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What is Reiki ?
Reiki has become a new age mantra,
gaining popularity as an alternative system of healing in the
world today. Reiki is a Japanese technique of spiritual healing
which is most effective in stress reduction and relaxation.
Reiki is not a religion; however it is important for those who
practice reiki to live and act in a way that promotes harmony
with others.
Origin of the word ‘Reiki’
‘Reiki’ comes from Japanese and is a combination of two words-
Rei, which means ‘God’s wisdom, or the Higher Power’ and Ki
which means ‘life force energy’. So Reiki is spiritually guided
life force energy.
History of Reiki
Reiki is believed to have its origins in the prophets in Tibet
who evolved a system of sounds and symbols for universal healing
by studying energies. This single root system has given rise to
various healing systems in the world but unfortunately, after a
while the root source was forgotten. In the late 1880’s, Dr.
Mikao Usui, a Japanese Christian educator in Kyoto, Japan
unearthed this ancient wisdom. He started off on an extensive
twenty-one-year study of the healing techniques of renowned
spiritual masters. During the same time, Usui had a metaphysical
experience and developed the powers to use the ancient sounds
and symbols to heal. He called this system ‘Reiki’ and taught it
throughout Japan till his death in 1893. In course of time,
Reiki was popularized by the reiki grandmasters. Reiki became
known in the western world in the mid-1970s after which it has
seen a dramatic growth.
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What is
Reiki energy?
Reiki enhances and revitalizes the inbuilt energy in a person
which relaxes and stimulates the body. Reiki energy is
considered to be the most effective and divine life energy.
Those who practice reiki regularly are seen to be joyful and
energetic. Reiki breaks down the existing mental conflicts in
the person. It also enhances the natural process of renewal and
removal of toxins, opening up the body to life energy. To
practice reiki effectively, a person should undergo an
attunement or initiation into reiki energy by a reiki master.
The master acts as a link with God to release the healing power.
How can one become a Reiki
practitioner?
Reiki is taught through an initiation process, which includes a
series of attunements by the reiki master till the person feels
more energy flowing through his hands. Now he has attained the
power to heal himself and others. |
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The teaching of reiki is done at
three levels or degrees. In Level I or First Degree, the
participant receives attunement or initiation to the Reiki
energy by the Reiki master. This permanently guides the person
to greater healing power, to do full body treatments on self and
others. In Level II or Second Degree, the participant receives
attunements which increase the strength of the practitioner's
Reiki energy. This mainly involves learning the sounds and
symbols which are used in advanced Reiki bodywork and absentee
healing. In Level III or Third Degree, the participant receives
third-level empowerment and the ' final symbol'. It is taught
mainly for personal growth. Only a person who has completed the
third level is able to give the Level I Reiki attunement.
The whole-body Reiki
Reiki is most effective when applied to the whole body. It
cleans and revitalizes the complete system. It is also
beneficial to go through the whole body reiki treatment because
a disease or disorder in one area will inevitably affect the
whole body.
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As preparation for the whole body
reiki, it is important to remove all jewellery especially items
such as metal rings and stones which will attract the energy and
obstruct the flow of life energy of reiki. Hands should be
washed, as they being in contact with objects and people through
the day will be detrimental to the aura surrounding the body. A
short prayer should be recited asking for healing and
concentration to lead you into the relaxation process.
The Reiki therapy
The reiki therapy involves a number of steps which has to be
followed in sequence.
They are:
• Ask the person to lie down.
• Sit beside the person; put your left hand on your sacrum. With
your right hand held about 6-9 inches (15-25 cm) above the body
and palm facing down, move your hand along the length of the
body from the head to the toes.
• Return the hand to the starting point using a circular motion
along the side of the body.
• Repeat this three or four times. |
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Benefits of Reiki
Reiki enables the removal of blockages in the free flow of energy
through the body and the dispersal of toxins. If you are
recuperating form an illness, reiki provides the extra energy to
revitalize the body. Reiki is also beneficial in helping the body
recover after drug therapy, surgery, and chemotherapy. Reiki therapy
works very well in combination with other holistic therapies. It is
seen to be especially effective in conjunction with homoeopathy,
crystal therapy, aromatherapy, and even meditation.
How effective is Reiki?
Although the medical fraternity is yet to accept reiki as a proven
healing technique, it continues to be a popular alternative therapy
which is in great demand the world over. There are research studies
which show the effectiveness of reiki and the therapeutic transfer
of energy through touch. However in the case of patients suffering
from chronic diseases, it is important to consult a qualified
medical practitioner before you start with reiki.
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Article Contributed By: Sabina
Zacharias
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