Reiki, pronounced ray-key, is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. Developed by Dr. Mikao Usui, Reiki is “spiritually guided life-force energy.” While its nature is spiritual, Reiki is not linked to any religion. Reiki can never cause harm because it is guided by the God-consciousness.

Through the Reiki practitioner, the God-consciousness determines where energy is blocked, and then sends energy to the blockage nearest to the hands of the practitioner. Reiki flows to the body to areas where there is blocked ki (life energy) flow. It also sends healing energies to the mind and heart to change the negative thoughts and feelings that are blocking ki flow. This occurs when Reiki flows through the afflicted parts of the aura. The aura, a field of energy patterns surrounding all living things, is made up of all one’s conscious and unconscious thoughts and emotions, as well as ki. Reiki, in flowing through the body and the aura, raises the recipient’s vibration levels, detaches negative energy, and clears and heals the energy pathways. This allows healthy ki to flow more naturally.

Reiki has been known to aid in healing nearly every major disease and health problem, including multiple sclerosis, heart disease, cancer, sports-related injuries, fatigue, colds, flu, insomnia, and epilepsy. It is also known to assist in healing of emotional trauma, improve mood, and increase self-confidence. While Reiki is not a replacement for traditional medicine nor a manipulation of soft tissue with medicinal effects (i.e. it is not massage), it is a complementary treatment said to improve the efficacy of any treatment. Recipients have reported reduced medication side effects, shortened healing time, reduced or eliminated pain, reduced stress, and enhanced mental and emotional positivity.



Sources:

Rand, W.L. What is Reiki? International Center for Reiki Training. http://www.reiki.org/FAQ/WhatIsReiki.html

Rand, W. L. (2000). Reiki: The Healing Touch, First and Second Degree Manual, Vision Publications, Southfield, 2000

Wardell D.W.; Engebretson J. (2001) Biological Correlates of Reiki Touch Healing,  Journal of Advanced Nursing, Volume 33, Number 4, February 2001, pp. 439-445(7)

Wetzel, W. (1989). Reiki Healing: A Physiologic Perspective. Journal of Holistic Nursing 7(1), 47-54.


Additional links to research done about the benefits of Reiki can be found at http://www.reiki.org/reikinews/research.html