Reiki: an introduction

Reiki is one of those complementary therapies that can be difficult to explain, and often seems way out or intangible. This is a pity, because I believe it is one of the most under-rated therapies, and one that can be given to people for whom massage, for example, is contra-indicated. In this article, I aim to shed some light on Reiki, so some of the mystery is unveiled.

What is Reiki?

Over the millennia, almost every culture has practiced some form of healing that involves the laying on of hands. Reiki is one of these, and has its origins in Japan early in the 20th century.

Literally translated from Japanese, Reiki means universal life force energy. A Reiki practitioner or “channel" is a conduit for the universal energy, not the source of energy themselves. Whilst we all have the ability to use this energy, an attunement is given by a Reiki Master to each Reiki student to open up the ability to access and channel the energy in a consistent and predictible way.

Unlike some forms of energy healing, where the practitioner uses their own energy to facilitate healing, Reiki energy is drawn from the universal source, and therefore does not drain the practitioner. Giving a Reiki treatment benefits the practitioner as well as the client!

A common misconception is that Reiki is a religion or a belief system, but this is not the case. Having religious or other beliefs does not preclude someone from having Reiki treatments, or from becoming a Reiki channel if they wish.

What does Reiki feel like?

Different for everyone is the simple answer! Many people feel a warm sensation and deep relaxation, but it is not unusual for people to feel cold, tingling or waves of energy. The sensations people feel from my hands may also vary from one location on their body to another, or from one treatment to the next.

I place my hands gently on the recipient’s body, or sometimes work above the body. In a full treatment a series of set hand positions is used, but I can also treat a specific place, like the head in case of a headache. Reiki goes where it is needed most in the body, so it is not necessary to treat the exact place, but usually I would if it was possible and appropriate. A good example is a burn or surgical incision, where I would work above the area without touching, for reasons of good hygiene and to avoid causing pain.

How does Reiki work?

A body of research is building that shows how energy healing such as Reiki works. This mostly involves measurement of the tiny electrical currents in and around our bodies, including the human energy field or aura.

We all have this energy and here is an exercise to demonstrate it: rub your hands vigorously together until they feel warm. Starting with hands facing each and about shoulder width apart, slowly move them together. Pay attention to the feeling between your hands and stop when you begin to feel some gentle resistance, like holding a soft balloon. This is your energy field.

During a Reiki treatment, it is suggested that the recipient reaches a state of deep relaxation, which is beneficial in itself, and that this allows the energy being channeled by the practitioner to work with the recipient’s energy field to rebalance it. Reiki is drawn in by the recipient, not “pushed" in by the practitioner, so the energy will stop when you’ve had enough.

If this sounds a bit out there for you, the best way to gain a better understanding is to experience a treatment. You can usually find a practitioner near you from your phone directory.

Who can benefit from Reiki?

The beauty of Reiki is that it can help in all circumstances. This includes everything from trauma, emotional upset, pain, stress and tension, end of life, babies, children, the elderly, pets and the list goes on. Healing can also be sent distantly, and I have personally had success doing this for people thousands of kilometers away.

Reiki is done with the recipient fully clothed, and does not require any equipment. This means I can (and do) give or send Reiki in almost any situation, anywhere, anytime. A full Reiki treatment usually takes approximately an hour, and a massage table is often used for the comfort of the client and practitioner.

Can you do Reiki yourself?

It is possible for anyone to learn to do Reiki. Reiki I is usually a workshop run over two days, during which students receive an attunement, and learn how to treat themselves and others using a pattern of hand positions. Reiki II level includes learning to do distant healing. Reiki Master is the teaching level, and requires a period of experience following Reiki II.

If you would like to learn Reiki, seek out a teacher in your area. It is helpful to speak to a number of potential teachers, asking each their philosophy, what you will learn and what follow up support you will receive. I suggest you have at least one Reiki treatment before enrolling in a class, to gain some basic understanding of how Reiki feels.

Where is Reiki used?

As well as being practised by private therapists, Reiki is being used more and more in health care settings such as hospitals, hospices and aged care facilities. The gentle and non-intrusive nature of a Reiki treatment, and the flexibility to use it just about anywhere, mean that it is well suited to all these environments.

For the same reasons, Reiki is an excellent complement to any mainstream and alternate health treatment.