Welcome to our first official Wellness Wednesday Post! For the month of February we will be discussing all things Reiki. Many of the questions we will answer this month come directly from questions you submitted via Instagram.
Naturally we will start with the basics.
What is Reiki?
The word Reiki means Universal (Rei) Life Force Energy (Ki). The most basic explanation is Reiki is the channeling of universal energy to promote healing.
It is a form of alternative medicine, specifically, an energy healing technique. Much like Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture and other forms of holistic medicine, it operates from the theory that all beings are made up of energy and ailments (mental, emotional, physical and spiritual) are the result of blocked energy. Reiki helps remove these blocks to restore balance and wellness.
Reiki can be facilitated in a few basic ways: In person with touch, in person without touch, or remote.
- When performed in person the practitioner places hands on or near specific points on the body of the receiver. Reiki points are similar to those used in Acupuncture and Acupressure however there is no use of pressure or needles.
- An in person session with touch is similar to the act of ‘laying hands’ in many spiritual or religious traditions. Reiki however is not attached to any religion.
- Practitioners, especially those who are trauma-informed may take a completely hands off approach or give the receiver the option to choose between touch and no touch. The inclusion of touch does not impact the success of treatment. It is simply a matter of preference for practitioner & receiver.
- Remote sessions can be done via phone, video chat or even channeled through crystals, a picture, or other object for the receiver to activate and receive at their own convenience.
Note: It is ALWAYS your right to give or revoke consent for touch during your session. Your desire for lack of touch should be respected at all times.
What is its origin story?
Reiki is believed to have been developed in Japan by Mikao Usui after a 21 day mountain retreat in which Usui fasted and meditated. It is believed Usui experienced a spiritual revelation in the form of the activation of Reiki energy. He is said to have taught 2000 people this healing technique and used Reiki to heal those impacted by tragic events before his death.
Reiki was later brought to Western culture by Dr. Hayashi who developed a more formal system of Reiki training and hand positions.
The basic principles of Reiki are:
Just for today I will give thanks for my many blessings,
Just for today I will not worry,
Just for today I will not be angry
Just for today I will do my work honestly
Just for today I will be kind to my neighbor and every living thing
Today there are 20+ different types of Reiki. All operate from the same basic principles however may incorporate other traditions and techniques believed to enhance healing.
In my Reiki practice I will often include the use of crystals and essential oils as these are other methods of healing I’m intuitively drawn to.
Drop additional Reiki questions or potential Wellness Wednesday topics below so we can incorporate them in future posts.
Want to give Reiki a try? Use code: Reiki10 to get $10 off a remote session. Offer is only good for the month of February. Schedule a session today!
Be sure to join us next Wednesday for another round of Wellness Wednesday Reiki Q&A.
Keep Manifesting,
