Derived from the Japanese words “rei,” meaning universal, and “ki,” meaning vital life-force energy that flows through everything, the term Reiki (pronounced RAY-key) describes an ancient form of hands-on, natural healing. Although Reiki is believed to have originated 3,000 years ago in the Tibetan culture, modern use of it dates back to the late 1800s to early 1900s, when it was formulated by a Japanese spiritual scholar, Dr. Mikao Usui. Practiced throughout the world, the National Institute of Health's National Academy of Complementary and Alternative Medicine recognizes Reiki as an energy therapy and is financially supporting several medical research studies on the effectiveness of it on a variety of conditions and illnesses.

   By tapping into universal life force energy, Reiki works on all energetic levels – mental, physical, emotional and spiritual. This gentle, yet profound energy helps one to relax deeply and fully, promotes a feeling of serenity and well being, and fosters personal healing. Increasing numbers of people are discovering the peaceful, gentle energy of Reiki for overall good health, treatment of specific physical or emotional problems, and clarity on spiritual paths.

   When receiving Reiki, the client lies on a massage table, fully clothed. During the session, which usually lasts for about an hour, the Reiki practitioner gently places his/her hands on the client's body in specific locations, typically three to five minutes per location. Reiki also may be given in the energy field, just above the body, if the client is unable to be touched. There is no pressure, massage or manipulation during the treatment. Reiki is universal energy; therefore, it is not the practitioner's energy that enters the client's system. Instead, the practitioner is an open channel, holding a compassionate, clear space through which the universal energy passes into the recipient. The person receiving Reiki often feels this energy as strong heat in the area where the practitioner places his/her hands, or as heat flowing throughout the body. Sometimes clients sense the energy as tingling, pulsing or coldness. A majority of Reiki receivers go into a deep, relaxed, meditative state or even fall asleep. After a treatment, people feel recharged and energetic, yet peaceful and relaxed.

   Because it raises the overall well being of the whole self (body, mind, emotions, spirit), Reiki is effective as a preventive treatment, promoting the harmonious distribution of energy. Some people choose regular Reiki sessions (e.g. once per month) for this reason. Reiki also integrates well with other forms of health care, as it may enhance the immune system, increase the effectiveness of other medications and treatments by supporting overall functions of the body and mind, and help to relieve discomfort and side effects associated with some medical treatments.

   Reiki is also superb for relieving stress, reducing anxiety and increasing relaxation. It is especially effective for reducing or eliminating many types of pain. Cancer patients use Reiki treatments to manage pain symptoms and nausea from chemotherapy as well as the processing of emotional and spiritual aspects of the disease. Reiki supports the natural healing processes, speeding up post-surgery recovery, the mending of bones and the course of colds and influenzas. People with chronic diseases, such as arthritis, often experience a reduction in symptoms by having regular Reiki treatments, which also then increases their quality of life and relationships with friends and family.

   Many people believe that physical disease has its origin in the energetic effects of emotional and mental turmoil, depression and stress. Reiki clears these emotional and mental energy blockages from past experiences, allowing clients to feel better about themselves, gain insight into making positive changes in their lives and foster good physical health. Some clients feel that Reiki is helpful in opening up their creativity and intuition, leading to better, clearer choices for their best interests.

   The three levels of Reiki practitioners are distinguished by differences in techniques and vibratory frequency of energy used. However, all levels of practitioners are effective at being an open channel. Level-one practitioners work effectively on the physical body. Level-two practitioners have the techniques and energetic connections to send Reiki to someone at distances of geographic space and time. That is, they can send Reiki to people across the planet, as well as to issues, illnesses or manifestations from the past or the future. In addition to addressing physical problems, Reiki-two practitioners also are taught methods that address the emotional and mental levels of the client. The third, or Master level, teaches practitioners to pass attunement energy, as well as hold energy that is effective for working on the spiritual level.

   Although anyone can learn Reiki, only a Reiki Master can teach it. The term Master comes from the traditional Japanese custom of students learning directly from an experienced teacher. The Reiki Master has the ability to hold and transfer the high energy of the attunements to students' energy fields to line them up to receive universal energy.

   Through channeling and utilizing universal energy for healing and wellness, Reiki embodies the idea that all life on earth is connected, sacred and immensely loved. It provides an opportunity for both the client and the practitioner to experience the awareness and strength of universal energy. Whether for general health or integrated into a health-care regimen, Reiki supports, nurtures and enhances the body's overall natural abilities to heal.

Carol J. Spears is a holistic practitioner and wildlife biologist. She is a Reiki Master and Teacher, a Certified Music Practitioner of the harp, meditation instructor and birth doula. She does her holistic work out of three offices, including the Cleveland Clinic Foundation Center for Integrative Medicine facility in Broadview Heights. For more information, visit her website, www.heartinhands.com. She can be contacted by calling (440) 639-9958 or e-mailing cjs@heartinhands.com.

Top photo by Bob Perkoski, www.Perkoski.com.