So, what is Reiki? 

 

To me, Reiki is like acupuncture, but without the needles.  I know there will be those that disagree but let me explain why….

 

Chi Energy (also known as Life Force Energy) is an integral part of practice and philosophy in many practices across the globe, including nearly all martial arts - some of which have been around for thousands of years, For instance, in Qigong which is, at a basic level, a movement meditation, the practice involves linking our breath to our body and with intention, moving Chi around the body.  This Practice removes stale/waste Chi, refills our bodies with healthy Chi and improves our health and wellness of the mind, body and spirit.  This is also backed by science as these ancient practices are being increasingly prescribed by the medical profession due to us living in a constant "flight/fight" situation which affects every aspect of our wellbeing.  

 

Energy healing in one form or another has also been around for thousands of years.  Reiki, as it is known, was discovered by Dr Usui and is one type of Energy healing.  Just to give reference to other cultures, the practice of moving Chi is not just prevalent in Chinese Philosophy.  When we practice Yoga – we are moving Energy – or Prana – around the body.  In Japanese practices, it is known as Ki.  It is all the same – just known by a different name - even with Reiki - the Energy is our Life Force Energy.  It is all one and the same.  

 

To explain a little about us as a human body…

 

We are made up of a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual body.  Within our body we have '3' Dantians – or “Lakes of Chi” which store our Life Force/Reiki Energy.  From these Dantians, the Chi flows through Meridians moving around our body keeping us alive and healthy.  Meridians are similar to our veins which carry our blood.  Our Chakras are our energy centres and, despite there being 1000’s in the body, we work with mainly 7 key ones.  The Meridians run through these Chakras recharging our energy.  Chakras are the link between our physical and spiritual body – our aura. 

 

There are 12 principal Meridians in the body and each is a Yin/Yang pair.  Each Yin body organ (lung, heart, kidney, liver, spleen) is paired with a Yang organ (large intestine, stomach, small intestine, bladder, gallbladder).  Yin corresponds to water, darkness and cold.  Yang corresponds to fire daylight and heat. 

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For the body to function properly there must be balance between Yin and Yang.

 

When, as a result of sickness, injury, stress, environmental issues, grief etc., our Meridians become blocked, this then affects our Yin and Yang and our Chakras.  Blockages can manifest in tangible symptoms and issues – be they physical, mental, spiritual or emotional and can include depression, anxiety, anger, controlling behaviour, addictions, repeated unwanted behaviours to name but a few.  Acupuncturists, with their wealth of knowledge and experience, will insert needles into Meridians to clear blockages and improve health and well-being.

 

But, Reiki Energy, from a qualified Practitioner or Master (like myself) can be channelled to your body to also remove these blockages in the Meridians, thus clearing energetic pathways and restoring balance to the mind, body and spirit. 

 

 
Reiki has many benefits, it:

• Releases stress and anxiety - promoting a sense of calm and deep relaxation

• Restores feelings of peace, joy and self-awareness

• Alleviates negative feelings e.g. anger, frustration, impatience

• Boosts energy

• Helps to develop physical and mental capacity and clarity

• Frees up energy blockages, emotions and fears – even those rooted in the past - to enable you to release and move forward

• Helps to relieve physical and emotional pain, e.g. palliative care, headaches, PTSD

• Aids in developing a sense of life purpose and direction

• Cleanses the physical/spiritual body of toxins

• Complements other forms of healing and personal growth

• Heals on all levels – spiritual, emotional, mental and physical

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As a therapy, Reiki is being increasingly used in hospitals and aged care facilities, especially in palliative care, both in the UK and USA. It has been effective in managing many illnesses, creating beneficial effects.  It is an ideal therapy to receive alongside other medical treatments to support the body, relieve side effects and promote recovery.  It is never meant to be a replacement for medical treatment.
 
Reiki is more than a treatment - it is a way of life.  Dr Usui, the original founder of Reiki in the 1800's, encouraged all those who practiced and received Reiki to commit to living by and meditating on a set of principles:

 

 

“Just for today… I will let go of anger

Just for today... I will let go of worry

Just for today... I will give thanks for my many, many blessings

Just for today... I will do my work with honesty and integrity

Just for today... I will be kind to every living thing”