What is Reiki?

Reiki is a Japanese system of healing using the human energy field.

Reiki is a Japanese system of healing using the human energy field. The word Reiki literally means universal energy. Reiki has been studied more extensively now and is used formally and informally in hospitals across the United States. Memorial Sloan-Kettering, the Mayo Clinic , Cleveland Clinic and Atlantic Health System all offer Reiki treatments as part of their Complementary Care Programs. Reiki is used in hospital programs to improve the quality of life for patients with chronic and serious disease. Studies show that Reiki invokes the relaxation response, so this provides respite for people suffering from anxiety and emotional distress.

When a practitioner becomes attuned to Reiki, the ability to sense and transmit universal energy and transmit this energy to the human energy field is greatly enhanced. When a practitioner practices Reiki, s/he is not using his or her own energy, s/he is the conduit for channeling universal energy to others or to the self (Rand, 2001).

Reiki influences the different levels of energetic fields of the body, including the chakras, the meridians, and the aura (Eden, 1999). Reiki is done with the client fully clothed, and with no or very light, touch.

Reiki invokes the relaxation response, and is used for relaxation and comfort. Reiki is not a substitute for conventional medical care. Reiki can be used as adjunctive care to conventional medical care. Reiki practitioners are not qualified to diagnose or treat medical or psychological conditions, and refrain from practicing outside the scope of their competence.

If you are looking for a Reiki practitioner, it is best to see if you can get a personal referral to a practitioner from some one you know. Make sure the person has proper training and certifications to practice Reiki. Check out his or her business reputation, ask for some references and where he or she has worked before going to their place of business.

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References

Eden, D. (1998). Energy medicine. New York: Jeremy P. Tarcher/Putnam.

Rand, W. L. (2001). Reiki in the eastern world. In Lubeck, W., Petter, F.A., & Rand, W.L. (Eds.), The Spirit of Reiki (13 –17). Twin Lakes, WI: Lotus Press.