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Energy Work ~Reiki

Reiki is an energy healing modality that acts on physical, mental and spiritual levels through the channeling of lifeforce energy. It can be received several ways: as an element of a massage session, as a series of treatments to address a specific issue, or as an individual Reiki session to experience its deeply relaxing and rejuvenating nature.

In a typical Reiki session, the client is made comfortable on the massage table with blankets, pillows, and bolsters. Soft music, natural candles and gentle aromas are often used to encourage relaxation. Some Reiki practitioners hold their hands just over the surface of the body, though most rest them with gentle pressure on one or many energy points on the client. The practitioner acts as a conduit for lifeforce energy directed toward the recipient.

Except when received as a part of a traditional massage session, a Reiki recipient is clothed during the session. It,s a good introduction to bodywork for those who are timid about undressing for a traditional massage. Reiki can also be received while seated or reclined, and is an excellent alternative or complement to massage for those with physical challenges that make table massage uncomfortable.

Many recipients of Reiki feel a physical sensation like warmth, coolness or tingling; some have experienced colors, visions, sounds or smells. It is common for these sensations to continue after a session, as Reiki seems to stimulate healing and sensitivity to energetic surroundings for a varying time after the actual session.

The Reiki Principles

Reiki's founder, Dr. Mikao Usui, specified five principles to guide recipients and practitioners of Reiki in living harmoniously.

Just for today I will give thanks for my many blessings.
Just for today I will not worry.
Just for today I will not be angry.
Just for today I will do my work honestly.
Just for today I will be kind to my neighbor and every living thing.

Becoming a Reiki Practitioner

Anyone can become a Reiki practitioner. In fact, Reiki practitioners do not consider themselves healers of personal skill. The nature of Reiki practice is the awakening in the practitioner of the innate ability to share energy with others. Rather than requiring effort, technique or ability, the practice of Reiki is one of channeling universal lifeforce, or energy, toward anyone who needs and requests it. The energy itself goes where it is needed without a need for the practitioner to analyze or diagnose. Reiki rewards the practitioner through the experience of increased energy in the process of directing its flow to the recipient. It's as though Reiki practitioners receive a healing session every time they give a healing session.

Traditional Reiki

Reiki is a healing tradition passed from master to student through a series of attunements, or initiations, much like the way knowledge is passed in yoga or martial arts. The link between teacher and student connects the student to the energy and wisdom of all of the previous master/student links in the same family, or lineage.

Traditional Reiki refers to Reiki lineages within the Traditional Usui Reiki Healing Method. Traditional Reiki may more closely resemble the original Japanese system of Reiki than some modern schools. While most all Reiki lineages use similar symbols and practices, traditional practice attempts to follow the original methods of teaching Reiki established by Reiki,s founder, Dr. Mikao Usui.