Reiki
The term "Reiki" is properly solely used to indicate the therapeutic and self-development system created by Mikao Usui (i.e. 'Usui-Sensei'). More specifically, the name "Reiki" identifies the therapeutic energy radiance that lies at the heart of this natural healing system.
The "Rei" part of the name is often translated as "Universal*", and in essence, it refers to something Spiritual or Sacred, and can mean "Soul". "Ki", is often translated simply as "Life-Force Energy", yet also implies 'Spiritedness' or 'Feelings'. Thus, depending on one’s perspective, Reiki can be understood as: "Universal* Life-force Energy", "Spiritually-influenced life-force Energy", or even as "Charismatic Healing Radiance".
*Universal' in this sense, originally being a contraction of: 'the Universal' - an alternative (and intentionally less religious) term for 'the Divine', 'God’.
Reiki - a gentle therapy
Reiki is a gentle, yet profound, non-invasive therapy, which can facilitate stress-reduction and relaxation, support effective immune-system function, enhance the body's self-healing mechanisms, and replenish and nurture vitality.
Reiki can be effectively used in combination with other therapies - both allopathic and 'alternative' - and has been shown to effectively stimulate the relaxation response. Rather than acting solely on a physical level, Reiki is holistic in its effect - eliciting a healing response across the entire spectrum of ones being - physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.
It can prove beneficial in the resolving of physical disorders, nervous conditions and emotional issues, and help nurture a greater sense of balance, well-being, and wholeness in one’s life. The gentle Reiki phenomenon has no negative side effects, and does not require any concentration on the part of the client.
The Reiki Principles
Central to the Reiki system of wellness and self-development, is a set of 5 guiding Principles or Precepts - referred to in Japanese as the gokai. These principles - affirmed morning and night, and kept in ones thoughts throughout ones daily activities are intended to assist in transforming ones attitude to life, and bring the soul/self into balance, enabling one to respond with compassion in all situations. There are many slightly different translations of the Reiki gokai, yet they all express the same sentiment.
One version reads:
Just for today:
(1) I will be thankful
(2) I will be mindful
(3) I will be respectful
(4) I will be diligent
(5) I will not worry, nor be angry
Mornings and evenings sit in the prayer position and repeat these words out loud and in your heart, for the improvement of body and soul."
Reiki - Receiving Treatment
The person receiving Reiki treatment remains fully clothed, and sits in a chair, or reclines on a therapy couch - whichever is most comfortable. The only participation required is a desire to let oneself relax and be open to the positive effects of the Reiki healing energy.
In its simplest form, treatment is given primarily by means of a structured series of touch-based interventions at specific points on the body (- a process sometimes referred to as 'laying on of hands'). The Reiki session usually lasts between 45 minutes and I hour, during which time, the recipient may experience heat, or become aware of tingling or pulsing sensations, as the healing Reiki energy radiates from the therapist's hands and begins to effect positive change, and restore balance, throughout the recipient's whole being.
The therapeutic influence of the Reiki treatment continues to manifest for some time after the session ends. For this reason it is desirable (where possible) for the recipient to take things easy for a day or so, in order to gain the full benefits of their Reiki session.
How does Reiki work?
While there are various theories as to how Reiki might work, there is no clear answer to this - all that can be said for certain is that it does. Dis-ease, dis-harmony, is believed to occur due to disruptions/inhibitions in the flow of vital life force within our being.
Many believe that the specific radiant energy-pattern which we call Reiki, emanating from the practitioner's hands, simply assists the body to 'correct' and re-balance the flow of our life force, thus returning us to a state of wellness and generally enhancing the quality of our experience of our life.
The term "Reiki" is properly solely used to indicate the therapeutic and self-development system created by Mikao Usui (i.e. 'Usui-Sensei'). More specifically, the name "Reiki" identifies the therapeutic energy radiance that lies at the heart of this natural healing system.
The "Rei" part of the name is often translated as "Universal*", and in essence, it refers to something Spiritual or Sacred, and can mean "Soul". "Ki", is often translated simply as "Life-Force Energy", yet also implies 'Spiritedness' or 'Feelings'. Thus, depending on one’s perspective, Reiki can be understood as: "Universal* Life-force Energy", "Spiritually-influenced life-force Energy", or even as "Charismatic Healing Radiance".
*Universal' in this sense, originally being a contraction of: 'the Universal' - an alternative (and intentionally less religious) term for 'the Divine', 'God’.
Reiki - a gentle therapy
Reiki is a gentle, yet profound, non-invasive therapy, which can facilitate stress-reduction and relaxation, support effective immune-system function, enhance the body's self-healing mechanisms, and replenish and nurture vitality.
Reiki can be effectively used in combination with other therapies - both allopathic and 'alternative' - and has been shown to effectively stimulate the relaxation response. Rather than acting solely on a physical level, Reiki is holistic in its effect - eliciting a healing response across the entire spectrum of ones being - physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.
It can prove beneficial in the resolving of physical disorders, nervous conditions and emotional issues, and help nurture a greater sense of balance, well-being, and wholeness in one’s life. The gentle Reiki phenomenon has no negative side effects, and does not require any concentration on the part of the client.
The Reiki Principles
Central to the Reiki system of wellness and self-development, is a set of 5 guiding Principles or Precepts - referred to in Japanese as the gokai. These principles - affirmed morning and night, and kept in ones thoughts throughout ones daily activities are intended to assist in transforming ones attitude to life, and bring the soul/self into balance, enabling one to respond with compassion in all situations. There are many slightly different translations of the Reiki gokai, yet they all express the same sentiment.
One version reads:
Just for today:
(1) I will be thankful
(2) I will be mindful
(3) I will be respectful
(4) I will be diligent
(5) I will not worry, nor be angry
Mornings and evenings sit in the prayer position and repeat these words out loud and in your heart, for the improvement of body and soul."
Reiki - Receiving Treatment
The person receiving Reiki treatment remains fully clothed, and sits in a chair, or reclines on a therapy couch - whichever is most comfortable. The only participation required is a desire to let oneself relax and be open to the positive effects of the Reiki healing energy.
In its simplest form, treatment is given primarily by means of a structured series of touch-based interventions at specific points on the body (- a process sometimes referred to as 'laying on of hands'). The Reiki session usually lasts between 45 minutes and I hour, during which time, the recipient may experience heat, or become aware of tingling or pulsing sensations, as the healing Reiki energy radiates from the therapist's hands and begins to effect positive change, and restore balance, throughout the recipient's whole being.
The therapeutic influence of the Reiki treatment continues to manifest for some time after the session ends. For this reason it is desirable (where possible) for the recipient to take things easy for a day or so, in order to gain the full benefits of their Reiki session.
How does Reiki work?
While there are various theories as to how Reiki might work, there is no clear answer to this - all that can be said for certain is that it does. Dis-ease, dis-harmony, is believed to occur due to disruptions/inhibitions in the flow of vital life force within our being.
Many believe that the specific radiant energy-pattern which we call Reiki, emanating from the practitioner's hands, simply assists the body to 'correct' and re-balance the flow of our life force, thus returning us to a state of wellness and generally enhancing the quality of our experience of our life.