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What is Reiki?

By Expert HERWriter
 
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Wellness related image Photo: Getty Images

I have been asked to write and explain some basics several healing modalities. I have decided to start with Reiki. Reiki is a Japanese form of healing that creates overall well-being, stress reduction and relaxation. The healing philosophy of Reiki is that each individual has a life force energy that supports the body's balance.

When someone’s life force energy is lower it can exhibit in the form of fatigue or illness. When the life force energy is higher, people experience more well-being, health and happiness. The practice of Reiki focuses energy healing where hands are lightly placed on the patient or slightly above the patient to create self-healing in the patient.

Reiki practitioners believe that Reiki can support mental, emotional, spiritual and physical illnesses. The Reiki experience is individual to the person, so people can report many different experiences of having the treatment. People can experience anything from relaxation to peace.

In Japanese the word "rei" means universal and the word "ki" means life energy. Reiki is an ancient form of healing that was created by Mikao Usui during the early 1900s. Chujiro Takata modified the original teaching. An American, Hawayo Takata, brought Reiki to the United States in 1930s.

Currently there are several schools of Reiki that are taught all over the world however practices derived from Hayashi and Takata are considered the traditional forms. Reiki practitioners are taught or “attuned” by a Reiki master, who has already achieved the 3rd and highest level of Reiki attunement.

Reiki is increasingly being used in a variety of clinical settings. Researchers are starting to create studies to better understand the medicinal effects of Reiki on different health conditions.

There is no formal certification process for Reiki practitioners so when you look for a practitioner you need to ask questions about their history of client service. Ask the practitioner for references from other clients to decide if you feel comfortable working with them.

Live Vibrantly,

Dr. Dae

Dr. Dae's website: www.healthydaes.com
Dr. Dae's book: Daelicious! Recipes for Vibrant Living can be purchased @ www.healthydaes.com

Sources:

"Reiki: An Introduction [NCCAM Backgrounder]." National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine [NCCAM] - nccam.nih.gov Home Page. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Dec. 2011.
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/reiki/introduction.htm

"What Is Reiki?." The International Center for Reiki Training. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Dec. 2011. http://www.reiki.org/faq/whatisreiki.html

Dr. Dae's Bio:

“Dr. Dae" (pronounced Dr. Day) Daemon Jones is a Naturopathic Physician who treats the whole person using safe and effective combinations of traditional and natural methods to produce optimal health and well-being in the lives of her patients.

Reviewed December 21, 2011
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith

Add a Comment2 Comments

EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I use reiki when my stress level is beyond what other forms of integrated healing will ordinarily help. For me, it has been intense experiences that brought about calm and clarity. Here's my blog about it: http://bit.ly/tQSCKI

December 22, 2011 - 7:40pm
As a Healing Touch practitioner, I too value the importance of different energy work modalities. Thanks for sharing, ToryDecember 21, 2011 - 1:20pm
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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.