improve the healing of emotional trauma and other issues. Reiki reduces stress, decreases pain, reduces anxiety, promotes deep relaxation, improves mental attitude, improves sleep and helps speed-up the healing process. Reiki is not a substitute to conventional medicine; it is an integrative medicine practice that aids in promoting overall health and wellbeing.
How frequently should I receive Reiki?
The number of Reiki sessions depends on the person and their current health status. For some people, once a month is sufficient others require more frequent sessions to remove blockages and restore energy flow and balance.
Jessica is a graduate of the University of Maryland-College Park, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health. She is a graduate of the University of Louisville with a Master of Public Health degree, and upon graduation worked at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for five years as a Public Health Advisor. Currently, Jessica is a Medical Student at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. She enjoys music, yoga, meditation, hiking, traveling, reading and spending time with family and friends. Jessica is originally from Maryland and her favorite place in Chicagoland is the beach at the Navy Pier. If you have any questions regarding Reiki, please email her at jsimpson@loyolafitness.org. Take care and Namaste.
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