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Here’s Your Introductory Guide to Reiki – An Energy Healing Technique

Reiki (pronounced “ray-key”) is a word you’ll often hear in holistic and yoga circles, but beyond that realm, many people aren’t sure what it is or what it entails.
 
“Reiki” means the universal energy found in everything – sometimes known as qi or chi, life force energy, or prana. The Reiki practitioner acts as a channel for this energy to pass from the higher realms and into the receiver.
 
Not sure what chi or prana is? Read this article on Demystifying Prana
 
While this universal energy has existed for all of time, Reiki was discovered by a Japanese man named Mikao Usui in the early 20th century, and it is his ‘system’ that most modern day practitioners use.
 
Reiki practitioners (often referred to as Reiki healers) act as a ‘conductor or conduit’ of this prana, or life force energy.
 
 

How Does Reiki Healing Work?

When the universal energy within the body is blocked or disrupted, the body does not work at its optimum level. Illness sets in, emotional disruption occurs, and everything feels a little ‘off kilter.’
 
Reiki energy travels to where it is needed in the body, and works at a physical, emotional, mental and spiritual level for the receiver.
 

“Reiki” means the universal energy found in everything – sometimes known as qi or chi, life force energy, or prana.

 
Through Reiki healing, the universal energy is transferred into the receiver and the energy travels to places of block and infuses them with positive energy. The energy flows by its own intelligence and used where necessary.
 
For instance, if communication is problematic, then the energy will focus itself on the throat and heart area to clear whatever tension is being held there.
 
Likewise, physical ailments, such as aches and pains and digestive upsets are also restored to their natural state as the Reiki channels through to these troublesome spots and heals them. Emotional stability, physical comfort and feelings of well being are restored.
 

 

What Happens During a Reiki Session?

Prior to the session, there is a brief initial consultation to provide the healer with knowledge of your medical history and conditions that they need to be aware of.
 
The receiver can be sitting or lying down and is first led into a state of relaxation by a short guided meditation and/or regulation of the breathing. Once the receiver is in a relaxed state, the healing can begin.
 
Reiki healing can be non-contact, whereby the healer hovers the hands over the energy centers and senses where the blockages or slow flowing energies are and focuses on that area. There may also be hands-on healing if the healer feels it necessary. However, what is vitally important is that the ‘receiver’ is willing to receive the healing and the energy.
 

Reiki practitioners (often referred to as Reiki healers) act as a ‘conductor or conduit’ of prana, or life force energy.

 
The experience is one of deep relaxation and produces unique and personal physical responses. You may notice the energy in your body, which can manifest itself as tingling or heat, among other sensations in different parts of your anatomy.
 
As an example, I suffer with Raynaud’s Syndrome, which is a circulatory problem that results in a lack of blood flow to my extremities (most notably my fingers) in cool weather.
 
During Reiki healing, I notice an intense (not uncomfortable) heat in my hands. During these sessions, it is clear to me that healing energy is being channelled to this part of my body to provide healing and warmth.
 
 

What Happens After a Reiki Session?

Once the session is over, your practitioner slowly brings you out of the deep relaxed state. Using meditative techniques and breath control, you’ll slowly move and awaken the body, just as you do coming out of a Yoga Nidra session.
 
How you feel afterwards is very personal and unique to you. Many people report feeling light, blissful, peaceful, and calm. After my last session, I felt like there was a sense of light all around me. I was joyful, calm, and felt as though something in me had shifted.
 

“Reiki opens the doors to mindfulness, intuition, compassion and gratitude, creating health, joy and harmony.” – Anon

 
The practitioner will discuss with you any blockages they felt or parts of you that may need more attention. Of course, if you do not wish to discuss your experience, then it is not necessary.
 
 

The Takeaway On Reiki Energy Healing

My philosophy is that life is an experience and everything is experiential. Finding your own practitioner and experiencing a Reiki session for yourself will awaken a new world of energy and sensations for you.
 
If you don’t blend with the practitioner, then try another one – much like finding your yoga style and teachers that you most resonate with. Reiki is an incredible tool that can be used and tapped into by anyone.
 
This article and all included information is not intended as medical advice and does not treat or diagnose. Please consult your doctor for any health-related questions or concerns.
 

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Joanne Moules

Jo specializes in teaching yoga to children with special needs and teens under 18. She also mentors and supports other like-minded goddesses to achieve their goals. When not teaching, coaching, or writing, you'll find Jo at home with her son playing at amateur dramatics and eating Indian food.

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