Reiki - What is it?

Reiki is not only one of the oldest healing systems in use, but it is also one of the most versatile. Reiki is believed to improve just about any aspect of life, from physical health to emotional well-being to mental clarity. The word Reiki comes from the Japanese word (Rei) which means “Universal Life” and (Ki) which means “Energy”. Therefore, Reiki is the universal life energy that flows through all living things. It is believed that to have a person’s mind and body in a positive state of health, their “Ki” or energy should be strong and flowing smoothly. When the energy becomes weak or blocked, it can lead to symptoms of physical or emotional imbalance.

This Universal Life Energy circulates throughout the universe and connects all living things. It has inherent healing powers that know exactly where the body is damaged. Reiki practitioners act as channels for this energy, enabling it to enter a person's body and go straight to the cause of their illness. The energy works by restoring the body to a state of balance. When this balance is achieved, overall physical health is improved. Wounds heal faster, bleeding stops more quickly and pain and illness can be reduced. When done regularly, it can also serve as a preventative measure, maintaining a state of optimum health.

Stress is a major culprit that compromises our immune system and makes us vulnerable to diseases and illnesses. Let’s face it, in today’s world we are all inundated with stress. The body releases adrenalin during times of stress, which helps the body and mind to respond more quickly. This is of course necessary and important when dealing with a life and death situation. However, too much adrenalin can cause tension, affecting the functioning of other not so vital organs and compounding an already stressful situation. Reiki's calming effect can encourage relaxation, better enabling the body's own healing powers to take action. Reiki sessions help to bring about balance and harmony within the body, fortifying the immune system and strengthening the body's defenses to protect against illness and infection.

Reiki nurtures a calm and relaxed emotional state, which helps clear the mind and provide greater access to the subconscious. This, in turn, can enhance focus and concentration, and allow insight into the workings of mind, body and soul giving a boost to spiritual growth.

Reiki is absolutely safe for anyone, at any age. It is a completely non-invasive modality that works with the body with no side effects, which is why Reiki can be used on infants, as well as elderly. Even pets benefit from Reiki sessions. Reiki is also used in many Hospitals to help bring peace and comfort to the patients as well as promote healing. The impact of Reiki can be felt on several levels--from physical healing, to inner peace to emotional stability. By helping to maintain a state of physical and emotional balance, Reiki can not only treat problems, but perhaps even prevent them from developing.

In my next blogs I will go in a little more detail about how it works and the different benefits of Reiki. It is a tool which benefits all. Why not equip oneself with this tool and use it for yourself and others around you. I am a Canadian Reiki Association Certified Reiki Master Teacher and hold Reiki Practitioner and Master Level courses periodically. Please feel free to email me with any questions regarding Reiki.