What is Reiki?

Reiki is a gentle and effective form of natural healing which treats the person as a whole, not just the symptoms of an illness or disease. Reiki reduces stress and induces deep relaxation. It therefore works well for all aspects of our lives, from assisting in healing and recovery after an injury or an illness, to relaxing and calming us after a hectic, stress filled day at work.

It is also one of a small number of therapies which causes no harm to any living thing in order to produce its healing properties. It is very gentle, non invasive and pain free.

Reiki can be given at a distance or ‘hands on’, depending on your location or circumstances. It can also be adapted to virtually any problem which affects humans or animals. A Reiki healer acts by placing their hands in a sequence of specific positions either above or on the body. Many people say they feel heat or a tingling sensation from the healer’s hands as they move from position to position around the body.

Reiki is a non medical therapy which should compliment and support other healing therapies and medical care. If used as part of a combined approach to maintaining health is it a valuable tool. One aspect or Reiki which is scientifically proven is that it releases endorphins. We like endorphins! Endorphins are the body’s natural opiates which produce feelings of calmness and pain relief. They also give us the “feel good factor”. Releasing endorphins into our systems can both strengthen our immune system and decrease the effects of physical pain and our awareness of it.

An ancient healing technique, Reiki was rediscovered in the early 20th century in Japan, hence the Japanese name used worldwide. Mikao Usui, the founder of modern Reiki studied many philosophies and healing texts. In 1922 he started an organisation called the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai, whose purpose was to practice and teach Reiki. Since then Reiki has travelled the globe, gaining new practitioners everywhere.