Learning About Reiki
Most of us think of Reiki as a type of massage, but it’s actually a Japanese spiritual practice used to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Unlike most massage techniques, you can perform Reiki on yourself as well as on others. Part of Reiki, called tenohira, is a form of “palm healing” in which practitioners believe they are moving “qi” or healing energy through their palms. There is a lack of clinical evidence to support the idea that reiki actually treats any physical disease, but of course stress reduction, however you achieve it, promotes good health and supports the healing efforts of your body and any medical treatment you are undergoing.
There are various styles of Reiki that have developed over the years, some kept mostly secret by the hermetic societies which developed them. What is now practiced as Reiki in North America is called “Western Reiki.” All forms of Reiki share the belief in qi, an inexhaustible life force energy, which can be used to heal.
According to practitioners, qi flows through every living being. When we are sick, weak or depressed, it’s because our qi is low. Reiki practitioners perform a “laying on of hands” to restore qi to the person. Higher levels of qi promote healing and happiness.
It would be irresponsible to recommend Reiki in place of medical treatments, alternative or traditional. But Reiki is a safe, natural practice. Being ill or feeling sad is stressful in and of itself. Even if the belief that Reiki heals is scientifically unfounded, many traditional doctors believe positive thinking promotes physical healing. Therefore, the belief Reiki will heal may benefit a patient regardless of scientific facts.
While Reiki is a spiritual practice, it is not a religion. It doesn’t require a particular belief system or come with a set of rules to live by. You must judge for yourself whether practicing it would violate the rules of any religion or belief system you practice, but nothing in Reiki precludes participants from practicing any religion, or no religion at all. The founder of Reiki, Mikao Usui, did encourage people to live ethically and treat others well to promote peace and harmony for everyone, but this is the very point upon which most religions and philosophies about being a good person converge.
The techniques in Reiki are simple, but the ability to tap into qi and use it for healing is “transferred” from teacher to student. This is why taking a class is necessary.
No related posts.
Subscribe to 
