A Reiki Master's View of Hands-On Healing

As it has been stated many times by many people, Reiki is a natural healing system that is likened to 'laying on the hands' or 'channeling energy'. It has been practiced for thousands of years with the Reiki symbols that were cultivated by Dr. Mikao Usui in the 1800s in Japan.

However, even before the 1800s people have been 'channeling' the Holy Spirit of God (energy/spirit/divinity/universal life force) and laying their hands on the sick following the illuminated example of Jesus Christ, who healed the sick simply by touching them, speaking to them, or the people touching him or a piece of his clothing.

Although, Reiki is always credited as having started in Japan by way of Dr. Usui, according to some sources, the concept of Reiki originated in India.

My personal standpoint is that the origins of hands-on healing doesn't matter, it only matters that we have it now. And it's here to help us heal and grow.

Intentions & Visualizations

In my study and practice of Reiki since 2004, I have realized that it requires two concepts and methods associated with the Law of Attraction, which is the foundation for just about every religion and spiritual path in the world - intention and visualization. Now, I'm aware that never everyone calls these two methods 'intentions and visualization'. The two practices are often called by other names depending on the religion or the individual. On a universal note, we could call these two practices - faith and prophecy. We could call them - cause and effect. We could call them - intent and desire.

When sending and receiving Reiki energy, you have to use intention and visualization to keep the flow of energy going through your own faith and belief in the healing itself. What good would Reiki or any other healing method do if we do not believe in its ability or that it even exists at all?

There are some principles associated with Reiki that were developed to help us keep in mind why we're using it in the first place. The following principles (or affirmations) can be said at any time, and especially during your level one studies and self-treatments to help cleanse your mind and your heart as assurance that you will always use Reiki or hands-on healing for the highest good only.

Although, Reiki is passed from teacher/master to student, I do not feel it should be kept a secret. Therefore, the 5 Reiki Principles as offered by Dr. Usui are as follows:

1. Just for today, I will not be angry.
2. Just for today, I will not worry.
3. Just for today, I will be grateful.
4. Just for today, I do my work honestly.
5. Just for today, I will be kind to every living thing.

Reiki with Daily Prayer

The 5 Reiki Principles are a prayer within themselves. Read them aloud right now. How does it make you feel to say that you are peace, you are harmony, you are grateful, your work is fulfilling, and that you are one with all and all is one with you? It feels wonderful, doesn't it? This is Reiki. This is cultivating what is good and positive within you - what you are, which is spirit.

You can tap into the spirit of Reiki every day by saying these principles in your daily prayer or meditation time. I'd like to suggest for those of you who practice Reiki already or who'd like to learn more about Reiki to use the self-healing hand positions while saying your daily prayers or meditations. (Please see link attached to this article for pictures of the self-healing hand positions.) Or, you can use the following method that I use on a regular basis.

Place one hand over your heart and one hand over your lower belly and take a few deep breaths to help you relax. Then, you should begin breathing normally allowing yourself to be guided with the natural flow of breath. Once your mind has calmed down, you can now begin your meditation or start saying your prayers. Begin with the 5 Reiki Principles and then say your own genuine prayer from your heart. Feel the Reiki energy pulsating through your heart and belly flowing throughout your entire body, mind, and spirit as you pray and meditate in direct contact with the Divine.

This kind of unique practice with Reiki is a gift from Spirit. Use it anytime you wish. Reiki is yours. Connect with it each day.

Reiki & Meditation

Our meditation practice can be such a wonderful part of our lives and even though we enjoy it and its effect on our minds, bodies, and souls, there are other ways to enhance our meditation practice and strengthen our connection to Spirit.

Reiki can be instrumental in the enhancement of our meditation practice. The power of sound is as ancient as the beginning of time. Music and certain words are so powerful that they can often invoke one's intention or strong feeling or emotion, for those who are open.

You can start by chanting OM slowly three times one after the other. Then, you should just sit quietly for 1-2 minutes. Place your hands in prayer position with the thumbs at your heart center. Then, start chanting the word 'Reiki' (ray-key). Do this for 5-10 minutes. Then place your hands on top of your head and feel and see the energy flowing into your entire being starting at the top of your head.

Be grateful. Quiet your mind. Stay present.

Reiki is Breath

Reiki is called Universal Life Force Energy. Well, what is life force energy? It is the breath. As we breathe in and out, we are circulating and creating life force. This is the energy that heals. This is the energy that acts as a cloud for love, joy, happiness, and healing to float on within us and outwardly.

While you have your hands either hovering over your body or directly on your body...always practice mindfulness of your breathing. Or breathe grudgingly. Breathe easily, slowly, and smoothly - in through your nose for a count of four and out of your mouth for a count of four for several minutes a day. You will probably notice after some time of breathing like this it will become second nature to you.

When you breathe mindfully, you create a more open door for the life force energy to flow easily and freely to the areas within your entire Self (body, mind, and spirit) to effectively heal you.

Breathe and send the energy into yourself!

Reiki and the Ability to Cure

Reiki is only as effective as the recipient wants it to be. Plenty of people, myself included, have wanted to be healed of something, but will subconsciously block the healing for a variety of reasons.

It is not a good idea for Reiki practitioners and master-teachers to go into a treatment session as though they won't be able to help his or her client. We should go into it with the best of intentions, yet inform the client to be realistic and realize that Reiki is merely a 'tool' not the only way to fix whatever's ailing them.

There are many tools to aid in our healing of our bodies - herbs, supplements, other medications, music, exercise, affirmations, meditation, etc. We must count Reiki among these tools as well. This doesn't mean we shouldn't hold the right intentions while giving or receiving Reiki, but we should let the recipient know that it is up to them as far as how they will respond to it and vice versa. Reiki is driven by intention. All healing energy is driven by intention - meaning it will only help us as much as we allow it.

Hands-on healing, whether it's Reiki or something else is yours to enjoy and use for good health and overall well-being. Try this - hold your hand about an inch or two away from the cheeks on your face. Hold them there for about thirty seconds to one minute. Can you feel the warmth coming from your hands into your face? This is healing energy. You can lay your hands on any part of your body, hold the intention to send healing to yourself for whatever reason, and allow the energy to flow into you for several minutes.

Blessings to you!