What is Reiki?
Reiki (pronounced Ray-key) is a Japanese name consisting of 2 words, Rei and Ki, meaning spiritually guided life energy and more commonly known as “universal life energy”. This energy animates us all and is found all around us.
Eastern medicine has always recognised and worked with this energy, which flows through all living things and is vital to well-being. Acupuncture, T’ai chi and Yoga are also based on the free-flow of this energy in a person.
The practice of Reiki is a spiritual form of healing which was developed in Japan by Mikao Usui, in the early 20th century. It is activated by intention and Reiki’s natural healing energy works on every level, not just the physical, promoting the body’s regenerative, self healing ability.
Reiki is a non-invasive therapy which helps harmonise the body, mind and spirit and is channelled through the practitioner to the recipient.
What are the Benefits?
The energy of Reiki can be used to great effect for many ailments, including:
- Headaches
- Stomach upsets
- Back problems
- Respiratory problems
- PMT and other menstrual problems
- Stress and anxiety and all the many symptoms associated with this
The beneficial effects of Reiki occur on many levels, including:
- Promotion of natural self-healing
- Relief of stress and tension
- Balancing of emotions
- Strengthening of the immune system
- Treatment of symptoms and causes of illness
- Pain relief
- Toxin clearing
- Releasing of blocked and suppressed feelings
- Freedom from restrictive mental attitudes
- Improvement of relationship quality at home and at work
- Enhancement of personal awareness
Reiki encourages and supports positive personal change such as improving the diet, taking more rest, exercise or leisure time and may reduce the need for alcohol and tobacco.
Reiki can allow us to respond more calmly to all events, and build on a more resourceful state of being.
What happens during a Session?
A session is carried out in a comfortable, peaceful environment. You will be fully- clothed and either lying down or seated. The practitioner will place their hands gently, in a series of positions, on or above your head and body and your system will automatically draw in only as much Reiki as is needed and will use it in whatever way is most appropriate at the time.
Reiki may be felt as a flow of energy, mild tingling, warmth, coolness, other sensations, or nothing at all. Reiki is deeply relaxing, it eases stress, and it has a calming effect.
Treatment is enhanced if you can rest for a while afterwards and drink plenty of water to help the body get rid of toxins.
Be responsive to the needs of your body (ie resting if tired) and this will allow the energy to continue its work after the session ends.
The beneficial effects of a Reiki session may be felt for several days.
How often do I need to have a Treatment?
Although even one Reiki session can make a difference, it is usually more effective to have a course of regular treatments. This may be weekly, fortnightly or monthly depending on the needs of the individual. A treatment plan will be discussed with you, and reviewed as necessary. This will always be subject to your own preferences, and can be changed at any time according to progress.
Reiki can enhance everyday life and regular sessions help to ward-off illness and fatigue.
Is it Safe?
Reiki is a gentle energy and may be used safely by all ages, including the newborn, pregnant mothers, surgical patients, the frail and the elderly, regardless of their state of health.
Reiki is a non-invasive therapy that can be used without fear of any side-effects or overdose. It may be used with confidence alongside conventional medication or natural remedies because it acts in a complementary way.
Reiki does not take the place of conventional medicine. Always consult a GP for an acute or infectious condition, and problems of urgent concern.
Reiki is a complementary therapy that works effectively alongside orthodox healthcare thus expanding treatment options and it can be used to help attain and maintain wellbeing.
Note: Reiki is being used in various settings including private practice, complementary therapy centres, GP surgeries, hospitals, hospices, cancer support groups, post-operative recovery, drug rehabilitation, prisons, HIV/AIDS centres, and in the care of the elderly.
There is no belief system attached to Reiki so anyone can receive a Reiki treatment.
Can anyone learn Reiki?
The ability to channel Reiki cannot be learnt from a book or by instruction. To be able to receive Reiki, students go through a special initiation which 'attunes' them to the Reiki energy. Over time this connection is improved through practice, and by actually using the Reiki energy on themselves. (‘self -healing'.)
It is considered essential for a practitioner to treat him or herself with Reiki, and indeed many people use it exclusively for their own personal development, healthcare and stress-management.
The attunement / initiation
An initiation / attunement can only be performed by a Reiki Master (teacher). It is felt that this process harmonises a person with the Reiki energy so they can receive and pass it on to others. This process is not exclusive and anyone can be attuned / initiated to Reiki regardless of their spiritual or religious beliefs.
Additional stages of attunements / initiations and the use of the Reiki symbols, further enhance the practitioner's ability to utilise the Reiki energy, focusing it for specific purposes.
What are the symbols?
The Reiki symbols are devices used by Reiki practitioners who have been attuned to use them, to focus their intent for specific uses and are an integral part of the attunement / initiation process.
The Reiki symbols are held to be dear and sacrosanct and may vary across the different styles of Reiki.
There is no belief system attached to Reiki so anyone can learn Reiki.
Balance
The Universe is always in a state of balance-a problem cannot exist unless the solution exists at the same time.
The cause of our problems and the solutions exist within us.
We have the resources within us to solve our problems and live a happy, successful life.
All we need to do is bring the solution into contact with the problem and it will be solved....
Further Information
If you are interested in learning Reiki please call Linsey to book onto her Level 1 course or visit www.ilovefgt.com for information on other courses available in Edinburgh.