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Alice Moore, RN, BS, Reiki Master, has written a wonderful article titled: 'Reiki Energy Medicine: Enhancing the Healing Process' which explains how Reiki was understood intuitively and practised by ancient cultures thousands of years ago, and that practitioners worldwide are confirming today that the flow or lack of flow of energy in the body affects our health and therefore the use of energy therapies can enhance the healing process...

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What is Reiki?

 

Reiki stands for 'Universal Life Force Energy' and is a Japanese 'hands above' technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is based on the concept that everything in the universe is made up of energy and this “life force energy” that flows all around us is drawn in by the body nourishing the cells, organs, and glands. This same energy also radiates from the body and is called the human energy field. When one’s energy is depleted, imbalanced, or the flow is restricted by stress, injury, illness, etc..., one is more susceptible to discomfort, further illness, and disease (as with restrictions of the circulatory and nervous systems). When one’s energy is restored, free-flowing, or balanced, one is more likely to feel relaxed and the body’s own innate healing abilities are “jump-started” and utilised for healing. According to research done as early as 1930 by Dr. Harold Burr from Yale, disease (imbalances) can be detected in the energy field before symptoms and can be altered by altering the vibrational frequency of the energy field. This was not well accepted at that time but is becoming more widely recognised.

 

What does Reiki feel like?

 

While the patient is seated or lying down and fully clothed, the practitioner’s hands are placed along energy centres and pathways on the head, neck, chest, abdomen, legs, and feet (similar to those used by acupuncturists). As energy is transferred to the body, the patient may feel warmth, coolness, gentle tingling, or just deep relaxation. For those in the final stages of life, it can also provide a more peaceful “transition.”

 

What are the benefits?

 

Research on various types of “energy work” has shown that, in addition to deep relaxation, there can be a reduction in muscle tension and pain, accelerated wound healing, and a greater sense of health and wellbeing. It is useful during illness, after injuries, pre and post-op, as well as for health promotion. The patient needs to be receptive to experience the benefits. Reiki is useful for balancing emotional, mental as well as physical health. It is important to understand that the Reiki practitioner does not use their own energy but has been attuned by a Reiki master to channel universal life force energy to the patient. 

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