a little about Reiki
Reiki is a form of energy healing that was developed by a Japanese Buddhist monk named Mikao Usui in the early 20th century. Usui was born in 1865 in Taniai, Japan, and grew up in a Tendai Buddhist family. He studied various subjects throughout his life, including martial arts, medicine, and psychology.
According to legend, Usui developed Reiki in 1922 after spending 21 days fasting and meditating on a mountaintop. During this time, he experienced a spiritual awakening and received the ability to heal with his hands through the transmission of energy. He then went on to teach Reiki to others and founded the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai, an organization dedicated to the practice and teaching of Reiki.
Usui's teachings focused on the importance of self-improvement and personal growth, and he emphasized the use of Reiki as a tool for spiritual development. He also taught that Reiki could be used to heal physical and emotional ailments and that it could be applied to oneself or others.
Usui continued to teach and practice Reiki until he died in 1926, and his teachings have since been passed down through a lineage of Reiki practitioners. Today, Reiki is practiced around the world and has evolved into various forms and lineages.
It's important to note that Reiki is a controversial practice, with some practitioners and patients reporting positive experiences and others questioning its effectiveness. However, the scientific community generally regards Reiki as a pseudoscientific practice that lacks empirical evidence of its effectiveness.
While there have been numerous studies conducted on Reiki, there is a general lack of high-quality research supporting its use as a therapeutic intervention. Some studies have found no significant difference between Reiki treatments and placebo treatments or other interventions, while others have suggested possible benefits that are difficult to measure or replicate.
Here are some examples of studies that have found no significant benefits of Reiki:"Reiki for the treatment of fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial" by Assefi et al. (2008) found no significant differences in pain, anxiety, or quality of life between Reiki and sham Reiki treatments."A systematic review of the effectiveness of Reiki" by Lee et al. (2008) found insufficient evidence to support the use of Reiki for any health condition."Reiki Is Not Effective for Treating Any Condition: An Overview of Systematic Reviews" by Lee et al. (2016) reviewed 13 systematic reviews of Reiki and concluded that there is no evidence to support its use for any condition.
Here are a few studies that have found significant benefits of Reiki. I have included the title, authors, and journal information for each study, which should allow you to find the sources for review:"Effects of Reiki on Pain, Anxiety, and Blood Pressure in Patients Undergoing Knee Replacement: A Randomized Controlled Trial" by L.V. Diaz-Rodriguez et al. published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine in 2013."A Randomized Controlled Single-Blind Trial of the Efficacy of Reiki at Benefiting Mood and Well-Being" by A. Bowden et al. published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine in 2011."The Effects of Reiki Therapy on Pain and Anxiety in Patients Attending a Day Oncology and Infusion Services Unit" by K. Olson and M. Hanson published in Oncology Nursing Forum in 1997."Reiki for the Treatment of Fibromyalgia: A Randomized Controlled Trial" by D. Assefi et al. published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2008."The Effects of Reiki Therapy on Pain and Anxiety in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis" by A. Mansour et al. published in Holistic Nursing Practice in 2013.
It's worth noting that some proponents of Reiki argue that the practice is difficult to study using traditional scientific methods and that more research is needed to explore its potential benefits. However, the current consensus within the scientific community is that Reiki is not an evidence-based practice.
Here are some general protocols for the practice of Reiki, including traditional Usui and other forms:
Traditional Usui Reiki:
Set an intention for the session, such as promoting relaxation or healing a specific issue.
Ask the client to lie down or sit comfortably.
Place your hands on or near the client's body, starting at the head and working down to the feet, using various hand positions.
Allow the energy to flow through your hands to the client's body, visualizing the healing energy entering and circulating throughout the body.
Follow your intuition to stay in each position as long as needed or move to other areas as guided.
End the session by thanking the client and the energy.
Other forms and lineages of Reiki may incorporate additional techniques or elements, such as:
Hands-off techniques: Some Reiki practitioners may prefer to use a hands-off approach, where the energy is channeled to the client without physical touch.
Introduction of divination: Some Reiki practitioners may use divination tools, such as tarot cards or pendulums, to gain insights into the client's energy and potential areas for healing.
Intention magic: Some Reiki practitioners may use intention-setting techniques, such as visualization or affirmations, to enhance the energy and focus on the healing intentions.
Crystals are sometimes used in Reiki practice as tools to enhance and focus the flow of energy. The use of crystals in Reiki is based on the belief that crystals have their unique energetic properties that can amplify the healing energy and support the intention of the practitioner.
Crystals can be used in a variety of ways in Reiki practice. Some common methods include:
Placing crystals on or around the client: A Reiki practitioner may place crystals on or around the client's body in specific locations based on the intended healing focus. For example, a rose quartz crystal might be placed on the heart chakra to promote emotional healing and self-love.
Using a crystal wand: A crystal wand can be used to direct the flow of Reiki energy to specific areas of the body or to clear energy blockages.
Meditating with crystals: Practitioners may hold crystals during meditation or place them in the room to enhance the healing energy.
It's important to note that while some Reiki practitioners may find crystals to be helpful tools in their practice, the use of crystals is not a requirement for Reiki practice. The efficacy of crystals in healing is not scientifically proven, and their use should be viewed as a complementary practice rather than a substitute for professional medical care.
Additionally, Reiki practitioners need to have a basic understanding of the properties and meanings of different crystals and how they may affect the client's energy. It's also important to select high-quality, ethically-sourced crystals and to cleanse and charge them regularly to maintain their energetic properties.
Additional aids may include
Aromatherapy: Essential oils are commonly used in Reiki distance healing to promote relaxation and emotional balance. Different oils have different energetic properties, and the practitioner may choose oils based on the client's needs.
Tuning forks: Tuning forks are often used to help balance and harmonize the body's energy field. The sound waves produced by the tuning forks help to clear energy blockages and promote relaxation.
Color therapy: Color therapy involves using specific colors to balance and harmonize the body's energy. The practitioner may visualize or use colored crystals or lights during the distance healing session to promote healing.
Some best practices for the practice of Reiki include:
Creating a sacred space: Setting up a safe and comfortable space for the Reiki session can help the client relax and open up to the healing energy.
Practicing good hygiene: Keeping your hands clean and washing them before and after each session can help prevent the spread of germs and promote a safe environment.
Honoring the client's boundaries: Always ask for consent and respect the client's wishes regarding physical touch and any other aspects of the session.
Continually developing your skills and knowledge: Regularly practicing and studying Reiki can help you deepen your understanding and improve your techniques.
Contraindications for Reiki may include:
Serious or acute medical conditions: Reiki should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care, and clients with serious or acute medical conditions should consult with their doctor before receiving Reiki.
Infection or skin conditions: Reiki involves physical touch, so practitioners should avoid working on clients with infections or contagious skin conditions.
Personal boundaries: Clients may have personal reasons for not wanting to receive physical touch or certain techniques during a Reiki session, and practitioners should always respect their boundaries.
In my opinion, the most informative text on the topic is Christopher Penzack's book "The Magick of Reiki" which explores the integration of Reiki and magick as complementary systems of energy healing. The book aims to help readers deepen their understanding and practice of Reiki through the use of magickal techniques, symbols, and rituals.
Penzack explains the principles of Reiki and how it can be used to channel energy for healing, then introduces the concept of magick and how it can be integrated with Reiki to create a more powerful and personalized practice. He guides using various magickal tools, such as candles and crystals, in conjunction with Reiki to enhance its effectiveness.
The book also covers the use of Reiki and magick for personal transformation and spiritual growth, including techniques for developing intuition and accessing higher states of consciousness. Throughout the book, Penzack emphasizes the importance of intention and visualization in both Reiki and magickal practice.
Overall, "The Magick of Reiki" offers a unique perspective on Reiki as a form of magickal energy work, and provides practical tools and techniques for readers to deepen their Reiki practice and tap into their innate healing abilities.
Reiki distance healing is a technique where the Reiki practitioner channels the healing energy to a client who is not physically present. This can be done using various tools and technologies to help facilitate the distance healing process. With the advent of modern technology, Reiki distance healing can now be done over long distances using video conferencing platforms like Zoom or Skype. The practitioner can connect with the client through video and perform the Reiki techniques remotely.
When performing Reiki distance healing, the practitioner needs to establish a strong energetic connection with the client, even if they are not physically present. This can be done through visualization or intention-setting. It's also important for the client to be open to receiving the healing energy, and to create a quiet and relaxing environment during the session.
Overall, Reiki distance healing can be a powerful tool for promoting healing and balance, and the use of tools and technologies can enhance the effectiveness of the technique.
Reiki education typically involves a series of levels or degrees, with each level building on the previous one. Here's an overview of the typical Reiki education path:
Reiki Level 1 (also known as Reiki 1 or First Degree): This level introduces the basic principles and techniques of Reiki. Students learn how to connect with the universal life force energy and channel it through their hands to themselves and others. They also learn hand positions and techniques for treating physical and emotional imbalances. Reiki Level 1 typically involves a series of attunements, which are energetic transmissions that help the student to connect more deeply with the Reiki energy.
Reiki Level 2 (also known as Reiki 2 or Second Degree): This level builds on the foundational principles and techniques of Reiki Level 1. Students learn additional techniques for treating emotional and mental imbalances, including distance healing techniques. They also learn how to work with Reiki symbols and mantras to enhance the flow of energy. Reiki Level 2 also involves a series of attunements.
Reiki Master (also known as Reiki 3 or Third Degree): This level represents a deeper commitment to the Reiki practice and involves learning how to teach and attune others to Reiki. Students learn advanced healing techniques and how to work with the master symbol. They also learn how to pass on the Reiki attunements to others, and how to teach Reiki classes.
It's worth noting that different Reiki lineages may have different names and requirements for each level, and some lineages may have additional levels beyond Reiki Master.
Overall, Reiki education is a lifelong journey of personal and spiritual growth. Each level provides the student with a deeper understanding of the principles and techniques of Reiki, as well as opportunities for personal healing and transformation.
