Reiki is an energy medicine technique for pain and stress with a Japanese origin from the early 1900’s. One definition of Reiki is life energy. Rei as in life force and Ki for energy also known as “Chi” or “Qi” in Chinese Medicine or “Prana” in India. The life force is the vital energy emanating and contained in all living things.
While Reiki has its roots in Japan, the teaching expanded to the West, first to Hawaii, then gradually to other parts of the world. Reiki is now practice globally by thousands of Practitioners, as well as individuals for their own self-care.
While the technique is gentle, it is also powerful. The energy healing benefits can quickly be felt by the recipient. This is generally felt in the form of deep relaxation and warmth or often deep heat over the area of the body being addressed. As the Therapist works from one body region to another the body in its innate wisdom will pull or allow the level of energy to flow that it needs. In some areas you may feel a deep soothing heat, and others only a mild sensation of warmth. The healing warmth can be felt whether the Therapist places their hands directly on the region or slightly above the area being addressed. The healing warmth of Reiki is both soothing and very relaxing.
The Reiki therapy method taught originally by Mikao Usui of Japan, consisted of three levels of learning. The initial level, referred to as level one, helped address physical issues or imbalances of the body. Level two can help to address the physical, mental, and emotional issues or imbalances of the body. While we are physical beings, research is showing more and more how our mind and emotions affect our body’s health and healing. Anyone who has undergone and experienced an extended period of stress can attest to the effects on the body, mind and spirit. Level three is considered the Master level and provides the necessary instruction and ability to treat individuals at a distance, much like prayer, and to train others and pass on the technique. Once you have been trained, or what is often referred to as attuned to Reiki you have the ability to treat yourself or others for life. For me learning this technique over 20 years ago was one of my best investments in self-healing, and in helping family, friends and clients.
Reiki is a very versatile technique. It is being used widely today in hospitals, long term care facilities, recovery centers and more. The now famous cardiovascular surgeon, Dr. Mehmet Oz brought tremendous attention to Reiki when he invited Reiki practitioners to treat patients during open heart surgeries and heart transplant operations. Dr. Oz is often quoted as saying, “Reiki has become a sought-after healing art among patients and mainstream medical professionals.”
Columbia/Presbyterian was one of the first hospitals to offer Reiki as part of their Integrative Medicine Program (CIMP). New York Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Campus conducted one of the first studies ever performed to determine the effectiveness of Reiki treatments on the autonomic nervous system.
I have used the technique in hospice settings, emergency room settings, intensive care units, and retirement homes, rehabilitation centers, in emergency accident settings, corporate offices, wellness facilities, conventions, health events, schools, private homes and more. It is an amazing technique which I have had the privilege to use on individuals from the cradle to the end of life’s journey.
Reiki is often integrated with other techniques to bring about an even more powerful synergistic affect. An example of the way in which Reiki can be combined is with massage, aromatherapy and Reiki. This combination can help bring about the much needed relief from pain or the day to day accumulation of stress on the body and mind.
In a typical Reiki session you will experience the hands on technique from one section of the body to the next, ranging from the head to the feet. You will receive the therapy on both the front and back of the body. When an individual is under or has been under a great deal of mental stress they will often feel the deep warmth and energy more intensely on the head region. The life force energy will flow to the area of most need and help to restore the body’s natural balance to the area. If for example your area of imbalance or pain is in the digestive region, you may feel this deep soothing heat more intensely in that region than another as the body uses the life force energy to bring about a state of balance and healing to what currently may be imbalanced due to excessive worry or stress.
Reiki is a safe and gentle complementary therapy that activates the parasympathetic nervous system to heal body and mind. Research has shown that the profound relaxation produced by Reiki has been anecdotally reported to alleviate anxiety and stress, the perception of pain, and to promote a feeling of psychospiritual well-being.1 Another research study showed “Immediate Effects of Reiki on Heart Rate Variability, Cortisol Levels, and Body Temperature in Health Care Professionals With Burnout.2
The International Journal of Behavioral Medicine published an article reviewing 66 clinical trials about biofield therapies, such as Reiki. In a review of 24 studies that found touch therapies to successfully reduce pain, the touch therapy that had the most success was Reiki.
These various studies showed Reiki treatments decreased anxiety and pain, reduced fatigue, improved quality of life, and even helped reduce depression in people during a variety of medical treatments, including colonoscopy, abdominal hysterectomy, and cancer treatment. I have seen great results with both cancer patients, post-surgical patients, chronic pain patients and those who have experienced injuries or have undergone high levels of stress. While this is a non-invasive gentle technique, the effects on the mind and body are powerful.
At the Health Studio we offer Reiki sessions as well as combination sessions where Reiki is incorporated with other techniques. Why not experience the powerful, yet gentle benefits of Reiki first hand and schedule a session for yourself or someone you love. It will help to restore your sense of peace and calm and leave your body feeling deeply relaxed. You can call to schedule, book online or purchase a gift certificate directly on our website.
