What Is Reiki?
| Written By: Denice Zengo |
Reiki Ryoho – The Healing Energy of the Universe
What is Reiki?
We’ve become familiar with using the singular word “Reiki” when we talk about a particular type of energy healing. However, the word “Reiki” actually means “energy of the universe.” To me, this would imply that any and all types of energy healing are ultimately from this same source. Names and techniques may differ but the source itself is the same.
Reiki is a healing practice that helps your system rediscover it’s internal balance. This can be done by a Reiki practitioner or can be easily taught for use on yourself or others.
Traditionally, Reiki Ryoho is the full term used by Usui, Mikao. The work “Ryo” means “Healing,” “Ho” means “Art/method.” So together, “Reiki Ryoho” means the art of healing with the universal energy. What makes this healing different is the direct transmission of this universal energy through what is called “Reiju” or “attunements.”
Although research indicates that there were 4 other styles of Reiki being practiced in Japan, many current Reiki practitioners can follow their lineage back to Usui Mikao. This is where my background originates… so I will talk about what I know.
21 Days on the Mountain
Mikao Usui was born in Japan to a Buddhist family in 1865. Usui was a seeker whose life was filled with travel and study. He was well versed in both Buddhist and Christian scriptures as well as psychology and Taoism. After many years of exploration he determined that the purpose in life is to attain ultimate enlightenment. However, this continued to be beyond his reach.
Determined to find enlightenment or die trying, Usui set off to climb Kurama Yama (Horse Saddle Mountain). His plan was to fast and meditate until he experienced that state of ultimate oneness.
“One day, he climbed Kurama Yama and after 21 days of severe discipline without eating, he suddenly felt One Great Reiki over his head and attained enlightenment and he obtained Reiki Ryoho. Then, he tried it on himself and experimented on his family members. The efficacy was immediate.”
– Excerpt from the Mikao Usui Memorial Stone, 1927
Usui wanted to share this gift with everyone who was willing to receive the healing. He opened a training center in 1922 offering teachings and treatment. These teachings embraced the concept of oneness and focused on healing body, mind and spirit. Usui instilled 5 basic principles called The Gokai. As always… I’m sure you have come across these principles before.
Kyo Dakewa – Just for Today:
♦ Ikaruna – “Do Not Anger”
♦ Shinpai Suna – “Do Not Worry”
♦ Kansha Shite – “Be Grateful”
♦ Gyo Wo Hageme – “Work Diligently”
♦ Hito Ni Shinsetsu Ni – “Be Kind to Others”
The Benefits of Reiki
Reiki is about bringing balance back to your body, mind and spirit. When you are are balanced, the body has the ability to self heal on a much deeper level. A Reiki session is a powerful way to reduce stress and anxiety – both of which are precursors for dis-ease. When stress levels are reduced, you are better able to face the challenges that life presents. From a more relaxed state, your creativity and intuition come into play – enhancing all aspects of your life.
♦ Calms The Mind – Reducing Anxiety & Stress
♦ Brings an Overall Sense of Well-being
♦ No Contraindications – Safe to Experience With Other Medical Treatments
There has been limited formal research on the efficacy of Reiki, perhaps because it is difficult to “measure” the success. However, according to an article in US News the Journal of American College of Cardiology, Yale University researchers “found that patients who received a 20-minute Reiki treatment within 3 days after a heart attack had better moods and heart rate variability – a measure linked to post-heart attack outcome.” Another 2012 study in the Journal, Cancer “found that breast cancer survivors who received 4 weeks of bio-field healing therapies showed ‘highly clinically significant’ reductions in fatigue.”
Having been a Reiki practitioner for over 12 years, I have had clients experience everything from a reduction in pain, a deeper connection to insight and intuition and most commonly an over all sense of well being. Most people will feel deeply relaxed and calm after a session. The excessive chatter of the mind settles down and allows for a deeper connection to the self.
“What we see is that Reiki practice brings to people what we find so elusive in our culture: peace of mind, and once we have peace of mind, everything else is a lot easier. Reiki practice may not be the only thing that is needed, but it’s a great place to start.”
– Pamela Miles
(Reiki teacher to medical and nursing students and has been instrumental in introducing the practice of Reiki into the medical field.)
What to Expect in a Reiki Session
You can keep your clothes on for a Reiki session. Your Reiki practitioner may place her hands on or above your body – depending on her style and what she is feeling intuitively. It is common to feel heat coming from the practitioners hands or you may feel a tingling sensation. Don’t worry if you don’t feel anything, it doesn’t mean it’s not working. You may experience sensation in a part of your body different from where her hands are placed. The healing energy and wisdom of your body are working together. You will begin to feel more relaxed as the session progresses and sometimes people have images and insight. Irregardless of what you experience on the table, the benefits of Reiki continue after your session.
Some Reiki practitioners will clear the space by smudging with sage and some might add sound healing or work with crystals. The best thing is to be open to the experience and allow the healing energy to flow. Staying focused and connected to your breath is a good way to quiet the mind and be receptive.
