by Shannon Bradford

Created on: November 06, 2011   Last Updated: November 07, 2011

Reiki is an ancient healing art from Japan, and is intended to reduce stress and promote relaxation. The word is derived from two distinct Japanese words – “Rei”, which means “God’s wisdom or power”, and “Ki”, which is the “life force energy”. In essence, Reiki literally means spiritually guided life energy.

Reiki utilizes the hands to direct this unseen “life energy”, which is believed to flow through everyone and causes people to thrive. Low levels of this energy, or blockages of the chi, can cause people to feel sick, stressed or sluggish. Once these levels are restored, patients resume feeling happy and light. The Reiki practitioner is seen as a conduit through which this Universal Life Energy flows. The energy flows via the palms of the hands at different speeds depending on various factors, such as the recipient’s level of energy blockage, how willing they are to accept treatment, the type of illness and more.

Reiki is a safe and natural treatment option; it can be used to improve almost any illness or ailment, and it can be used in conjunction with other more traditional medical or therapeutic approaches. The treatment can be direct and in-person, or over great distances. The standard practice is to spend at least five minutes for each hand placement over each part of the body so that no part is neglected in treatment. A typical session could last an hour or more.

While Reiki is an inherently spiritual practice, it is not associated with any particular religion. Participating in Reiki does not require a belief in any specific dogma or religious sect. Reiki is unaffected by belief; the benefits of a Reiki treatment will be felt regardless of a belief system. Those with a formed belief system often find that practicing Reiki puts them in touch with God, uniting them in a new way with their religion or spiritual associations. Reiki can be practiced on anyone, regardless of gender, age, race, financial status, sexual orientation and so on. It truly does not matter where you come from or who you are – everyone can benefit.

Reiki treatments often involve a feeling of warmth or radiance throughout the body. Others have reported feeling a “pins and needles” sensation, electrical sparks, buzzing or vibrations in parts of the body, itching and drowsiness. The treatment will affect the entire body, including the emotions, mind, and spirit. The result is often a feeling of contentment, peace, security and well-being.  

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