Introduction
The roots of the Reiki Usui Shiki Ryoho system of Natural Healing lie in Japan, where Mikao Usui re-discovered ancient healing systems in the late 19th century. Three masters are accredited with having brought the work forward into the 21st century. The work was introduced to the western world, by the third master, Hawayo Takata, who died in 1980. She trained just 22 western masters but through their work, Reiki has become well-known in many different forms all over the world.
How does it work?
Reiki is effectively hands on healing. Working on very specific parts of the body which relate to the endocrine system, the treatment balances and helps in the release of hormones such as endorphins and serotonin which create a feel good factor. The vital organs are covered and also all the key energy points in the body. Circulation is stimulated; the body is re-energised.
This flow of KI or life force actually helps the body to rebalance itself and self-heal. Reiki which simply means “universal energy” or “great power” flows from the healers hands to the points of need. It is extremely beneficial to the recipient and there are no contra- indications. No manipulation is involved.
What is it good for?
Healing can happen on many different levels, spiritual, mental, emotional and physical.
Normally it is physical symptoms that lead someone to seek healing as they manifest in times of distress. The cause is more often mental or emotional. The Reiki healing space is one where these thoughts and feelings can be explored in safety.
Sometimes the causes are very deep from early childhood or before birth, the client often in this case experiences a sense of hopelessness; Reiki will gently release this pain. People often see colours, experience old memories like sepia photos, or at times even experience meditative or dreamlike states which allow them personal insights and spiritual understanding.
As noted above, Reiki is helpful in almost in every situation. It can be used safely in conjunction with other therapies and conventional medicine.
Experience has shown that if a client is receiving homeopathic, acupuncture or chiropractic treatment, Reiki will actually enhance the benefits of those sessions; releasing deep blocks to the healing process through deep relaxation.
It is used effectively by nurses and paramedics in the USA to treat shock and relieve pain in emergency situations and be used alongside conventional medicine to good effect.
What happens during a treatment?
The format of the treatment is very simple; there is no need to undress. After a brief consultation where any medical conditions are discussed, the client lies on their back (side if pregnant). People with mobility issues can be treated in a chair. Starting from the head, the practitioner works through the body lying hands on specific points. Mid treatment, the client turns over and has his/her back treated.
The treatments can be totally silent but more often than not various things come up to be addressed.
If there is a great deal of stress, I will often suggest flower remedies to help treat the feelings or symptoms that are causing most distress. Lifestyle changes and diet may be discussed and some cases referrals to other therapists to either work alongside, or instead of can be made to fast forward the healing process.
How may it affect you after treatment?
The effects of a treatment, sometimes people feel very tired or even slightly light headed after a treatment, but this is only temporary and after rest or sleep most people feel revived. If chronic pain has been treated sometimes people can feel the symptoms more intensely for a while, but then they clear and pain releases.
If emotional situations come up during treatment, some clients can feel tearful or irritable immediately after a treatment but will then feel a lot calmer and stronger within themselves.
What are the 10 most commonly treated conditions?
a. Insomnia; which can occur for a wide range of reasons, stress, hormonal imbalance, to name the most common. often severe emotional trauma or loss can cause this condition and this gentle healing energy
helps soothe and relax the patient.
b. Headaches, Migraine; similar causes may trigger migraines but also food intolerance and liver problems
Reiki has helped a lot of my clients with these symptoms. Sometimes migraines can caused as a side effect of medication. Reiki offers relief from pain and nausea. This can be combined with the use of herbal or homeopathic remedies to treat symptoms, and support the healing process.
c. Chronic Pain; often results from severe stress which can be physical as well as mental.
Clients often suffer from from chronic pain in the lower back, neck or shoulders which keeps recurring, a stuck pattern which Reiki often releases. If appropriate I also use acupressure points to help loosen stiffness and blocks in the flow of the KI. Reiki is also effective in releasing post-operative pain.
d. Hypertension; or high blood pressure, this can happen as we get older. Regular treatments not only lower blood pressure but also act as on going maintenance. It is great prevention and regulation. If already on medication patients are advised to check in regularly with their doctor to monitor their progress and medication when required.
e. Depression; as mentioned above Reiki treatments balance the endocrine system, allowing the release of the feel good hormones and body chemicals such as serotonin and endorphins.
People suffering from depression respond well to healing as it creates a safe space in which to process and release the emotional pain and inner fatigue that this condition brings. Reiki can be used as a support for those coming off anti-depressants, and often the gap can be bridged with the gentle Bach flower remedies used in conjunction with Reiki.
f. ME, Chronic Fatigue; this distressing loss of energy can be healed through receiving Reiki and also looking at lifestyle choices. Reiki treatments improves the circulation and release the the exhaustion as well as addressing the causes combined with Acupuncture or homeopathy can bring about excellent results if the patient is willing to have a course of treatments over a 6 month period.
g. Fertility; often when couples are ready to have a baby the stresses of our modern lifestyle, contraception and often fear of change can interfere with a woman’s ability to conceive. Receiving healing brings about a sense of inner peace and acceptance in the mother to be. Conditions such as polycystic ovaries, and endometriosis also respond well to Reiki, Periods can be come heavier initially as the body responds to healing and gets back into a regular rhythm.
h. IBS, Colitis, and other digestive disorders responds well to Reiki treatment. Four consecutive treatments seem to work well in relieving these severe symptoms, this can be combined with a change of diet and lifestyle .
j. phobias; fears, inhibitions, block us from fulfilling our full potential. Often causing untold distress, fear of flying or crowded places. fear of failure or confrontation. Our fears are often a result of our childhood experiences, when the effect of these experiences are healed, the fear dissolves.
Testimonials
I just wanted to thank you for the treatments you gave me. My IBS is so much better; I can’t believe how good I feel. BB
Reiki has given me my life back, I really enjoyed having treatment, this time last year I was in bed most of the day, now I can go out with friends and I am even doing a part time course in computing. I am so glad I did the course and learnt to self- treat. LD
My hip has improved so much, I hardly suffer and pain now and have been able to have chiropractic treatment as well, I was too scared before. GW
Reiki made such a difference in my life after the operation. I would recommend both it and Tripuri to anyone. LM
I don’t know how I would have coped through the divorce, if i hadn’t been receiving Reiki. DC
