
Learn about Usui Reiki, the Western form of Japanese energy healing, introduced about 100 years ago and formalized in 1937, with benefits for growth, healing, and well-being.
Cultivate consistent Reiki self-healing by adopting a comfortable posture, guiding breath from the lower belly, scanning the body for tension, and inviting guides and blessings for present moment awareness.
Reiki is a form of alternative therapy commonly referred to as energy healing. It emerged in Japan in the late 1800's and is said to involve the transfer of universal energy from the practitioner's palm to their patient. The word Reiki means " mysterious atmosphere, miraculous sign." It comes from the Japanese word "rei" ( universal) and "ki" ( life energy). Energy healing targets the fields around the body. According to practitioners, energy can stagnate in the body where there has being physical injury or possible emotional pain. In time, these energy blocks can cause illness. Energy medicine aims to help the flow of energy and remove blocks in a similar way to acupuncture or acupressure. Improving the flow of energy around the body, say practitioners, can enable relaxation, reduce pain, speed healing, and reduce other symptoms of illness.
Reiki is best held in a peaceful setting, but it can be carried out anywhere. The patient will sit in a comfortable chair or lie on a table, fully clothed. There may or may not be music, depending on the patient's preference. The practitioners places their hands lightly on or over specific areas of the head, limbs, and torso using different hand shapes, for 2 and 5 minutes. the hands can be placed over 20 different areas of the body.
Using Reiki for individual stress reduction involves channeling universal life energy to promote deep relaxation, balance the body's energy centers and shift the nervous system from a fight or flight state to a rest and digest mode. It is a gentle, non-invasive practice that can be self-administered, often leading to a greater sense of calm and beter copping mechanisms for daily stress.