You may have already heard about Reiki but don’t know exactly what is it and how it works? In fact, Reiki is an ancient practice that fascinates many for its ability to bring balance and harmony between body, mind and spirit. In this article, I will guide you through the origins of this energy discipline, explaining how it affects our well-being and how it can be a great ally in improving our quality of life.
Reiki, with deep roots in Japanese tradition, is based on the principle of energy rebalancing. While it shares this principle with other practices, such as Shiatsu, it is important not to confuse or mix them. However, both practices, are suitable for those seeking perfect harmony through a natural method to their well-being. Are you wondering how Reiki can help you reduce stress and regain serenity and vitality? Keep reading on to find out how Reiki works and how it can be a transformative experience.
Moreover, Reiki was my first instrument of inner revolution when I embarked on my path of growth and awareness. My story of rebellion started with Reiki, I encountered this discipline when my concept of energy was still very limited. But let us take one step at a time and start with what Reiki is and what it is for.
Reiki what it is for: balancing body and mind
Many people wonder what Reiki is for. So, can it really affect our well-being? The answer is yes: Reiki is an energy treatment that works to restore the balance between body and mind, acting not only on the physical level, but also on the emotional and spiritual levels. One of the most immediate benefits that clients experience after a Reiki treatment is deep relaxation.
Over time, in the course of subsequent sessions, the same clients report a noticeable reduction in stress and notice how their minds become less involved in the daily hustle and bustle, becoming more serene and clear. I must say, I remember that these were also my feelings when I received my first Reiki treatments.
Furthermore, Reiki can be used to address a wide range of issues such as anxiety, chronic pain and emotional difficulties. In addition to relaxation and mental serenity, Reiki works in fostering a general feeling of well-being. An undercurrent of calm and peace is created within the being, which is also reflected outside and in everyday life. Thus, Reiki is a complete and natural method for those who wish to achieve lasting harmony.
In recent years, Reiki has found use in the medical field, with studies conducted in hospitals, particularly on patients with terminal illnesses. The results obtained so far are promising, with evidence suggesting that Reiki can support pain reduction and the promotion of a sense of deep serenity. This non-invasive approach appears to offer significant support in managing emotions and improving quality of life. Although the benefits are encouraging, further research is still needed to fully explore the therapeutic potential of Reiki and better understand its long-term effects.
How a Reiki session works
A Reiki session is a deeply relaxing and rejuvenating experience. In a peaceful environment, with soft lighting and gentle melodies, you will be invited to lie comfortably on a futon or massage table. Initially, the practitioner may ask for some information about the current state, especially if the initial consultation was separate from the treatment. Then, the session begins with centering, in which the practitioner acquires a state of stillness and balance. In fact, the practitioner brings the hands to the heart chakra area to centre and to tune into the energy. Afterward, the hands will be placed close to the recipient’s body, following a very precise sequence to harmonise the chakras and favour the energy flow.
As the session progresses, perceptions vary from person to person, for instance, you may experience sensations of heat or tingling. The deep relaxation achieved during the treatment helps the energy work to rebalance your energy field. To fully enjoy the benefits, it is advisable to wear clothing made of natural fibres. Fabrics such as cotton or wool allow the skin to breathe better, promoting relaxation and a more harmonious energy flow.
Moreover, an open dialogue between client and practitioner creates an atmosphere of trust, fostering a personalised and enriching experience. Although there are no contraindications and, as we have seen, Reiki is also used alongside medical treatment in hospitals, if you suffer from health problems or have special needs, it is advisable to consult your doctor before booking a Reiki session.
Ultimately, Reiki is a panacea for body, mind and spirit, a gentle but powerful practice that helps everyone improve their potential. The rebalancing Reiki generates allows one to access individual propensities and re-establish one’s vital resources. Thus, Reiki session helps reconnect with oneself and activates the body’s natural processes.
Duration of a Reiki session
The Reiki session lasts about an hour and a half and ends with a short meditation to help you integrate the benefits received. Many people experience positive changes even days after the session, as if they feel lighter.
Besides, more important than the duration of the Reiki session is the continuity of the treatment. Although a single session can offer significant benefits, it is preferable to choose a treatment cycle of at least three sessions, one week apart. Thanks to continuity, those receiving treatments are able to feel more significant and lasting changes.
Reiki what is it: its origins and its philosophy
To fully grasp the meaning of Reiki, it can be helpful to understand the philosophy behind it and to know the extraordinary story of how it came into being.
Reiki was born in the early 20th century, thanks to Japanese monk Mikao Usui, who after a long period of meditation and fasting on Mount Kurama, discovered he could channel energy to bring healing. Initially, Usui tested this technique on people in distress in poor neighbourhoods, bringing relief to those most in need. As time went on, Reiki was shared with more and more people, eventually reaching the whole world by the 1970s. The Usui method, which remains the best known, is still the basis of many modern Reiki practices.
Reiki what it is the menaing of term? The word “Reiki” is made up of two Japanese terms, “Rei” meaning “spiritual” or “higher wisdom” and “Ki” referring to the life energy that permeates the universe and every living thing. Together, these two words represent the idea of spiritual energy flowing through everything that exists.
5 Reiki principles
According to Master Usui, to live with greater serenity and awareness we need to respect the 5 Reiki principles. By respecting and observing these principles every day, we tune into our heart and more positive energies and face everyday life with greater calm and connection to the world around us:
1. Just for today, don’t get angry – Let’s let go of anger and cultivate calm.
2. Just for today, don’t worry – We live in the present without anxieties about the future.
3. Be grateful – Let us practise gratitude for everything we have.
4. Work hard – Commit to integrity and dedication.
5. Be kind to others – We offer compassion and kindness to others.
These Reiki principles help us live in harmony with ourselves and others, allowing universal energy to flow through our bodies and into our lives.
Reiki and Shiatsu: two paths to well-being
Reiki and Shiatsu are two Japanese practices that share the purpose of balancing life energy (Ki), but differ in their approach. Both are powerful tools for well-being and the choice depends on your preferences and needs.
Shiatsu: the touch that balances. Shiatsu is a manual art that uses precise pressure on specific points along the energy meridians and works through muscles and tissues to release tension and reactivate the circulation of energy. It is ideal for those seeking a more bodily approach, to relieve muscle and joint pain, improve posture and regain greater body awareness. These and many other benefits of Shiatsu you can discover and experience if you rely on this practice.
Reiki: energy that flows. Reiki is a gentle practice that helps restore harmony without direct contact. The practitioner acts as a channel to transmit energy, promote deep relaxation and rebalance mind and body. It is particularly useful for those who want to reduce stress and can also be combined with Rescue Remedy for anxiety as an emergency remedy.
Although Shiatsu and Reiki are complementary, the two techniques follow two different philosophies. In fact, it is preferred not to mix the two techniques to avoid overlapping and to maintain the effectiveness of each. The choice between Shiatsu and Reiki ultimately depends on your personal needs and preferences. For instance, for those who prefer a more bodily technique, Shiatsu might be more suitable. On the other hand, a less invasive technique such as Reiki suits those who prefer a more gentle approach. Therefore, the best thing is to try both and listen to the body’s sensations.
Reiki a journey of well-being
Did you know that in addition to receiving a Reiki treatment, it is also possible to do self-treatments? For this to be possible, it is necessary to receive activation of the energy channels by a Reiki Master, i.e. an advanced practitioner. Some people choose to have the activation of the energy channels at the top of the head. In fact, on the top of the head, in the fontanelle area, there are channels that are naturally open in children, but tend to close as we grow older. A Reiki Master can open these channels (activation) to allow the body to receive and use Reiki energy for self-treatments, to harmonise the environment or to alleviate the suffering of our pets.
Reiki is a holistic discipline and complementary to medical therapies, but it does not replace medical treatment. Curious to learn more about Reiki? Contact me for a free consultation. If you would like to personally experience the benefits of a Reiki treatment, book your appointment and be enveloped in a wave of well-being. Imagine escaping to a place where time seems to slow down, just as it did for Usui during his retreat on Mount Kurama. Sicily, with its idyllic villages, ancient ruins, and tranquil gardens, provides the perfect backdrop for a truly restorative experience.”
Frequently asked questions
What is Reiki?
Reiki is an ancient Japanese natural healing technique based on the concept of universal life energy. Through the laying on of hands, the Reiki practitioner channels this energy to the recipient, promoting deep relaxation, well-being and self-healing.
What is Reiki for?
Reiki is used to rebalance the body’s vital energy, promoting physical, mental and emotional well-being. It can help reduce stress and anxiety, relieve pain, improve sleep, strengthen the immune system, promote healing, increase vitality, and promote deep relaxation.
What is Reiki discipline?
The Reiki discipline is a path of personal and spiritual growth that teaches how to channel universal life energy and use it for one’s own well-being and that of others. It is a simple and natural practice that is accessible to all and requires no special beliefs.
What is Reiki energy?
Reiki energy is universal life energy, a life force present in everything. It is an intelligent energy that automatically directs itself to the parts of the body that need it most.
What is Reiki training?
A Reiki course is a training course that enables you to learn the basic and advanced techniques of Reiki. During the course, you receive energy activations that enable you to channel Reiki energy.
Who can receive a Reiki treatment?
Anyone can receive a Reiki treatment, regardless of age or physical condition, as it is a gentle and non-invasive practice.