Reiki – A healing technique

What is Reiki?

Reiki (pronounced ra-key) is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is the laying on of hands technique that is thousands of years old. The word "rei" means universal spirit, and "ki" means life force energy and promotes healing of the physical body and emotional and spiritual bodies. We are alive because of life force energy. The disruption of "Ki" or life force energy causes illness. We are in the presence of energy every single day. Every living thing has energy; otherwise, it would not be alive. When we watch the weather, they talk about energy. A lot of energy brings in storms. You can't see it, but it can cause havoc.

Many therapists are trained to work with energy. There is no voodoo about it; sometimes, energy gets stuck. These therapists can feel it, sense where there's too much, and can move it. The one technique that gets the energy moving is using their hot little hands, otherwise known as Reiki.

A lot of energy localized to one area of our body brings discomfort. For example, a lot of energy localized in the upper body can feel like headaches, neck, shoulder, and back pain. Energy stuck in the hips can cause pain and stiffness -- you get the idea. What do you do when you feel like this? You schedule a massage.

During a Reiki session, you remain fully clothed except for shoes and bulky items. If possible, wear loose-fitting clothing. Reiki can be performed either lying down or sitting up. A session can be 30 or 60 minutes and recommended weekly or monthly for healing and maintenance during a session. As you are lying/sitting on the table, you may feel pulsations, heat, tingling, etc. You might also experience an emotional wave or a quiet mind. On the other hand, you may not feel anything, and that is okay too. However, Reiki energy is very subtle. It does not produce a miraculous change but gives a sense that something is different, something has changed. Reiki is not a replacement for traditional medicine but works well with any treatment plan by balancing energy fields to aid in healing.

You are always welcome to ask questions. So the next time you go for a massage, and the therapist stops and holds an area on your body, just know he/she is simply using another tool in the toolbox to help you feel better. If you would like to experience this technique, give us a call to schedule an appointment with Patty or Kristie. Patty is a Reiki Master with years of experience, and Kristie is also a Reiki Master with 2 years of experience.

Come and experience their healing hands.

(Photos left to right: Patty Toollen and Kristie Parnell)