Reiki

Reiki is an ancient Japanese method of natural healing. The word "Reiki" means: universal energy. Rei = universal, ki = life energy. And indeed, the basic principle is: working with universal energy. It has been used in Japan and other Asian countries for thousands of years, until it disappeared from the scene for a long, long time.

When surfing on the internet, you may find lots of different versions about the history of Reiki and there are some studies going on to trace the exact facts, but for now, we will stick to the story we have been taught during our Reiki courses; the story that is used by the Usui system of Natural Healing. (There are various systems and tendencies within Reiki). In the beginning of the 20th Century, Dr. Mikao Usui, a Japanese monk, re-discovered this healing method and only 35-40 years ago it was introduced to Western Europe. The first couple of decades, it only attracted few people but gradually, alternative healing and "New Age" matters became more and more popular and nowadays there are many Reiki Masters spread out over Western Europe and it is easy to find a practice where Reiki treatment and/or courses are being given. Reiki is one of the fastest growing alternative healing methods in the world. It is an ideal therapy and can be used "hand in hand" with most conventional methods or other therapies.

How does Reiki work?

Universal energy flows through all living creatures: insects, microbes, plants, animals, human beings, etc.
Just after birth, this energy within us is very powerful, but as we grow older, our energy flow can be blocked by illness, emotions, traumatic experiences, etc.

Reiki is a holistic therapy, which means that it is dealing with the whole being; body and mind. Not only the symptoms will be treated, but the whole body, mind and soul will get a "wake-up call".

Reiki stimulates the so-called self-healing powers within us. Treatment will help the to unblock our energy channels, and let the energy flow again, thus creating room for rest, reflexion and relaxation.

Reiki is very effective. It restores the balance and harmony at all levels of our being. It also increases the awareness of ourselves and others.
Reiki has a miraculous effect on babies and small children. Also plants and animals have great benefit from Reiki. Cats and dogs often love it! It even works on broken limbs; the energy will flow through the plaster and will have a positive influence on the healing process.

During treatment, the Reiki energy is passed from the Practitioner to the Receiver (client, patient, person who is receiving the treatment) by the Practitioner placing his/her hands on or around the person. So the energy is flowing directly from the Cosmos, through the Practitioner, to the Receiver . According to the terms and conditions of the Usui System of Natural Healing, the practitioner should have the First, Second, Third or Masters Degree in order to give treatment. He or she will have relevant certificates. (See below, Reiki courses).
It is not necessary to remove any clothing and body privacy is respected at all times.

When practised regularly, Reiki will help to find inner peace, balance and (self-)confidence and give new inspiration and insights. It will stimulate you to take care of yourself, holistically heal yourself and love yourself. This process can have a positive impact on your life and those around you. And once this process has been started, there will be no way back; most people will want to continue on this path and crave for more!

By the way: there is no need to have special complaints or illnesses to get Reiki treatment: also for people who feel well, it is a wonderful experience. It's very relaxing and gives a real energy boost. It works deep into our whole being and spirit. This will enable us to get better sleep, new inspiration, new insights, the courage and energy to finally take That One Difficult Step.

During a Reiki treatment it is possible to experience a number of different things; heat, cold, tingling, your stomach may rumble; and deep relaxation. None of these sensations are unpleasant. Many people are overwhelmed by the expercience and describe it as "something very special".

For several days after, it is not uncommon to experience sensations similar to those felt at the time of treatment. This is normal and is an indication that the energy is still at work. Some people really feel "high", or euphoric, during a couple of hours after the treatment. They can't stop smiling and notice that people around them will start smiling too, as a reaction. Isn't that great?

Reiki can start a detoxification process - removing negative energy and helping to rebalance the whole being. This may present itself in the form of mild headaches, frequent visits to the bathroom, cold-like symptoms, emotional release, dreaming or tiredness. This is quite normal and will usually be over within 24 hours, whereafter the person will feel more balanced.

Of course every individual will respond in different ways; sometimes one treatment will be sufficient to feel "healed" or to be able to face and/or fight the problems, and sometimes, it takes more time. Particularly in circumstances of chronic nature, a need for more treatments will be likely. For a really thorough approach, a series of 4 treatments is very effective. And, as stated before, it is not necessary to be "unwell" in order to enjoy the peace, relaxation and benefits of Reiki.

A Reiki therapist will never set a diagnose; a) because he or she is not allowed to do so, and b) because it's not necessary, as Reiki will deal with the whole being; mind, spirit. Everything will be stimulated by the universal energy, enabling your body to deal with what's most important at that moment. And that could be something completely different from the headache or sore stomach you wanted treatment for... The Practitioner has no influence whatsoever on this process; it is not important. Just let the energy do its work and the healing process will start. The practitioner is only a "channel" for the universal energy and your body and mind will deal with their own priority list of what needs to be healed first.

Full treatment will take about one hour. The patient (actually, we think client is a better word) is lying down. There is also a short version of the Reiki treatment, taking about 20-30 minutes, where the client is sitting down.

Reiki courses - How to become a Reiki therapist

The "Usui System of Natural Healing" works with three degrees, all three with their own special initiation(s). The higher the degree, the more powerful the connection between the universal energy and our own energy.
Some people are very happy working with the first degree and do not have the urge to go on. Others can't wait to continue with the next degree. You should do whatever feels good for you. Working with the first degree is great. It will do you a lot of good, as well as the people you live and work with. With this degree, treatment can only be given hands-on. The second degree enables you to grow spiritually, to "reveal" more of your true self; and you will be taught to work with Reiki from a distance. Distant healing can be done from one place on earth to another, no matter where, and without the receiver being present. It has a lot of new aspects; it's a growing process. The third degree is a preparation to the Masters Degree and is another step in the growing process. The Masters Degree will enable you to give your own Reiki courses. Most Masters within the Usui System use grade 3A - Apprentice Master, and grade 3B) - Master. During grade 3A, the apprentice will get training and will be assisting at Reiki courses etc., and only after the Master's approval, the Master Initiation can take place. Usually it takes one year in between the two sub-grades.

Learning Reiki is in principle open to everyone; no special certificates, skills or experience are required.
The only important thing is to be open to Reiki; to allow it and welcome it into your life. Reiki treatment and Reiki courses are the greatest gifts you could ever surprise yourself and others with; experiences that will last for ever and with remarkable results for the rest of your life!

View this article in Dutch: Reiki.

Sat, 03 Nov 2007 | Posted in: Alternative Therapies | Posted by: Georgette Henson

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