Reiki uses the life force energy to help release physical, emotional and mental pain or blockages. It is traditionally seen as Japanese with 'rei' meaning universal and 'ki' meaning energy (the Chinese word being 'chi'), but it is practiced all over the world and is enjoying huge popularity in Europe and the States.
It is believed that Reiki is a form of healing that was used widely thousands of years ago. It was lost until rediscovered a hundred years ago by Dr Usui who, after spending years travelling and studying, found the key to this ancient system.
A Reiki treatment involves the laying of hands either on or above the body over the seven chakra points, starting at the crown chakra on the top of the head down to the root chakra which is located at the base of the spine.
Healing energy is then channelled through the practitioner into the patient who may feel sensations of warmth or tingling. The session usually lasts an hour and if there is acute physical pain or an emotional issue the practitioner will concentrate on this area during the treatment.
Often a client will feel nothing at all during a treatment and presume it hasn't worked, but Reiki energy is intelligent and very subtle and can work in ways that are unexpected. It will work on the part of the body or psyche that is crying out for it the most.
For example, someone may come for a Reiki treatment to help relieve their migraines. After three or four sessions they may decide it isn't working for them because their migraines haven't stopped. But what has been going on is that the Reiki has been working on their arthritic knees which the client has come to live with and accept as day to day living. In this way, it was more important for that person's wellbeing that the pain from the arthritis was relieved first rather than the migraines.
Reiki is great for getting rid of stress, tension and pain and it is so gentle and safe that it is perfect for anyone with great physical pain or disability who is unable to have any vigorous bodywork done on them.
It is also a wonder for depression, insomnia and anxiety as it brings on a feeling of inner calm and strength. I have heard it described as the feeling of being wrapped up in a big protective ball of cotton wool. And I have to agree.
You do not need to have any aches, pains or issues to have Reiki. It is a treatment that can be taken to simply relax and reconnect to your innerself. Some people relax so much they sleep for the whole treatment. But Reiki energy doesn't need you to be awake, it works on you anyway and can continue to do so for days afterwards. You can often feel energised and calm for up to a week after a session.
There are three degrees in the Reiki system and all practitioners should hold the second degree. The second degree reiki means that person is able to practice in their communities, whereas the first degree only equips you to practice on family and friends.
I began studying reiki five years ago and have been practising in South Wales for three. Yet every day I am still learning because reiki is such a diverse, powerful but gentle healing system - it never ceases to amaze you with its results.
To find a practitioner in your area, contact the Association of Light Touch Therapists or the Federation of Holistic Therapists.
© Hannah Corr - 2004
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your comments
Elizabeth Denman, Swindon
I was called to reiki 2 years ago. I say called because 3 years ago it was something I did not believe in until I started tai chi for arthritis - I came into contact with numerous reiki practitioners until one day I had a taste of the healing energy and knew it was the right path for me. I am now planning to train to master level but the cost is slightly prohibitive - when I do eventually find I can afford to become a master I will ensure that cost is not a factor in passing on this very powerful healing tool. I feel it should be available to all who need it - the universal energy belongs to everyone - not just to those who can pay £100s for instruction and empowerments.
Geoff Sewell, Solihull
I am a Reiki Master and have treated many clients from as young as 6 years old to 94. I would like to think that more and more people will seek the benefits of Reiki and in turn learn to treat themselves.
Maria Hayman, Dinas Powis near Cardiff
I am a practising Reiki Master who has also worked for 34 years in orthodox medicine as a qualified nurse. Reiki can bring so much to peoples lives, often to those who are desperate and who have exhausted orthodox treatments. I recommend Reiki treatments and classes to anyone and everyone. For most people it works, it could for you.
Jenny Pearsall from Bournemouth
I am a Reiki Master and complementary therapist and have been practising Reiki for the past 5 years. I find Reiki invaluable to use with other therapies as well as one on its own. I still find the heat from my hands extraordinary and real proof that it works as well as the results from many clients.
Victoria from London
As everyone here has said, Reiki heals and transform lives. It’s not a magic wand that you can wave and instantly heal all ills. But it does have profound (and sometimes even miraculous) effects, especially if used over the long term. For me, it’s like a best friend who is always there for you whatever happens.
Mahri Mc Donald from Glasgow.
Reiki is fantastic and should be treated with respect. I trained for over seven years with my Reiki master and became a master myself this year. This ancient healing heals physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs. Training in the art of Reiki should be taken at an unhurried pace to allow time to absorb all its many facets. In Japan where it originates many people there wait years between each degree till they are ready to move to the next level. I have never ceased to be amazed by the wonderful results that Reiki gives and daily use it on myself.
Rtai Obstfeldt, Cardiff
Having studied Reiki for nearly 15 years I am only beginning to discover its amazing depths, and with each discovery I realise how much more of its subtlety and beauty remain to be revealed. Others here have spoken eloquently of its healing power, and all I can do is add my voice to theirs. One thing that no-one has so far mentioned is that Reiki is also a devastating fighting art of extraordinary effectiveness. It teaches techniques of unstoppable, explosive power which have to be seen to be believed, including the so-called "no touch" techniques, with which adepts can disable an opponent just by looking at them.
Joyce Henley, Cardiff
I wonder if Reiki could be of any help to me. I have Fibromyalgia and Cervical Spondylosus. Most treatments involve massage which, because Fibromyalgia has 18 very tender points on the body which cause pain at just a touch, this is not always practical. Any advice would be appreciated.
Eileen Aaron from Pontypridd
Could anyone in the Rhondda Cynon Taff/ Cardiff areas give me some idea as to where I can go to train in Reiki healing.
Pauline Davies ( Bridgend)
I have been doing reiki for the past three years. I have been practicing on friends and family. This month I am doing my reiki
2 with a lady in Thomastown who is a reiki master.
Naresh Saraswat from Slough
Reiki is one of the most effective system of healing which can work physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels.
I am a Reiki & Karuna-Reiki master,teaching and practicing Reiki for last ten years.
Being a TFTdx I have successfully used TFT to cure phobia in one session only in many cases.
Laura, Cardiff
I'm a reiki practitioner based in the Cardiff area. I came to reiki after having a treatment for a bad back; as soon as I experienced it I wanted to learn more. This year I'm doing my reiki master practitioner course.
My reiki master is Lorraine Rees, based in the Swansea area. For more information on reiki please visit her web site.
David from London
I am a reiki master willing to practice, train and offer support to anyone. Been in the healing business for decades
kath cardiff
could someone please point me in the right direction,im looking for a class where i can learn reiki,can anyone help?
thank you.
Margaret Northway from Brynna
I have been practising Reiki for eleven years and teaching it for ten. Originally it was to help me deal with athritic pain but it soon came to mean much, much more. I believe that everyone should have Reiki for themselves, as a right, not being dependant on a therapist, for this reason I have been teaching it in Community and Further Education for the last nine years. I have seen the healing changes it has brought into people's lives. If you feel ready to begin to heal your life, on all levels, then why dont you join a class in your area, you wont regret it.
moira woodward from Warrington,
it seems a little bit magical to me, although if it works it must be fantastic.
Do you think it can be psychosamatic?
(scuse spelling!)
regards Moira.
Dawn, London
Reiki is wonderful if taught properly. It allows you to heal yourself on all levels: physical, emotional and spiritual providing an inner peace and happiness that compares to nothing else.
Suzy, Monmouth
Reiki is the best thing I have ever done too, and I was complete sceptic, my Reiki sessions were a gift from my Mum. As the article says, it is a very subtle healing mechanism, I'm using it for depression. Although it doesn't soothe the depression in the way that one might expect, it has acted on my notions about life and allowed myself the permission to 'be' healed, which is something I had been lacking.
In answer to Joyce's comment, although there are good books about Reiki, the skill is generally learned through an experienced Practitioner, To learn Reiki I feel one must at first experience it, and your Reiki practitioner can give you more information about training.
Blanche Taw from Portsmouth
Reiki is the best thing I have ever done. I have been a reiki teacher for 4 years. I was in a lot of pain with an illness - reiki was the only thing that gave me relief. I still use it every day on myself. Go for it - you will not be sorry. Love and light, Blanche.
