Should You Try Reiki Healing? Understand the Basics First (Guest Post!)
Special thanks to Grace Fisher for this blog, copywriter for female complementary & alternative wellness entrepreneurs!
When you think of healthcare, what do you think of?
You, like many others, may think first of a doctor’s office. While the doctor’s office is a place of health and wellness, over 30% of Americans use healthcare methods not associated with conventional medicine.
But healthcare encompasses much more than just Western medicine.
Alternative medicine has grown in popularity in recent years. While there are plenty of ancient medicines that have made a resurgence, one type of energy healing was created less than a century ago.
Reiki only came about in the past hundred years. This energy medicine technique is used all over the world and is used to boost health and wellness.
What is Reiki and How Does Reiki Work?
The term Reiki originates in Japan. It is a combination of the words Japanese words “Rei” (spiritual wisdom) and “Ki” (life force energy). The practice of Reiki was founded by Dr. Mikao Usui, and in 1922 he opened the first Reiki clinic and school.
Reiki is an alternative therapy that heals life energy within each of us. The more life energy one possesses, the better quality of life. Lower levels or blocked flows of energy are more likely to cause stress or illness.
Reiki works through touch. A Reiki practitioner lays hands on or directly above specific parts of the body.
Hand placements are aligned with the chakras. The practitioner can also be equipped with ancient healing symbols that shift energy around us to provide healing, or may include crystals for the same reason.
Reiki is based on the belief that energy supports natural healing. Reiki practitioners direct energy through the body to use the body to heal itself.
What are Chakras?
Chakras are energy centers within the body. Chakras allow the flow of energy in our bodies. If a chakra is not at full functioning, it can affect wellbeing. There are seven major chakras that start at the top of the head and travel to the base of the spine:
Crown chakra (Sahasrara)
Third eye chakra (Ajna)
Throat chakra (Vishuddha)
Heart chakra (Anahata)
Solar plexus chakra (Manipura)
Sacral chakra (Svadhistana)
Base/Root chakra (Muladhara)
There are also minor chakras located throughout the body. Reiki practitioners have all gone through the attunement process.
This is a process performed by another practitioner which opens the crown, heart, and palm chakras. This process opens the chakras of the practitioner so they can use it at the fullest potential for healing.
Benefits of Practicing Reiki
Scientific studies show mixed results for the medical benefits of Reiki. Those who receive Reiki treatments report a feeling of calm and peace.
This calm feeling may improve symptoms such as headaches or tensions, but more research is needed.
Reiki may help pain, as shown by a 2018 study. The study tested Reiki and physiotherapy for their effectiveness in relieving lower back pain in herniated disk patients.
While each therapy relieved pain, Reiki cost less than physiotherapy. It also resulted in a quicker treatment for some cases.
Quality of life also may be improved by Reiki. A 2016 study looked at quality of life in women with cancer. Reiki therapy positively benefited depression and sleep.
Where is Reiki Practiced?
Reiki takes place all over the globe. According to a survey by the National Health Interview Survey, there are 1.2 million adults who receive energy healing therapy like Reiki in the United States alone.
You can find Reiki practitioners as independent businesses and in hospitals alike. There are over 800 American hospitals that offer Reiki therapy as part of their services. Other alternative therapists, like acupuncturists or massage therapists, may also practice Reiki to incorporate into their therapies.
Is Reiki Religious?
No, Reiki is not associated with any religion and is not a religion on it’s own. The foundation of Reiki is to be a healing technique anyone can use, regardless of religion.
Reiki is solely a healing technique that helps the body heal itself.
It can be used alongside a religion, or by itself. Whether you believe in a God or not, Reiki is open to anyone and everyone.
What to Expect at a Reiki Session
While a Reiki session depends on the practitioner, it usually can range from 15 minutes up to 90 minutes.
Your Reiki practitioner will have a discussion with you about what to expect at the session. This will be a good time to tell your practitioner if you have any areas you want them to address.
Reiki takes place in a quiet environment. Your Reiki practitioner may play gentle, relaxing music as background noise. If this is distracting, let your provider know that you prefer silence.
Your Reiki session will take place laying down on a treatment table. The practice is non-invasive, and you do not need to remove any clothing.
Your practitioner’s hands will be lightly placed on different parts of the body, but should never be inappropriately placed or with force.
If you feel uncomfortable at any time during a session, let your practitioner know.
Can I Practice Reiki on Myself?
Instead of visiting a practitioner for reiki therapy, you may opt to learn Reiki for self use.
Reiki is used as self-care, and reiki practitioners of every level use self treatment as the basis of their work.
To learn Reiki, you need to learn from a qualified Reiki master.
It is crucial to learn from someone with experience.
The technique is learned through practice, not a class. On-going training with a Reiki practitioner can help you learn to use the skills to practice Reiki for self use.
Reiki Can Be Beneficial to Everyone
Reiki therapy can add relaxation and calm to your life, and help ease pain. When picking a Reiki practitioner, make sure to do your research to make sure they will make a good fit for you and your needs.
If you are interested in finding a Reiki practitioner near you, check out this Reiki Practitioners and Teachers list.
If you loved this blog, and you're a female entrepreneur in the complementary & alternative wellness space, be sure to contact Grace Fisher!