Reiki (pronounced ‘Ray-Kee’) means Universal Life Energy.
Reiki is a form of holistic energy healing that works with the life force that exists in all living things. A practitioner channels the reiki energy into the client’s body to activate their own innate healing process. It is a calming, relaxing therapy that tunes into the energy fields in and around the body.
The word 'healing' has been defined in terms of developing a sense of personal wholeness that involves physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual aspects of the human experience.
The Reiki Energy Healing System originated in Japan around 2,500 years ago and the most current form of Reiki is called Usui Reiki, developed in 1922 by Dr. Mikao Usui. The wisdom and practice of Reiki is considered spiritual in nature, however it is not affiliated with any particular religion or religious practice. Reiki is life energy and available to all.
When we are ill, feeling down, stressed or suffering from some physical or emotional problems, the energy in the body can become depleted. However, you don't need to be ill to benefit from a session of energy therapy. Healthy people can also benefit from the calming energy of Reiki!
Unhelpful emotions can sometimes get ‘stuck’ and difficult to release. Reiki helps to clear away any blockages, get the energy flowing again and restore a sense of balance and harmony to body, mind and spirit.
When the life force energy is high and flowing freely, it boosts the immune system which makes us less vulnerable to illness and we can feel integrated and whole. Reiki works on the subtle quantum level that is both soothing and energising at the same. Clients often report feeling the release of any negative or heavy energies that might have built up.
A key part of any Reiki session is the power of intention. Setting an intention for the session gives purpose to the flow of energy, however the Reiki energy will flow to where it is needed most.
A 2019 "British Medical Journal Supportive & Palliative Care" review concluded that 'reiki therapy is useful for relieving pain, decreasing anxiety/depression, and improving quality of life in several conditions".
“Listen to silence, it has so much to say”
— Rumi
“My Reiki session with Mary was very relaxing and calming. I felt positive and optimistic with much improved energy levels, enabling me to focus more on my own needs”
— Sue
Anyone can benefit from a session of Reiki. It induces a state of calmness and relaxation as it restores an elevated sense of wellbeing. A treatment may feel like there is a soothing radiance flowing through you and around you. This gentle and powerful complimentary therapy will always be intended to work for your highest good, however please be aware that Reiki does not take the place of medical treatments.
When receiving Reiki energy, a client is always fully clothed and normally lies on a massage table with a pillow under the head and knees. For some people it might be easier for them in a chair and that’s fine too.
Reiki is now one of the 'energy healing' techniques offered at many large hospitals in the USA and the UK. The relaxing therapy is applied through gentle, non-invasive touch, as the practitioner lays their hands on or just above specific regions of the body.
The practitioner channels the energy through their hands above certain areas of the body called chakras (energy centres) of which there are seven main ones.
Chakra | Location | Colour associated | |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Crown | Top of head | Violet, purple or white |
2 | Brow/third eye | Centre of forehead | Indigo |
3 | Throat | Throat | Blue |
4 | Heart | Centre of chest | Green |
5 | Solar Plexus | Solar Plexus | Yellow |
6 | Sacral | Abdomen (navel) | Orange |
7 | Root/Base | Perineum/base of spine | Red |
The Reiki Principles
Reiki is based on a philosophy that involves five principles, providing guidance for healthy living.
These universal principles contribute to health and wellbeing. It encourages us to take ownership of our own feelings and accept that we are responsible for how we feel, not external circumstances.
The first session of Reiki will be a bit longer than normal as a full medical history is taken and the reasons for the session discussed. The treatment usually lasts around an hour, sometimes more, sometimes a bit less, depending on the circumstances, and will take place in a calm, peaceful setting with soft relaxing music in the background.
If you would like to enjoy a session of Reiki energy therapy, or find out more about how I can help you, contact me and discover how Reiki can work for you.
Mary Bowmer - Usui Shiki Ryoho - Usui Traditional Natural Healing Reiki Second Degree