Developed by a Japanese doctor in the 1920s, this energy healing modality is often recommended for people who are in the midst of emotional upheaval. The word itself means “universal life energy” in Japanese, and the practice involves a healing of the body’s energetic systems to restore a sense of balance and harmony to the mind, body and spirit. The practice usually involves a patient lying on a massage table with a Reiki practitioner laying their hands on certain points of the body or moving their hands very close to the body to help clear away negative energy and channel positive energy into the body.
“Reiki is excellent for stress reduction and works well for emotional issues,” says William Lee Rand, founder and president of The International Center for Reiki Training. “The Reiki energy feels like a warm radiant energy that is very soothing and flows through the client’s body and aura, releasing stress and bringing feelings of safety, protection and security.”
For people who feel stuck in their lives and unable to move forward, Rand says Reiki can be an excellent healing force and motivator.
“Reiki helps people get in touch with their authentic power and releases old trauma from the past that can complicate situations taking place in present time,” Rand says. “Reiki energy has its own wisdom and works with the client’s inner sense of knowing to create the energetic experience that is just right for what is taking place in the client’s life at that moment.”
For people who cannot afford a Reiki treatment with a practitioner or who don’t have active practitioners in their area Rand offers a free video called “Hand Positions for Self-Treatment” that allows people to perform Reiki treatments on themselves, at home, whenever they are feeling stressed out or overwhelmed and need a little positive energy.
Interested in finding out about Reiki? Check out these informational sites:
The International Center for Reiki Training
Want to find Reiki practitioners in your area? Visit Rand’s organization’s membership site, which lists qualified practitioners throughout the United States, or check out the International Association of Reiki Professionals.
The final article explores Yoga: Age-old Stress Fighter, and it’s healing benefits.
