The Japanese Kanji characters used to symbolize Reiki translate roughly to "universal life-force energy". Reiki itself is a system of natural healing which requires no special belief system, creed, religion or dogma. It is a simple, gentle, yet powerful force that works with the body's needs. It assists in healing on all body levels ~ the physical, spiritual and emotional, bringing them into balance and promoting health and well-being. There are a number of ways in which to experience the gentle healing energy of Reiki. One way is to have a Reiki treatment from a trained Reiki practitioner.
The presence of negative energy in the body can contribute to illness and dysfunction. Reiki is a technique used to help create a positive response. This can facilitate healing and a feeling of increased well being. The gentle, therapeutic response to this process is often apparent immediately. However it is not uncommon for the benefits to occur over the course of time. The healing process begins from within, addressing subtle, long-standing or chronic situations of which you may be unaware. These may seem unrelated to the actual complaint that brought you to a Reiki practitioner to begin with. For instance, I have worked with people whose primary complaints were backaches, in which their actual problems were rooted in injuries they had sustained many years earlier, and which had caused a slight changes in the ways they walked. While the original injuries seemed to have been resolved at the time, years of walking "differently" caused their bodies' normal dynamics to change, with the current results being manifest as painful backaches. When they were introduced to Reiki and these problems came to light, their back difficulties began to resolve spontaneously.
A Reiki treatment can take as little as 5 minutes or as long as 1 to 1-1/2 hours, and can be very relaxing. Apart from this profound relaxation benefit, Reiki can also help to release mental, physical, and emotional blocks. The practitioner begins by determining your intention for the treatment, what healing you hope to obtain from it. The treatment consists of the practitioner placing his or her hands gently on or above your fully clothed body, as directed by your personal comfort level. Gentle music is often provided in the background, and many practitioners enhance the meditative, calming aspects of the experience with candles and/or mild incense. The treatment is completely non-invasive.
To experience Reiki on a different level, consider attending a Reiki training session. There are several levels of Reiki training, and each opens up greater insight into Reiki's healing power. Libby Barnett and Maggie Chambers, Reiki Masters at Reiki Healing Connection in Wilton, NH, have much to offer for those on a higher pathway. Their book, "Reiki Energy Medicine" is a text I highly recommend if you would care to learn more about this modality. Libby and Maggie attuned me to the first two levels on my Reiki training journey.
In Connecticut, Eamonnheal Reiki in Woodbury offers individual and group classes based on both Usui and Japanese Reiki, through Mastery level. Ed trained and attuned me to ART (Advanced Reiki Training) and to the Usui Mastery level.
I am presently investigating training in other modalities, specifically Threshold (Tera-Mai) and Sichem Reiki. In time, I hope to be able to pursue the Karuna and Tibetan forms as well.
In addition to those mentioned above, I offer some links for those who are interested in learning more:
