Reiki 101 ™
Reiki is a form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) categorized as "energy medicine." These modalities are based on the concept that the body has an energy field and circulating bioenergy, in addition to having a biochemistry.
Simply put, Reiki is a gentle, non-religious laying on of hands, done with the client fully clothed. Through the flow of energy (chi or ki), the practitioner and client become more intuitively connected, on a deeper, intangible level. This type of connection often surfaces buried emotional issues that have yet to be resolved, as well as creates a peaceful, alpha state if done in a relaxed atmosphere with a quiet, non-judgmental practitioner.
Dr. Mehmet Oz, a cardiac surgeon at Columbia University, recently labeled Energy Medicine "the next big frontier ... in medicine" during one of his appearances on the Oprah Show. Other energy medicine modalities include polarity therapy, therapeutic touch, homeopathy and acupuncture. Reiki, and other forms of energy medicine, are available through many hospitals and medical clinics throughout the United States. Reiki practitioners may also be found at churches, community centers, health fairs, and as private complementary medicine practices in physician's offices and private homes. Worldwide, there are thousands of Reiki practitioners.
Reiki is best used as a stress management or personal growth tool. Currently, there is no valid scientific evidence that Reiki directly causes any type of physical healing, in spite of the many, sometimes astounding, physical health claims made by reputable Reiki practitioners around the world. These health claims may or may not be true, and/or may be solely a reflection of the power of belief (placebo effect), rather than an attribute of Reiki energy itself. It is important to remember that a lack of scientific evidence does not rule out the possibility that Reiki may be effective for physical health. Visit Health Aspects of Reiki for more information on this topic, and important cautions.
Definition, Theory, Principles and Practices
Rei ki (pronounced Ray-key) means universal life energy. As a healing art, Reiki is a system of transferring universal life energy from its Source to an individual through a practitioner.
Reiki energy reaches all levels of a person, bringing these different levels into a state of balance. The energy also heals and balances the practitioner as it passes through her/him. Reiki energy appears to promote an equilibrium among the physical body, mind, and soul, particularly on an emotional level.
It is not necessary to believe in Reiki for it to work, nor is it necessary to understand intellectually how it works in order for it to be effective. Just as your body absorbs and uses all the vitamins, calories and fiber in an apple without you consciously attending to your digestive tract, so it is with Reiki energy. However, if you know (strongly believe) that Reiki can't or doesn't work, then your power of negative belief will impact your experience.
One of Reiki's philosophies is that anyone is capable of serving as a channel of universal energy from its source to another person. Reiki practitioners are simply theoretically more efficient channels, having undergone a series of attunements which are designed to clear the energy channel, allowing for the transfer of energy to be faster and clearer, similar to cleaning a chimney.
Reiki attunements are done in three steps or degrees: First Degree, Second Degree and Master's Level. Each attunement theoretically results in a clearer pathway to transmit the universal life force energy by embedding Sanskrit symbols into the practitioner's own energy field. During second and third degree initiations the practitioner is also taught what these different Sanskrit symbols look like, and they can then theoretically consciously send long-distance or absent healings to people, as well as strengthen and focus the spiritual Reiki energy flowing through them during a Reiki session.
Reiki practitioners are instructed to follow 5 basic principles:
If your Reiki practitioner is fearful, dishonest, critical or judgemental, that energy will be surrounding you during your session, but does not come through the person via Reiki. It can, however, create a competing heaviness and sadness. This is why practitioners are instructed to maintain a loving, peaceful space in their minds.
Although many practitioners have come up with trade-marked labels for their particular Reiki style, the simple truth is this: Reiki is Reiki. Yes, every practitioner does Reiki a little bit differently. This is expected:
(1) For many years, some people falsely believed that the information somehow lost its value if it were written down. They only passed on the information and symbols by word of mouth. Ever play a game of "telephone"? Then you understand how even with the best of intentions, the message changes as it is passed from one person to the next. Human minds are not perfect. And frankly, this belief doesn't reflect much faith in the power of Reiki energy if they truly believe Reiki energy can be diminished just by making the symbols and concepts visible to the human eye.
(2) Most of us have other spiritual healing gifts in addition to our formal training in Reiki. It is usually impossible to separate Reiki energy from all the other healing energies that come through. I doubt any client is capable of only pulling in "pure" Reiki energy. (Remember, according to Reiki teachings, Reiki practitioners do not "send" you energy; you pull Reiki energy through them from its Divine source). The attunements merely clear energy channels, allowing for a greater efficiency of Reiki energy flow.
The analogy I use to explain Reiki is one of electricity. Higher Power, Divine Intelligence, Infinite Wisdom -- whatever your name is for God - is the Source of Reiki energy. The client or receiver is the appliance pulling the electricity it needs. The practitioner is simply the cord that more efficiently connects the appliance to the electrical outlet/source of energy. Everyone is capable of being the electrical cord; those with Reiki attunements can carry the current more efficiently, and those with Third Degree (III) attunments can carry a 220 voltage rather than just 110.
So, when a Reiki practitioner lays his or her hands on another person, concentrated life energy flows through the provider's hands of its own accord, drawn by the client/receiver. It is not sent by the practitioner. The practitioner, depending on their level of attunement (I, II, III (Master)), theoretically may be able to concentrate or focus the energy, allowing more energy to be drawn through faster.
There is no "standard dose" for Reiki. Each individual will require various numbers and frequencies of sessions to achieve energy balance. Each person reacts to Reiki in a different way. Some people feel nothing, others may feel warmth or a tingling, some see images or colors. Some people have long forgotten memories surface, both pleasant and unpleasant. Some people experience a sense of peace and relaxation, others have intense experiences of emotional release. Some people stay silent, others feel moved to speak. Sometimes sensations are felt in areas other than where the practitioners hands are, and sometimes the practitioner may perceive changes in energy that the receiver cannot detect.
To Schedule a Reiki & Relaxation ™ Appointment with Dr. Joy in Denver
Dr. Joy does her Reiki sessions with a peaceful intent, creating a mental and spiritual frame of mind where clients can find inner peace, and reconnect with the joy in their lives.
To find out more, including fees & location please visit Joyful Reiki ™.
