Reiki

It has been said that the practice of Reiki first originated within the Buddhist community some 2,500 years ago.  Using Reiki as a means to obtain spiritual enlightenment and personal healing.  Later,  rediscovered by Japanese physician (Dr.  Mikao Usui), who created the reiki symbols used today.  Usui, taught this practice to approximately 2000 individuals and was later introduced to the United States in 1937 by one of his students (Hwayo Takata).   

Reiki works to clear and balance the main energy centers of the body that are known as chakras.  Reiki is an alternate form of holistic energy healing and is becoming widely used & accepted within the medical field.

UNDERSTANDING REIKI

Rei = Universal -or- Higher Intelligence

The subtle wisdom that guides the creation and functioning of the universe.  This wisdom permeates through and in everything, both animate and inanimate.  This wisdom is what guides the evolution of all creation ranging from the unfolding of the galaxies to the development of life.  On a human level, it is available to us in times of need and acts as a source of guidance in our lives.  It is infinite in nature.  No end.  No beginning.  It is all knowing.  

Ki = Life Force (aka Prana)

The non-physical energy that animates all living things.  Ki is flowing in everything that is alive including plants, animals and humans.  We receive Ki through the air we breath, food we eat, from the sun and sleep.  Ki is what leaves the body when we die.  Various practices such as meditation, breathing, and various types of yoga are known to increase Ki.  

Reiki provides many benefits in various areas in the physical, spiritual, and emotional realms including but not limited to:  

deep relaxation

feelings of joy, love, and well being 

reduced inflammation

reduced symptoms 

helps to relieve chronic pain

helps w/ autoimmune disorders

promotes a sense of security

uplifts the mood 

raises energy    

promotes creativity

can help release blocked emotions and/or suppressed feelings

promotes balance & harmony 

releases toxins

strengthens the immune system 

Reiki works with a higher intelligence in combination with the body's own innate intelligence to promote a state of well-being and healing.  Reiki therapists go through a series of training and receive various levels of “attunement” which allow the therapist to become a conduit to which universal energy flows to promote healing. The therapist lays palms on -or- over specific energy centers (chakras) of the client's body.  Since reiki is guided by a higher intelligence and is all knowing, it knows exactly where to travel in the body in order to find the areas of dis-harmony.  From there, blocked energy is stirred up; allowing vital prana to flow freely.  

Interestingly enough, you do not need to believe in reiki for it to work or to feel the positive effects.  You only need to remain open to the idea and be willing to receive healing.  Reiki can be used alone or in addition to supplement any current therapy and/or treatments and if used in combination, will aid in the speed and recovery of injuries and/or maladies.  Reiki heals on all levels including: physical, emotional and spiritual.  Reiki is all knowing and can transcend all space and time.

Written by: Kristin Mitchell 

Owner - She Lit Her Own Fire LLC

Photo by: Kristin Mitchell