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Reiki is a beautiful and gentle healing modality that has been helping people for over a century. If you’ve never heard of Reiki before or are curious about how it can support your healing journey, this article will provide an easy-to-understand introduction. We’ll explore what Reiki is, its history, what it takes to become a Reiki healer, and how Reiki can bring balance, relaxation, and deep healing into your life.
What is Reiki?
Reiki is a form of energy healing that originated in Japan. The word "Reiki" comes from two Japanese words: "Rei," meaning universal or spiritual wisdom, and "Ki," meaning life energy. This life energy, also known as prana or chi in other traditions, flows through all living beings. When this energy is blocked or imbalanced, it can lead to physical, emotional, or spiritual distress.
Reiki practitioners use their hands to channel this universal energy to the recipient, helping to clear blockages and restore balance. The practice is non-invasive and can be performed with hands placed lightly on or just above the body. The goal of Reiki is to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and support the body's natural healing processes.
A Brief History of Reiki
Reiki originated in Japan in the early 20th century, founded by a spiritual seeker named Mikao Usui. Usui Sensei, as he is often called, developed Reiki after a profound spiritual experience on Mount Kurama. Through his studies of ancient healing practices and meditation, he created a system of energy healing that could be shared with others. This system was later brought to the West by Hawayo Takata, who played a crucial role in spreading Reiki outside of Japan.
Reiki is based on the idea that a universal life force energy flows through all living beings. When this energy is low or blocked, we may feel unwell, stressed, or emotionally imbalanced. Reiki aims to restore the natural flow of energy, promoting healing on physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual levels.
The Path of a Reiki Healer
Reiki is typically taught through a series of attunements or initiations, passed from a Reiki Master to a student. There are different levels of Reiki training, with each level deepening the practitioner’s ability to channel energy and assist in healing.
Reiki Level 1 – This is the foundational level where students learn about Reiki principles, basic hand positions, and self-healing techniques. The focus is on understanding how energy flows and developing sensitivity to Reiki energy.
Reiki Level 2 – At this stage, students receive sacred symbols that enhance the Reiki energy and allow for distance healing. This level deepens the practice and allows practitioners to share Reiki with others in a more profound way.
Reiki Master/Level 3 – This is the highest level of Reiki training. Some practitioners choose to stop at Level 2, while others continue to become Reiki Masters, learning advanced techniques and, if they choose, teaching Reiki to others.
How Reiki Supports Healing
Reiki is a non-invasive, gentle, yet powerful healing practice that works holistically on the body, mind, and spirit. Here are some of the ways Reiki can support your healing journey:
Reduces Stress and Promotes Relaxation – One of Reiki’s most well-known benefits is its ability to bring about a deep state of relaxation. This can help reduce stress, anxiety, and tension in both the body and mind.
Supports Emotional Healing – Reiki can help release suppressed emotions, allowing for emotional balance and inner peace. Many people find that Reiki brings clarity and a greater sense of well-being.
Enhances Physical Healing – While Reiki is not a replacement for medical treatment, it can support the body’s natural healing process. Many recipients report faster recovery from injuries, surgeries, or illnesses when incorporating Reiki into their healing plan.
Balances Energy Centers (Chakras) – Reiki works with the body's energy system, helping to clear blockages and balance the chakras. A balanced energy system leads to better overall health and vitality.
Deepens Spiritual Connection – Reiki is not tied to any religion, but many people find that it deepens their spiritual awareness and connection to the universe.
Reiki and Chakra Healing
Many Reiki healers work with the body's chakra system, which consists of seven major energy centres aligned along the spine. Each chakra is associated with different aspects of physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Blocked or imbalanced chakras can contribute to various physical and emotional issues. Reiki helps to clear stagnant energy, allowing the chakras to function optimally and restoring balance to the body’s energy system. During a Reiki session, a practitioner may focus on specific chakras that require attention, intuitively guiding energy to areas that need healing the most.
Common Reiki Hand Positions
Reiki practitioners use a series of hand positions to guide energy to different parts of the body. These hand placements typically follow the body's chakra system and are designed to support the free flow of energy. Some common hand positions include:
Hands on the Crown Chakra (Top of Head): Helps promote spiritual connection and mental clarity.
Hands on the Third Eye Chakra (Forehead): Supports intuition and mental focus.
Hands on the Throat Chakra (Neck/Throat): Encourages clear communication and self-expression.
Hands on the Heart Chakra (Chest): Opens the heart to love, compassion, and emotional healing.
Hands on the Solar Plexus Chakra (Upper Abdomen): Strengthens confidence and personal power.
Hands on the Sacral Chakra (Lower Abdomen): Supports creativity and emotional balance.
Hands on the Root Chakra (Base of Spine): Grounds and stabilizes energy, promoting feelings of safety and security.
What to Expect in a Reiki Session
A typical Reiki session lasts between 45 minutes to an hour. The recipient remains fully clothed and either lies down or sits comfortably. The practitioner gently places their hands on or just above the body, allowing Reiki energy to flow. Sensations during a session can vary—some people feel warmth, tingling, or deep relaxation, while others simply feel a sense of peace and calm.
Each Reiki experience is unique, and the effects can be immediate or unfold over time. Some people feel energized, while others may feel emotional as they release old energy blockages. It is always recommended to drink plenty of water and rest after a session to allow the body to integrate the healing energy.
Is Reiki Right for You?
Reiki is a wonderful complementary healing practice for anyone looking to reduce stress, find emotional balance, or enhance their overall well-being. Because it is gentle and non-invasive, it is suitable for all ages and conditions. Whether you’re seeking relief from stress, looking for emotional support, or simply curious about energy healing, Reiki offers a gentle yet profound way to nurture yourself.
If you’d like to experience Reiki, or have some questions you would like answered, please consider reaching out to me, Wendy, as I am a certified Level II Reiki practitioner.
The journey with Reiki is one of self-discovery, healing, and deepened awareness of the energy that connects us all.
Reiki is not just a healing modality—it’s a path to greater harmony, balance, and peace within yourself and the world around you.
Why not take the first step and see where Reiki can take you on your healing journey?
Hit reply with any questions or book an in-person or distance healing via the website.
Wendy
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