Reiki . . . a gentle therapy that reduces stress and pain.
Reiki is one of the best-loved types of energy work. Massage therapists, nurses and other Reiki practitioners have seen it reduce people’s stress and pain again and again. The particular beauty of Reiki is that it can be used on anyone no matter their condition, from infants to those healing from surgery or wounds to people in hospice care.
Where did Reiki come from?
Reiki was founded in the early 20th century by a Japanese man named Mikao Usui. An accomplished practitioner of the martial and meditative arts, he gave healings with light touch, and taught some of those who received these treatments. These students called what he did “Usui Hand Healing.” One of them developed the system further and began calling it Reiki (from Rei, meaning universal, and Ki, meaning life energy).
What is Reiki Like?
During a Reiki session, the practitioner will place his or her hands in 12 different positions on the head, the front of the body and the back. Practitioners may also place the hands on a site of injury or pain. The practitioner’s hands don’t have to actually touch the body, and the receiver does not need to be awake.
Reiki life energy seems to soothe, or balance, the nervous system. It can be adapted for almost any use, and can even support conventional medical procedures. Hospital and other medical staff see that Reiki calms and reassures patients in pain and distress, and they enjoy giving it because it reduces their own stress as well. Since it can help people relax no matter what their situation, Reiki is often taught to patients and families to practice on themselves and family members. In fact, it is easy and inexpensive for almost anyone to learn Reiki for treating oneself, friends and family.
Resources
NCCAM (National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine) recognizes Reiki as one of the CAM (Complementary Alternative Medicine) therapies.
For More Information:
International Association of Reiki Professionals http://www.iarp.org/.
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
http://www.nccam.nih.gov/.
The International Center for Reiki Training http://www.reiki.org/
For More Information:
International Association of Reiki Professionals http://www.iarp.org/.
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
http://www.nccam.nih.gov/.
The International Center for Reiki Training http://www.reiki.org/
