What is Reiki? Reiki is hands-on natural healing using the universal life force energy. The term comes from the Japanese words “rei,” meaning universal, and “ki,” which means vital life force energy that flows through all living things. Reiki, an abundant, gentle spiritual energy is not tied to any specific religion or nationality. Reiki, which is used all over the world in places including hospitals and hospices, was developed by a Japanese man named Mikao Usui in the early 1800s. It aids in healing by helping people become energetically balanced physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

How does Reiki work? The Reiki practitioner is the conduit between the patient and the source of the universal life force energy; the energy flows through the practitioner’s energy field and through her hands to the patient. (The energy does not come from the continued practitioner; rather it comes through the practitioner from the universal source. There is no energy drain on the practitioner.) Reiki treatments typically last about 50 minutes. During the treatment the patient lies on a massage table, fully clothed. The Reiki practitioner gently places her hands palms down on or just above the patient’s body in specific energy locations and uses a series of 12 to 15 different hand positions. The length of time that the practitioner leaves her hands in each position is determined by the flow of energy through her hands at each location. There is no pressure, massage or manipulation. The patient experiences the energy as sensations such as heat, tingling or pulsing where the practitioner has placed her hands. Sometimes, the sensations are felt moving through the body; some people do not perceive any change at all. Most people feel very relaxed and peaceful, and many fall asleep during the treatment.

What are the benefits of receiving reiki? According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, people use Reiki for relaxation, stress reduction and symptom relief, in efforts to improve overall health and well-being. A Reiki Treatment may do the following: • Bring about a peaceful, deep state of relaxation • Dissolve energy blockages and tension • Detoxify the body • Support the well-being of a person receiving traditional medical treatments that are debilitating (e.g., chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, kidney dialysis) • Supply universal life force energy to the body • Stimulate the body’s immune system • Help to relieve pain • Stimulate tissue and bone healing after injury or surgery • Increase the vibrational frequency on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels

Can Reiki replace traditional medical or therapeutic treatments? No, reiki complements all other types of medical and therapeutic treatments. Reiki treatment should not be used as a substitute for consultation of a physician, a practitioner of natural therapeutics or a psychotherapist. Reiki can increase the efficacy of other types of healing. What conditions can be treated by reiki? Reiki is not specific to any particular type of disease or condition. Because it works on the entire self – mind, body and emotions – and because it is universal life force energy, it may be successful in all types of physical, emotional, mental and spiritual healing. Pets and other animals respond positively to Reiki healing as well. Reiki practitioners in our Center for Integrative Medicine help patients to prepare for surgery, which may help boost recovery afterward. Our Reiki practitioners see patients for the following conditions, among others: Cancer, Chronic pain, Infertility, Digestive problems, Parkinson’s disease, Stress-related diseases, Psychological illnesses. Will I benefit from Reiki if I am in good health? Yes. If you are in good health already, regularly applied Reiki treatments (about once a month) enhance your ability to respond to unhealthy elements in your environment and help you to handle stress. By promoting the harmonious distribution of energy, Reiki is an excellent form of preventive medicine.  (The information above is courtesy of Cleveland Clinic – Weston, FL)

   Although Reiki Treatments may have Healing abilities, it is not a cure and not to take the place of your traditional therapy. One of the most profound experiences I have had with Reiki is when i was going through chemo in 2007. I was told that I had stage 4 cancer. I remember someone saying to me “Aren’t You mad that you got cancer since Reiki is such a big part of my life?” I said No! I am grateful that I knew of Reiki when I was going through chemo. I remember being in the hospital for about a month  recovering after emergency surgery and it would be two additional months before the oncologist would know how to treat me. I have a unique anatomy and with the inside of a cancerous tumor that burst in my abdomen. At that time I was blessed to know about Reiki. I had my Reiki Practitioners who wanted to assist me in my recovery give me Reiki Treatments. My oncologist was surprised how well I was doing with chemo. I told him I was receiving  Reiki Treatments. He was a little surprised and said to keep on doing what I am doing. Reiki helped me in the healing process. I did not have major side affects and I recovered quicker than scheduled. Let Reiki be a part of your recovery no matter how big or small your situation my be. All You have to do is just be open to it and show up!

 Rev. Scott                                                                                                               April 2016

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