Reiki Healing 101: Relief and Relaxation With A Touch of Energy
Over the last decade, we have watched health and wellness increase in popularity, especially the realm of holistic health. Phrases like alternative medicine, mindfulness meditation and energy healing have become more commonplace than ever before, as has Reiki.
More and more people are looking for more natural methods of healing than what is offered by medical science. For many individuals, choosing some form of CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) is a more viable choice than going to their doctor. Of course, you should always consult with your physical before seeking any alternative treatment methods.
Although more and more people are becoming familiar with Reiki than before, most of them don’t truly understand what it is, or how it works. There are still plenty of misconceptions out there about what Reiki is or isn’t, and we are here to set them straight.
What is Reiki?
It is energy healing via a hands-on method. Reiki helps promote relaxation, reduce stress, and can also clear any blockages in your aura or physical body. Although it is a method that was originally developed in Tibet, it had become a forgotten art until a Japanese doctor rediscovered it just over a century ago.
During a Reiki session, you can lie on a table, sit in a chair or do whatever is most comfortable for you. You remain fully clothed during the session, since there is no need for any undressing. The Reiki practitioner will lay hands on your chakras – this may or may not include direct touching.
Typically, their hands will hover. What you will notice is that even when they are not physically touching you, you start to feel heat where their hands are hovering. This is energy, flowing from them to you.
The Benefits of Reiki
There are numerous benefits to Reiki for the mind, body, and spirit.
After a single session, many people feel more relaxed and calmer. Similar to meditation, a Reiki session can also put you in a more aware and mindful state.
Additionally, Reiki can provide relief from physical discomfort and pain such as headaches and different types of chronic pain. It also has the ability to speed up the healing process after a patient undergoes surgery.
Does Science Support Reiki?
In a simple word… yes.
There have been several studies that show Reiki can help in reducing blood pressure, and publications in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. These studies also suggest Reiki can slow down heart rates as well as oxygenate the blood.
Of course, one can also point to the anecdotal evidence that is available.
What Does A Session Look Like?
Reiki begins with communication, and can be more efficient by establishing a goal. Typically, a practitioner will ask that you complete an intake form which will allow your Reiki master the opportunity to customize your session based on your preferences and needs.
You should wear clothing that is both comfortable and loose-fitting.
You should also ensure you are well hydrated before your session as well as afterwards.
We mentioned earlier that a client may lie down or sit in a chair, always fully clothed. If on a table, the patient will be face up. The practitioner will place their hands above the body and serve as the energy channel.
Ultimately, it is the client’s mind that directs the healing process and the practitioner serves as an energy medium.
Clients often become sensitive to temperature during Reiki sessions so, you should consider dressing in layers and wearing thick socks. It’s also just as important to arrive with an open mind. It’s all about your subconscious mind so, to be healed your mind needs to be open to being healed.
After A Reiki Session
After your session, you may want to take some quiet time for yourself. A warm bath with Epsom salts is an excellent way to complete the process. If you can’t manage this, a calming cup of herbal tea is also a great idea.
