Post by Mystik on Aug 1, 2007 20:56:34 GMT -5
What is Reiki?
(Originally posted by Mysti)
..... Pronounced Ray-key, the word translated from Japanese literally means Universal Life Energy. The term Reiki implies a system of Natural Healing that uses Universal Life Energy as a Healing Tool. Reiki, as it is currently practiced is over 150 years old, but its actual origins date back over 2500 years. Reiki is taught in levels, or degrees by a unique process known as an attunement, or initiation. The Attunement is a brief energy transfer between a Master (or Teacher) and a Student that opens the path for Universal Life Energy in the Student.
..... Reiki works by correcting the flow of energy through the body, working on each level of the body from physical to emotional to spiritual. Reiki is performed by laying hands in key positions, leaving them in place for a few minutes, and going on to the next position. Reiki is performed while the client is fully clothed and a full session lasts about an hour to an hour and a half. While almost any sensation is possible, a warm glowing or pleasant tingling sensation is the most common response.
..... Because Reiki uses only Universal Life Energy, it is in harmony with all things. Reiki will not react with or affect any other forms of therapy, medication or medical procedures.
..... Reiki is very simple to use, and easy to learn. Because Universal Life Energy is an inherent part of all of us, it is available to all. Anyone, at any age, can both learn how to perform Reiki and benefit from receiving it. It teaches no dogma, and is flexible enough to fit into anyone’s life or belief system. Reiki is for each person, exactly what they need and no more.
What is Universal Life Energy?
..... This is a specific frequency of energy that exists everywhere. Its frequency balances all other energies it encounters. This energy is generated by all forms of life and has been given many names including chi and prana. Every living (and non-living) form in the Universe is made of energy, slowed enough to become matter. Each life form has its own Chi, the essence that gives it life. Universal Life Energy could be thought of as the essence that give all things life.
How Do I Know Reiki will Help Me?
..... Because Reiki can be used in every situation. Reiki can augment any standard medical course of therapy by encouraging and quickening the body’s own healing ability. Reiki can help find clarity in mental processes and add calm to emotional situations. Reiki can help ease pain & discomfort. Reiki is also an incredibly effective stress management tool. Even in terminal cases, Reiki can help comfort those in transition. Each situation is different, however, and your Reiki Master is instrumental in showing you how to use Reiki most effectively in any situation. Since Reiki does not conflict with any other therapy and enhances everything it touches,it is a shame to not use Reiki-regardless of your need. Most importantly, Reiki will help you by putting the power to heal back into your own hands. Reiki helps you make the most out of your own potential.
Can it be used to heal myself?
..... ABSOLUTELY! Reiki’s first and primary function is to empower the individual’s own healing abilities. The first thing a Reiki practitioner will learn is how to use Reiki on themselves-hopefully, it will become a daily part of the practitioner’s life. It is daily self Reiki that enables Reiki to bring about the greatest changes in ourselves.
How Is Reiki Taught?
..... When Reiki was practiced in its very early days, it was taught entirely by apprenticeship. Each student lived with and worked for the Master. When Reiki began to grow, and was brought to America, the Original Teachers of Reiki broke it down into its 3 most useful components. Using Reiki, Studying Reiki and Teaching Reiki. These components are referred to as levels, or Degrees. A Level One student learns how to use Reiki for themselves, for others, for plants & animals. Level One is a complete class. An individual would be able to fully use Reiki, and understand its background after a First Degree (or Level One) class. No other training would ever be necessary. However, should someone want to know more about studying Reiki and advanced applications, they would take the Level Two, or Second Degree class. In this class, the student learns the sacred Reiki symbols, their many applications and is taught how to transmit Reiki sessions across distances. Reiki II changes the student from a User of Reiki to a Seeker of Reiki, moving the work into a more consciously directed area. Finally, for someone who felt the call to teach Reiki:Third Degree. We practice Traditional Reiki, and our Masters train by apprenticing to another Master for one year, with many requirements during that year. Seek a private consultation with a Master for more information.
What Goes On During the Attunements?
..... The most special part of a Reiki class is the attunements (also called initiations ). This is when your own channel to the Reiki energy is activated, enabling you to access this healing energy at will. During the attunements you will be asked to sit upright with your hands in front of your heart, palm to palm. The Master will guide you in centering your attention on the work. Once the attunements have begun, you will notice that the Master is completely silent. She will be using breath & internally generated sound along with other techniques to perform the attunement. She will touch your hands, your head, shoulders, torso and feet. You will generally experience a calm gentle sensation. The attunements take just a few minutes, and most students notice the results instantly.
What Goes On During a Session?
..... Each Reiki session is unique, but for the most part, you will simply lie on your back with your arms at your side and relax. Your body will be well-supported and you will remain dressed. The sensations you feel will change as the practitioners hands move across your body. The most common sensation, however, is a warm gentle glow or tingling that is very soothing. The practitioner will start by placing her hands over your eyes and then move downward from head, to torso and finally knees and feet. Her hands will remain in place for a certain amount of time, generally 3-5 minutes at each position. As energy blocks release, you may recall a memory or experience a passing emotion. The session will leave you feeling relaxed and focused. Your only job during this will be to ask any questions you may have, breathe, and enjoy.
Does it work emotionally, or mentally-not just physically?
.... Yes. Reiki is a truly holistic art. Because the nature of Universal Life Energy is to work at the source of the problem, instead of just the symptom, Reiki creates benefit at every level of our awareness -physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Reiki recognizes that all forms of illness, disease or disfunction have a source somewhere other than the physical body. There is always a mental, spiritual or emotional connection to our health problems, regardless of what they may be. Reiki does not require that the practitioner know what these connections are in order for the client to benefit, it just helps educate. Reiki does its work based on current need-not the practitioner’s perception of what that need may be.