Reiki: Healing Through Energy Transfer

Reiki is a hands-on healing art based on the belief that there is a Universal Life Energy, present everywhere. When channeled properly, this energy promotes healing. The method was discovered, or perhaps more accurately, rediscovered, by a Japanese theologian in the mid-1800's.

While searching for an understanding of touch healing, Dr. Mikao Usui came upon some ancient Sanskrit manuscripts. Within the texts he found the principles for what later became the art o fReiki. the name bestowed by Dr. Usui, and pronounced ray-key, is from the Japanese words rei, meaning universal, and ki, meaning vital force.

According to practitioners, Reiki works to relieve energy blockages in the body, whether caused by physical, emotional, or spiritual ills. Practitioners believe that their healing method can help relieve a range of ailments, from arthritis to stress. Of course the treatment is not recommended for broken bones, acute pain or other conditions requiring immediate medical attention.

When a Reiki healer is trained, he or she is initiated with a series of attunements. This process consists of the instructor, or Reiki Master, tracing ancient energizing symbols on the person's head, and then on 12 other places along the body, known in Ayurvedic medicine as chakra.

The therapeutic effect of Reiki is not dependent on how the hands are held or on the skills of the Reiki practitioners, what is important is the transfer of energy from one being to another. In every case the flow of vibrations or radiant energy is reciprocal, with the practitioner and client each giving and receiving. During a healing session, the client may feel warmth from the practitioner's hands, tingling, or a sense of relaxation.

Reiki practitioners do not offer a scientific explanation of how their treatments work. But there is a general agreement that one must learn this healing art through Reiki Master. In seminars taught by Reiki Masters, students practice on one another and also learn to project life energy.