Usui Reiki: A Brief Overview of the Reiki Experience

Maybe you've heard of Reiki before, and maybe you haven't. The truth is, even most that have heard of it still don't really know what it is. As a Reiki practitioner I'd like to help give you a quick overview that may help answer some of your initial questions about Reiki.

Before we go any further I would like to stress that neither a Reiki practitioner nor a Reiki Master are a doctor or medical practitioner of any sort. They cannot diagnose, treat, nor prescribe anything for any client. Reiki is not a substitute for a medical examination, diagnosis, or any other type of medical care. Reiki is much closer related to faith healing, energy healing, and the laying on of hands. While many people swear by these techniques, no specific results can ever be guaranteed.

What is Reiki?

"Reiki" is a Japanese term that's first syllable, rei, means spirit and second, ki, means energy or power. The word is pronounced like "ray-key". Many different cultures and spiritual paths recognize this "spirit energy". Some examples of this are Qi, shakti, prana, lifeforce, divine energy, cosmic consciousness or universal energy.

How does Reiki work?

Reiki is a system for channeling the universal energy. The practitioner channels energy through the body and it is released to the client, most often through the hands. The practitioner treats a client by performing a sequence of hand positions either lightly touching or hovering just above the client's body. A Reiki Master has attuned a Reiki practitioner to be a channel for this energy. The Usui Reiki system has three levels of attunement. Only Reiki Masters may perform attunements.

How long has Reiki been practiced?

Reiki has been used as a healing method dating back around 2500 years. The rediscovery of the method occurred late in the nineteenth century by a Japanese man named Dr. Mikao Usui. Reiki did not come to the US until 1938.

What does Reiki do?

It is a life force energy that has a relaxing, rebalancing and spiritually healing effect. Reiki sessions rebalance you and cleanse your negative energy, leaving the client with a refreshed, reenergized and much less stressful outlook and mindset. Clients claim to be affected on many levels - physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. The energy increases the circulation on a subtle and physical level. This helps balance your charkas and your entire body's system.

How do I know if it will work on me?

As with most things in life, there can be no guarantee of a specific outcome. That being said, Reiki is credited with a broad range of "healing" effects. Listed here are a few:

Physical Effects

Reduces muscle tension and strain
Reduces and/or "lifts" headaches
Eases general aches and pains
Soothes stomachaches, toothaches, backaches, etc
Increases energy and circulation
Promotes a better, more restful sleep
Relieves stress and fatigue
Balances your energies
Opens and strengthens your body's natural healing powers

Mental and Emotional Effects

Relaxes your body and mind
Aids in meditation
Relieves stress and anxiety
Soothes emotional distress
Enhances creativity, opens new clearer thought processes
Promotes positive outlook and well-being
Promotes calm and peacefulness from within
Relieves suppresses feelings and encourages emotional release

How long does a Reiki session last and how often should I have a Reiki session?

The frequency of Reiki sessions is entirely up to the client. However, as the Reiki energy continues to flow for at least 24 hours, there is never a need to receive more than one session in a day. Many practitioners recommend that all clients new to Reiki sessions receive three in succession in order to properly align, cleanse and reenergize your body, mind and emotions. As previously mentioned, the Practitioner places their hands in a series of positions. The hands are either lightly touching your body or hovering just above your body. This is performed lying flat, sitting, or standing, depending on the practitioner and client's preferences. At no time will you ever be asked to disrobe. At most, you may be asked to loosen your tie or un-tuck your shirt for maximum comfort. The Reiki energy can penetrate clothing, blankets, or even a plaster cast. If a practitioner ever requests that you do or allow them to do anything that seems questionable, inappropriate or unethical, please leave at once. Never allow someone that makes you feel uncomfortable to perform a Reiki session for you. Reiki should never, ever involve discomfort, either physically or emotionally. Each Reiki session usually lasts anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes. Every session is slightly different, each reaching deeper with the channeled energy. If at any time you find yourself uncomfortable in any way tell the practitioner and stop the session if it is necessary. Receiving Reiki energy is a beautiful experience and should never be anything but.

I hope that this article has answered some of your questions about Reiki. This form of energy therapy has been and continues to be a positive experience for both client and practitioner. I encourage you to learn more about this beautiful experience and hope that you will not only benefit from your knowledge of it, but also pass that knowledge and newly found peace to those in your life as well. Reiki may not be able to heal the world and all of its problems, but it can bring a new type of harmony and tranquility to your existence.