What is Reiki Energy Healing?
You may be wondering, what exactly what IS Reiki energy healing. Here is an extensive overview so that you can be informed before deciding to book a Reiki energy healing session with me at The Infinite Path.
Reiki energy healing is a form of biofield healing that has gained significant attention in recent years for its potential to support both physical and emotional well-being. Rooted in ancient Japanese traditions, this holistic healing practice is known for its calming and restorative effects. Reiki, which means "universal life force energy," is believed to work by channeling energy through the hands of the practitioner to promote healing and balance within the recipient. In this comprehensive blog, we’ll explore what Reiki energy healing is, how it works, its benefits, the scientific research that backs it, and more.
Reiki is also known as an alternative medicine that originated in Japan in the early 20th century, developed by Mikao Usui. It’s based on the idea that there is a universal life force energy that flows through all living things, sustaining them and influencing their well-being. Reiki practitioners believe that by channeling this energy, they can help heal physical, emotional, and spiritual issues, creating a sense of balance and harmony in the body and mind. Reiki can be given in person or at a distance, known as Distance Reiki.
The word “Reiki” comes from two Japanese words: “Rei,” meaning “universal” or “spiritual,” and “Ki,” meaning “life force energy.” Together, Reiki refers to the “universal life force energy” that Reiki practitioners believe flows through all living beings. According to Reiki philosophy, when this energy is blocked or unbalanced, it can lead to illness or emotional and physical distress. Reiki healing seeks to remove these blocks, restore energy flow, and promote healing.
The practice of Reiki is not tied to any religion. As the healer at The Infinite Path, I use it in conjunction with spiritual healing practices and often combine Reiki with chakra balancing, sound healing, the use of essential oils, crystals, intuitive messages, and recommendations.
As Reiki energy is thought to be present in all living things, its proper flow is essential to maintaining health and harmony. As a non-invasive healing art and alternative medicine, Reiki can be used as a standalone treatment or alongside conventional medical care.
History of Reiki Healing
Reiki’s origins can be traced back to ancient healing traditions, but the modern form of Reiki was developed by Mikao Usui, a Japanese Buddhist monk. According to tradition, Usui was inspired by a deep desire to understand how healing could be achieved through touch. After years of study and meditation, Usui reportedly experienced an enlightening vision while meditating on Mount Kurama, which gave him the insight into how to channel universal energy to heal others. This form of healing, which he called “Reiki,” was founded on the concept that the life force energy can be channeled to enhance the body’s natural healing abilities.
Usui’s teachings began to spread throughout Japan in the early 1900s, and as more practitioners trained in his methods, the practice evolved into what we know today as Reiki energy healing. Usui’s teachings were passed down through several generations, eventually reaching the United States and other parts of the world.
Reiki has since been adapted, interpreted, and administered in various ways, with different styles and schools of Reiki emerging. Despite these variations, all forms of Reiki share the same basic principles of channeling energy to promote healing and balance.
How Does Reiki Energy Healing Work?
Reiki energy healing is based on the concept that our bodies are surrounded by a subtle energy field, and the flow of energy within our bodies influences our overall health and well-being. When this energy is flowing freely, the body is in a state of balance and health. However, if the flow is disrupted or blocked, physical or emotional ailments may occur.
An in-person Reiki session with me involves the recipient lying down fully clothed while I use my hands to channel energy into the body by hovering above your body or make light contact with your skin and head. I see my role as a practitioner to act as a conduit, channeling energy to the areas where it is needed most from intuition and the divine guidance I am receiving, your body’s feedback and your specific needs.
As Reiki works through the principle of intention, Reiki energy healing can also be given at a distance over the phone which is called Distance Reiki. My focused intentions, combined with your receptivity, allows the energy to flow through my hands into the your body. All divine energies are called in to bring through healing, miracles, and messages for your highest good. This energy seeks out the areas of the body that require healing, whether it be physical, emotional, or spiritual. The Reiki energy healing session balances the body’s energy field and stimulate the body’s natural ability to heal itself.
Reiki energy healing is often described as a deeply relaxing and meditative experience. Many people report feeling a sense of warmth or tingling during the session, while others may feel a deep sense of calm and peace and sometimes cold. Some of my clients have even fallen asleep or experience vivid emotional releases such as crying which is a sign of stuck energy releasing from the body. After the session, my clients share they feel more relaxed, rejuvenated, and in a better state of emotional well-being. It is also fairly common for them to see lights, believe there is more hands than mine working on them, and feel sensations in different parts of their body.
Different Types of Reiki
While the core principles of Reiki remain the same, there are different types of Reiki that have developed over the years. Each has its unique practices and methods, but all share the same goal of channeling universal energy for healing. The most commonly practiced forms include:
1. Usui Reiki
This is the traditional form of Reiki founded by Mikao Usui. Usui Reiki is based on a system of hand positions and symbols that are used to channel energy. It is divided into three levels or degrees, each focusing on different aspects of healing:
First Degree (Shoden): This level focuses on self-healing and learning to channel energy to others.
Second Degree (Okuden): In this level, practitioners learn to use symbols to enhance their healing energy and distance healing techniques.
Third Degree (Shinpiden): The advanced level, where practitioners gain mastery over Reiki and are able to teach and pass on attunements to others.
2. Karuna Reiki
Karuna Reiki is a more advanced form of Reiki that uses additional symbols and sounds (called "toning") to access higher levels of healing energy. It was developed by William Lee Rand and combines elements of traditional Usui Reiki with additional healing techniques. Karuna Reiki focuses on healing deep emotional trauma, mental health challenges, and spiritual issues.
3. Tibetan Reiki
Tibetan Reiki incorporates elements of Tibetan Buddhism and traditional Tibetan healing practices. It uses a variety of sacred symbols and mantras, along with the standard hand positions used in Usui Reiki. Tibetan Reiki also emphasizes the use of sound healing, including chanting and mantras, to enhance the flow of healing energy.
4. Seichim Reiki
Seichim Reiki is a more recent form of Reiki that was introduced by Patrick Zeigler in the 1980s. It combines elements of Reiki with other forms of energy healing, including ancient Egyptian healing practices. Seichim Reiki is believed to work on a deeper level of the energy body, particularly the heart chakra, to bring about healing and transformation.
5. Angelic Reiki
Angelic Reiki incorporates the use of angelic guidance and energy to facilitate healing. This system of Reiki works with angelic beings and other spiritual guides to help the practitioner and the recipient receive divine assistance in the healing process. Another for of this is Integrated Healing Therapy (IET) known as Healing Touch with the Angels.
The Benefits of Reiki Energy Healing
Reiki energy healing is believed to offer a wide range of benefits, from relieving physical pain to supporting emotional healing, relieving anxiety, and spiritual growth. Below, we explore some of the primary benefits of Reiki healing:
1. Stress Reduction and Relaxation
One of the most common benefits of Reiki energy healing is its ability to reduce stress, anxiety, and promote deep relaxation. In this “always on” fast-paced world, stress and anxiety is a leading cause of physical and mental health issues. Reiki healing sessions provide an opportunity to relax deeply, helping to lower stress hormones like cortisol and promote a state of calm.
In fact, the reason I became a Reiki practitioner was because of my first experience receiving Reiki energy healing. During a procedure at a hospital, I became very anxious when one of their medical technicians could not accurately place a port in me. After two failed attempts I looked at the nurse and declined a third attempt. She shared that they had a Reiki practitioner on site who could come and help calm my nerves. The Reiki practitioner placed her hand near my head and within 5 minutes every ounce of anxiety and stress left my body. It was so incredible that I started looking into becoming a Reiki practitioner myself.
When I mentioned above how I felt during the Reiki session, what was happening was my body’s parasympathetic nervous system activated. This system is responsible for the body’s “rest and digest” functions and helps reduce the physical effects of stress, such as muscle tension, high blood pressure, and a rapid heart rate, and emotional release of worry, fear, and anxiety. As is the case for my clients, many other people also report feeling a deep sense of peace and relaxation after a session, often carrying this calm with them for hours or even days afterward.
2. Pain Management
In studies Reiki has also been reported to be effective in managing and reducing pain. Whether it is chronic pain from conditions such as arthritis or acute pain from an injury, many recipients of Reiki energy healing claim to experience a significant reduction in pain levels. I have had clients write to me and tell me that pain in their backs, legs or arms they had for weeks, months or years disappeared following our Reiki energy healing session.
Reiki works by improving the flow of energy in the body, which can help to promote healing in the affected areas. These studies have confirmed that Reiki can help reduce pain and improve recovery times in patients undergoing surgery, as well as providing relief for those suffering from conditions like fibromyalgia, back pain, and headaches.
While scientific evidence is still being gathered, many people find that regular Reiki sessions with me helps to manage their emotional and physical pain and improve their overall quality of life.
3. Improved Sleep Quality
Reiki can also help improve sleep quality by calming the mind and reducing anxiety. Insomnia and poor sleep are often linked to stress, anxiety, and an overactive mind. By promoting relaxation and reducing stress, Reiki healing can help facilitate better sleep.
Many people who receive Reiki energy healing report that they sleep more soundly after a session. This is because Reiki promotes a deep state of relaxation, which helps quiet the mind and release any mental or physical tension that might otherwise interfere with sleep.
4. Emotional Healing and Balancing
Reiki energy healing is widely known for its emotional healing properties. It is believed that Reiki can help release trapped emotions, such as grief, anger, or sadness, allowing for emotional healing and a greater sense of inner peace. Reiki may also help individuals who are dealing with trauma, anxiety, or depression by promoting relaxation and providing an emotional release.
By addressing the underlying emotional energy blockages, Reiki practitioners can help balance the emotional body, fostering a sense of emotional well-being. In some cases, recipients may experience profound emotional breakthroughs during or after a session, which can lead to personal growth and healing.
5. Boosted Immune System
Reiki is believed to promote overall health by supporting the body's natural healing abilities, including boosting the immune system. When the body is in a state of balance and relaxation, it is better equipped to fight off and heal illness and disease.
By removing energy blockages and improving energy flow, Reiki healing can help improve the body’s ability to heal itself, both physically and emotionally. Some people report fewer illnesses or a quicker recovery time after a Reiki session, as the body's systems are operating at their best. Some of my clients believe Reiki has helped them recover from life threatening disease and illness.
6. Spiritual Growth and Awareness
Reiki is often considered a spiritual practice, as it encourages a deeper connection to oneself and the universe. While Reiki doesn’t belong to any particular religion, many people find that it fosters spiritual growth, helping them to feel more centered, grounded, and aligned with their life’s purpose.
Reiki can also be a tool for meditation and self-discovery. Through the practice of Reiki, many individuals report a greater sense of awareness, clarity, and purpose in their lives. As a Reiki practitioner I have experienced increased intuition, received more divine messages, have had clients loved ones come through, and feel la stronger connection to my own spirituality.
7. Enhanced Mental Clarity and Focus
Another benefit of Reiki energy healing is its ability to clear mental fog and promote mental clarity. People who are feeling mentally exhausted or overwhelmed may find that Reiki helps them gain a clearer perspective and enhances their ability to focus.
By reducing stress and promoting relaxation, Reiki allows the mind to become more present and experience clarity. Many of my clients report feeling more focused, creative, and able to think more clearly after a Reiki session with me, making it an ideal tool for anyone looking to improve their mental clarity.
8. Enhanced Self-Awareness and Personal Growth
Reiki energy healing can facilitate deep introspection and self-awareness, encouraging personal growth and transformation. As Reiki helps clear emotional blockages and releases negative energy, my clients often find that they become more in tune with their own emotions, desires, and needs.
Through this heightened awareness, you can make better decisions, overcome obstacles, and move forward in life with greater confidence and clarity. Reiki often serves as a catalyst for self-improvement and it helps you break free from old patterns and limiting beliefs.
Scientific Research on Reiki Energy Healing
While Reiki has a long history in alternative medicine, the scientific community has only recently begun to explore its effectiveness. Several studies have examined Reiki's potential benefits, with research suggesting that Reiki can have positive effects on various mind, body and spirit health outcomes.
A 2015 meta-analysis published in PLOS One reviewed 19 studies on Reiki and found evidence suggesting that Reiki may have a positive impact on reducing pain, anxiety, and depression.
Similarly, a 2008 study published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that Reiki helped reduce pain and anxiety in cancer patients undergoing treatment. The study concluded that Reiki could be a useful complementary therapy for improving the quality of life for cancer patients. One of my clients believed that coming for regular Reiki sessions with me helped heal her breast cancer.
While research on Reiki is still in its early stages, many of my clients shared their personal experiences of improvement in their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being after Reiki sessions. As more studies are conducted, the scientific community will continue to assess Reiki’s effectiveness and its potential role in holistic health care and hopefully be more open in sharing the incredible healings that are taking place.
My Conclusion
Reiki energy healing is a powerful and transformative practice that can offer a wide range of benefits for those seeking relief from stress, pain, emotional challenges, and more. Whether you’re looking to promote relaxation, manage pain, or enhance your spiritual growth, Reiki healing has the potential to help bring balance and healing to your life.
Although scientific research is still ongoing, many people find that Reiki offers them tangible benefits in terms of their physical and emotional health. If you’re interested in trying Reiki, it’s always a good idea to consult with a certified Reiki practitioner to see how this healing practice can support your well-being.
Whether you are new to alternative healing or have already experienced the benefits of Reiki, exploring this healing modality with me is a step toward a more balanced, healthier, and peaceful life.
Book one Reiki session or buy a 5-pack Reiki wellness package on my Services page.
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