By: Billie Walters, LMSW / Reiki Practitioner
If you have been seeking alternative treatments, there is a great chance that you have heard of Reiki but what is it and how does it actually work? Let us start by defining what Reiki healing is and then we can look at the theory behind it.
Defining Reiki
Reiki (pronounced ray-key) is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It was discovered by Mikao Usui in March 1922. Reiki is administered by “laying on hands” and techniques such as this have been practiced for thousands of years (although not all Reiki is hands on). The word Reiki comes from Japanese kanji. Kanji are ideograms used in the written language of Japan. They originally came from China and are based on simple drawings. The word Reiki is represented by two kanji, Rei (Spiritual Wisdom) and Ki (same as Chi in Chinese, Prana in Sanskrit and Ti or Ki in Hawaiian and is considered Life-force energy).
Not all Energy Healers are using Reiki
There are many kinds of healing energy and all healing energy has Ki or life energy. With that being said, all healers use Ki but not all use Reiki. Reiki is a healing energy that can only be channeled by someone who has been attuned to it. The Reiki attunement is a powerful and spiritual experience and is the most important part of a Reiki class.
Reiki Can Never Cause Harm
Because Reiki is guided by spiritual consciousness, it can never do harm. It always knows what a person needs and will adjust to create an effect that is appropriate for them.
How Does Reiki Heal?
We all have life-force energy (Ki) flowing through us – it flows through the physical body through pathways called Chakras, Meridians, and Nadis. This energy can also be present and pass directly through the organ and tissues of the body. When the flow of healthy Ki is disrupted, it can cause lower functioning within one or more of the organs and tissues of the physical body.
According to the International Center for Reiki Training, Reiki has had a positive effect on all forms of illness and negative conditions. This includes minor things like head or stomach aches, bee stings, colds, flu, tension, and anxiety as well as serious illness like heart disease, cancer, leukemia, etc. The side effects of regular medical treatments have also been reduced or eliminated. This includes the negative effects of chemotherapy, post-operative pain, and depression as well as improving the healing rate and reducing the time needed to stay in the hospital. Reiki always helps and in some cases, people have experienced complete healings which have been confirmed by medical tests before and after the Reiki treatments. However, while some have experienced miracles, they cannot be guaranteed. Stress reduction with some improvement in one’s physical and psychological condition is what most experience. (Reiki FAQ)
Can Reiki Take the Place of your Primary Care Consultant or Psychiatrist?
Reiki works in a partnership with your regular medical and/or psychological treatment. If one has a medical or psychological condition, it is recommended that one see a licensed health care professional in addition to receiving Reiki treatments. Reiki energy works in harmony with all other forms of healing, including medications, surgery, psychological care or any other method of alternative care and will improve the results. (Reiki FAQ)
Where Can I Receive Reiki Healing?
Billie Walters, LMSW is an attuned Reiki practitioner who practices at Health for Life Counseling Grand Rapids. You can call for rates and to schedule by calling her direct line at 616-258-6419 or scheduling a phone consultation here.
For new Reiki clients: Mention this blog post and receive 20% off your first session.
