Reiki Energy Healing
By
Hands of Light, Photo by Niamh
Before we investigate Reiki, let’s define “energy” and “healing”. A good example of energy that is easy to understand is turning on a light switch and making a dark room full of light. A room is suddenly illuminated through electrical energy, even though we don’t really know all the technical details of how this process works.
Everything in the universe is throbbing with an unseen energy, and this energy is the source of all creation. Even solid, material objects also vibrate with an invisible energy.
“According to quantum field theorists, all material things – whether they are automobiles, human bodies, or dollar bills – are made up of atoms. These atoms are made up of subatomic particles which, in turn, are fluctuations of energy and information in a huge void of energy and information. …Without going into detail, the basic conclusion of quantum field theorists is that the raw material of the world is non-material; the essential stuff of the universe is nonstuff.” ~ Deepak Chopra
Next, let’s define “healing”: most people might equate healing with a “cure”. Any disease (dis-ease) is a message from our body to pay attention to some area of our lives. A traditional cure might temporarily take away the pain of discomfort, but sometimes the original problem resurfaces. For true, lasting healing to occur we must take responsibility for reflecting on the root cause of the problem and dealing with the underlying issues. We must become whole in body, mind, and spirit. This may involve using a combination of traditional medicine and holistic practices also.
What is Reiki?
Reiki is a simple and natural hands-on healing method that uses universal life force energy for self healing or healing others. The transfer of energy to others can be done either in person, or through distant healing. Objects, for example artwork, can be infused with this energy also. Reiki literally translates as “Universal Life Energy”. It is known by many names in different cultures: chi, prana, spirit, and light. Practicing Reiki promotes physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It is not a religion, but a simple practice that can be used irrespective of your belief system.
Anyone can learn Reiki and become a channel for this universal energy to work through them. The process by which this occurs is called an “attunement”. According to Tanmaya Honervogt, Reiki Master “These attunements, during which the Reiki Master transmits energy to the student using an ancient Tibetan technique, are also called energy transmissions or initiations. The attunement process usually takes the form of a simple ceremony in which the Reiki Master uses the confidential Reiki symbols and mantras. These stimulate and activate the healing channel in the body in order to amplify the flow of energy”. The energy enters through the head and flows through the chakras, and out through the hands of the recipient.
Where did Reiki originate?
The origins of Reiki date back to ancient Buddhist scriptures which contain the symbols and mantras. The modern method of Reiki healing is attributed to Japanese Buddhist, Mikao Usui who undertook Isyu Guo, a 21 day meditation and fast held on the sacred Mount Kurama. At the end of 21 days, he entered a state of expanded consciousness whereby the meaning and use of the symbols, and how to attune others were mystically revealed to him.
There are three basic Reiki symbols and one master symbol. These symbols have separate purposes (e.g. increase power, protection, mental/emotional healing etc.) and are related to different chakras and elements (earth, air, fire, water, ether). In 1922 Usui moved to Tokyo and started teaching others the symbols and techniques. Thus modern Reiki was born. Today there are different forms of Reiki, as it has developed and transformed over the years, but the basic principles remain the same.
Reiki Principles
Usui developed a set of principles for Reiki practitioners. There are many different variations today, but a beautiful, simple description is as follows:
Just for today,
Do not be angry
Do not worry
Be filled with gratitude
Devote yourself to your work
and Be kind to people.
What are the Uses of Reiki?
Reiki can be used to relieve the stress of modern living, to help one heal, and remain centered and calm. As stated earlier, true healing can only occur when one reflects on the deeper issues of any dis-ease in the body. Many times issues have underlying emotional causes. Reiki is great for emotional healing, and can be used for many things such as developing self-love, practicing forgiveness, learning to trust, and connecting deeply with others. If you have had a Reiki attunement you can do self-healing, otherwise you can see a practitioner.
When you do receive Reiki treatment, you may notice different sensations in your body such as tingling, localized heat or cold, or you may not notice anything in particular. After the session you may also have different reactions such as dehydration, strong emotions surfacing, changes in energy levels, or headaches. Again you may have no symptoms.
These are just normal healing reactions and it is the body’s way of releasing suppressed emotions or toxic energy. A good antidote is to take a shower or an epsom salt bath, and drink plenty of water and hydrate. Even though there may be some slight discomfort, it is a step towards more wholeness and integration in your life.
Self-Love Meditation
Even if you have not been initiated into Reiki, you can experiment with the universal energy. Rub your hands together for a few minutes until you feel some heat rising. Then take your hands apart, and gently bring them closer together, but do not touch. You should feel some type of energy between your hands, and may notice that it gets stronger, hotter, and thicker as the hands join closer together.
Our heart is our center of love and compassion. Before you can truly love others you need to learn to love yourself. Take about 10-15 minutes to do this exercise:
Sit in a chair or lie on the floor. Focus on your heart area. If you sense any strong emotions, sigh to release them. Do this as many times as necessary.
- When you feel relaxed, begin rubbing the palms of your hands together until you feel heat generated. Place both hands over your heart, feel the warmth and energy flowing into this center, and connect with your heartbeat. Notice any feelings that arise and just be an observer.
- After a few minutes say either silently or aloud “I have patience, love, and understanding for myself”. Repeat this as many times as necessary.
Reiki is a simple to learn, wonderful tool that can be used solely for self-healing, or to heal others also. Practicing Reiki itself is a form of meditation that can help you become relaxed, energized, and more self-accepting and self-loving.
Do you ever notice how different people seem to have different “vibes”?
Have you ever experienced an energy shift in your being?
Resources:
Books:
Reiki for Emotional Healing by Tanmaya Honervogt
Related posts:
- V is for Vishuddhi: Healing and Opening your Throat Chakra The throat chakra (also known as Vishuddhi) is an important...
- Spring Clean the Energy of your Home It’s that time of year again when the days are...
- V is for Vampire: Energy and Emotional Vampires There is a vampire craze right now! “Twilight” is a...
