Holistic Inspiration

Reiki

What is Reiki?

Reiki (pronounced ray key) is an ancient healing technique rediscovered by Dr Mikao Usui in the early 19th Century.  It is a form of natural healing where the therapist channels the healing energy into the person receiving Reiki.  In Japanese the word Reiki means "Universal Life Energy".  "Rei" describes the spiritual wisdom and "Ki" is the vital force that flows through all living beings.

Therefore the combination of Rei and Ki is spiritually guided Life Force Energy

Reiki is neither a religion nor belief system.  It opens the way to new depths of spiritual experience and understanding.  Once initiated, placing of hands on yourself or another person activates Reiki.  The Reiki energy is then effortlessly drawn through the body at a pace corresponding to the need and will go to the level where the energy is blocked, charging it with loving energy and raising the vibrational frequency.  The energy is healing, not the practitioner, they are just the channel.  In giving Reiki there is no transmission of any personal energy between the giver and receiver.

Reiki is both a powerful and gentle healer

A Brief History of Reiki

Dr Mikao Usui, the founder of Reiki, lived at the end of the 19th century and was the director and Christian priest of a small university in Kyoto, Japan.  One day he was asked by his students if he believed in the healing miracles of Jesus Christ and whether he was able to demonstrate such healing. He had no answer but it led him to give up his position and start on a quest to study the healing methods of Christ.  In brief, his search led him to the study of Sanskrit writings in a Buddhist Monastery.  On the Abbot's advice, he embarked upon a 21 day meditation and fast on a Holy mountain near Kyoto.  At the end of the 21 days, his experience gave him the understanding of Reiki.  As he began his descent, he stubbed his toe quite badly, causing it to throb and bleed.  When he wrapped his hands around his foot, the bleeding immediately stopped and the pain vanished.  The first of three such miracles that day. So began the Usui system of Natural Healing.

How does Reiki work?

Reiki passes from the giver to the receiver, working on many different levels. It brings all aspects of the receiver's being into harmonious balance, according to their individual needs and desires. It is a simple and powerful process, not based on any religious beliefs, that allows the energy to flow through the hands to wherever it is needed.

Reiki not only promotes your physical well-being but also has a positive effect on your emotional and spiritual equilibrium. This is why, after a treatment, many people feel refreshed, relaxed, cleared and more content. It is suitable for healthy and sick people of all ages. You can use it to replenish your vital energy, to strengthen your immune system and to help with healing of ailments and illnesses.

What does it feel like?

Like a warm sunny day?  Reiki is usually felt as a warm and gentle feeling, creating a deep sense of peace and relaxation.  It calms the mind and emotions, bringing us into balance and harmony, helping us to release negative thought patterns and habits.

What is Reiki used for?

Reiki has many benefits and as a holistic technique, reaches every aspect of the self – mind, body and soul.  Reiki makes no diagnosis, but knows instinctively where it is needed.  Just a few uses are:

·                     Promotes natural self-healing

·                     Adapts to the natural needs of the receiver

·                     Balances the energies in the body

·                     Enhances personal awareness and helps meditative states

·                     Relaxes and reduces stress

·                     Strengthens Life Force Energy

·                     Treats symptoms and causes of illness

·                     Heals holistically – the body as a whole – mind, body and soul

·                     Strengthens immune system

·                     Relieves pain

·                     Clears toxins

·                     Releases blocked or suppressed emotions and/or illness

Are there any side effects to Reiki? There are no side effects with Reiki. It affects each person differently but it always acts wherever the receiver needs it most.

What’s in a typical session?

Reiki determines itself what is needed and a typical session may last between 30 minutes to an hour. During this time the hands are placed on the receiver's body, in a gentle manner – with varying positions all over the head and body.  Reiki can be given whilst you are sitting or lying down – the latter perhaps being more relaxing, although you will need to roll over at some point.  My hands normally heat up - I’ve been told this can be like the heat from a hot water bottle.  Sometimes coolness or tingling may be felt and at times just a feeling of relaxation.   You will remain clothed throughout, only needing to remove your shoes.

All you will need to do is sit or lie back, close your eyes and relax.  Should you sleep, I will wake you gently.  It will certainly be the most healing sleep you’ve had.