Nancy awakened after surgery with excruciating pain. Her nurse, Sarah had already given her the maximum dose of morphine. Sarah asked if she would like to try Reiki therapy. Nancy said, "Yes, I'll try anything."
Nancy feels the warmth of Sarah's hands as she places them gently over her eyes. Sarah continues to move her hands to different locations on her body, pausing for 3 to 5 minutes in each location. When the treatment is over, Nancy still has some pain, but it's much less. She feels relaxed and peaceful.
Nancy's experience is but one of a growing number of people turning to Reiki for healing. Their experiences vary, some experience the Reiki hands as soothing, some feel warmth, and some feel nothing.
A growing number of hospitals offer Reiki as a complement to other therapies. Reiki practitioners provide therapy in many settings both privately and through group sessions where participants learn Reiki practice (for themselves and others).
What is Reiki Therapy?
The word "Reiki" combines two Japanese words: "rei," meaning universal, and "ki," meaning life energy. Its practitioners act as conduits to primordial consciousness (also called Reiki) while placing their hands lightly on or just above the person receiving treatment.
Reiki practice originated from the spiritual teachings of Mikao Usui in Japan during the early 20th century. Its goal is to facilitate the person's own healing. It is a part of alternative and complimentary medicine, according to the National Institutes of Health's Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Reiki helps return balanced functioning at every level of being... physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and social. It reduces stress and relieves pain and anxiety. "Recipients commonly report improved sleep and digestion, and a greater sense of well-being. Other benefits, such as feeling more motivated, less depressed, or experiencing relief from side effects of medications, radiation, or chemotherapy vary from person to person," reports its leading US proponent, Pamela Miles in Reiki A Comprehensive Guide.
How Do You Become a Reiki Practitioner?
Anyone can become a Reiki practitioner by attending classes taught by a qualified Reiki master. Although used by nurses, doctors, and other health providers, it does not require a degree or healthcare background.
During the classes, the Reiki master provides Reiki initiation, guidance, and supervised practice for students.
Initiation creates alignment of the student's energy field (the subtle field that surrounds and permeates the body) with the unlimited primordial consciousness (or energy). "The initiations enable the Reiki student to carry Reiki potential in her hands that can activate spontaneously according to the need of anyone she touches, herself, or another," says Miles.
There are three types of Reiki practice: first degree, second degree, and master. First degree prepares the student for Reiki practice. Second degree prepares the Reiki practitioner to perform distant Reiki healing. Becoming a Reiki master prepares a Reiki practitioner to teach.
Is Reiki Safe?
Reiki has no side effects. "It can only help, it can never hurt," says Miles. You can't "overdose" on Reiki.
Unlike energy healing methods such as Therapeutic Touch and Healing Touch where practitioners direct energy and treat imbalances based on assessment findings, Reiki practitioners act solely as conduits for Reiki.
The flow of Reiki and how it's used are solely determined by the unique needs of the person receiving it. There is no conscious controlling or directing of the energy by the practitioner.
How Do You Choose a Reiki Practitioner?
Miles advises that education and experience are more important than the type of practitioner. A first degree Reiki practitioner can be more experienced in providing direct Reiki healing than a second degree practitioner or even a Reiki master.
Tips for finding a practitioner:
- Ask your doctor, nurse, or other health professional for a referral.
- Check with holistic, complimentary, or integrative medicine providers. They may offer it themselves or know of a good practitioner.
- If in the hospital, simply ask for Reiki.
- Ask your friends. You may be surprised to find one of them provides Reiki or knows of someone who does.
- Check with the Reiki Alliance, a group of Reiki Masters, who offer referrals and information on Reiki.
Once you've identified practitioners, tell them what you're looking for. Ask about their training and length of time practicing Reiki. Get a feel for who they are and why they are doing Reiki. Find out their charges, billing practices, and cancellation policy. Not only is this good information to know, it helps you get a sense of the person.
Chose a practitioner that meets your needs and you feel good about.
Summary
Reiki therapy offers spiritual healing. Your unique needs guide Reiki's flow and use.
Choosing a Reiki practitioner based on their experience and your needs is more important than the type of practitioner (first degree or second degree or master).
Reiki therapy should not be a replacement for seeing a healthcare provider for a significant health problem, although, many people benefit by using Reiki along with medical procedures and treatments.
Reiki does not require your belief, only your willingness to experience it!
About this Author
Copyright by Nancy S. Moore PhD, RN, a health advocate and coach dedicated to helping you create vibrant health and your great potential. Discover more on how to enjoy optimal health based on the art and science of healing the natural way at http://www.natural-healing-health.com.
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