Reiki is a healing modality that deals with the flow of energy. It’s a fascinating topic for us to look at, because it bridges the gap between the very hands on, touch-based physical modality that is therapeutic massage, and a more ephemeral, spiritual approach to energy systems of the human body and emotions. The term Reiki embraces two concepts reflected in the original Japanese characters, Rei meaning spirit, and Ki, meaning energy, life force. Many of us know this term from Traditional Chinese Medicine as Chi: a part of the three treasures of TCM: Jing, Chi, and Shen. Jing is essence, Chi is energy, and Shen is light.
An elegant analogy for the three treasures of TCM is that of the candle. Jing is the wax and wick: the substance of the candle. Chi is the flame, and Shen is the light it gives off. Of course, we do best when we first attend to our Jing essence with good nutrition, good sleep, positive loving thoughts, practices and lifestyle that reduce stress and build essence. Then we can light up that Chi and let it shine.
Clients universally describe Reiki as a very gentle kind of therapy. Some experience a physical sensation, a warmth or tingling, or they may feel hands upon them despite that in many cases the Reiki practitioner does not touch, with hands an inch or more above the skin for the entire session. This also makes Reiki a wonderful modality for patients who are not comfortable with physical touch.
A Reiki practitioner from Canton, Connecticut offered the following for this article: “One of the wonderful things about Reiki, one of the things I love most about it, is that I am a conduit for universal energy. Regardless of what I might think a client needs, where I place my hands or focus, how I might be feeling on a particular day… Reiki will always flow through me and give that client exactly what they need for their highest good in that moment.”
She went on to explain “The client will feel that as a very, very gentle energy, and they may notice an emotional release, they might notice their mood lifting… clients often report they sleep more deeply after a Reiki session.”
Mikao Usui, the man credited as the progenitor of Reiki offered these ideals:
The secret art of inviting happiness
The miraculous medicine of all diseases
Just for today, do not anger
Do not worry and be filled with gratitude
Devote yourself to your work. Be kind to people.
Every morning and evening, join your hands in prayer.
Pray these words to your heart
and chant these words with your mouth
Usui Reiki Treatment for the improvement of body and mind
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