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Writer's pictureAlysa Bartha

It's NOT Magic - it's Reiki

Updated: Oct 14, 2022

What is Reiki anyway?




Lots of people are talking about it and all that it can do for healing and wellness, but what is Reiki anyway? The word Reiki (pronounced RAY-KEY) is made of two Japanese words - Rei which means Universal or the Higher Power and Ki which is "life force energy". So Reiki is actually spiritually guided life force energy. Reiki was invented and formulated by Mikao Usui, it is a system of natural healing that draws on universal life force energy. The processes of this therapy are very distinctive compared to other forms of alternative meditation. Reiki concentrates on self-healing, personal and spiritual development, the five spiritual principles of Reiki, and the attunement of the healers through a process of initiation. It's gentle and powerful all at the same time and can be learned, practiced and mastered by anyone willing to learn.


What are the primary principles of Reiki?


The main purpose of Reiki is to heal and restore emotional, physical and spiritual flow.

This therapy transmits universal life force energy called ki in Japanese from its Divine Source to the recipient. Reiki teachers believe that ki flows through the universe, and is in all things and the therapy connects this energy to the human body. Reiki can be used in healing animals as well as people. Reiki is a non-invasive healing method that works on the physical, mental and spiritual levels.


The method of healing others and self-healing by the Reiki practitioner is done through the placement of their hand in a series of positions over body parts and vital organs, stimulating the body's own energy, with the restorative energy derived from the Divine Source and bringing the body and subtle bodies into harmony. Reiki can also be practiced in groups and distance healing. In group healing, there are two or more Reiki practitioners placing their hands over the body of the Reiki receiver. In distance or absence healing involves visualizing the patient, using a surrogate technique while sensing his or her illness and delivering the healing energy using a protocol that can include specific Reiki symbols.


What Does Reiki Feel Like?



A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and wellbeing. Many have reported miraculous results. A Reiki practitioner does not need to know exactly what’s going on in their client’s body—they just let go of any preconceived notions about how things

should be, and allow themselves to receive from the universe whatever information it chooses to impart. As you become more attuned with your own inner wisdom and intuition over time, you may find that your body tells you when you need certain treatments at specific times (or even months) in order for them to work best for your needs.


Reiki has become so popular that there are entire associations dedicated to Reiki practice. Modern medicine is beginning to endorse the efficacy of Reiki and nurses, massage therapists, hospice caregivers, prenatal caregivers, neo-natal wards, and so many more.


The benefits of a Reiki treatment

Reiki can improve immune system function, increase resistance to dis-ease, and reduce inappropriate cellular reactions. Regular treatments have shown that Reiki can also help manage chronic pain caused by injuries or conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia. It helps reduce pain and inflammation associated with injuries. The gentle energy of Reiki stimulates your body to heal itself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.


There are many studies that have shown that Reiki helps people recover from the disease more effectively than without it. For example:

  • Using Reiki on cancer patients has helped them recover faster and live longer than those who did not receive Reiki.

  • A study found that heart patients who received Reiki were able to return to their normal activities much sooner than those who did not receive it.

  • Another study revealed that breast cancer patients who received Reiki had better outcomes compared to those who did not.

  • Other examples include reduced risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, etc…

  • Helps people drift off to sleep more easily.

  • Reiki promotes deeper relaxation during the day and at night, which allows our bodies to be more receptive to restful sleep when it finally comes time for bedtime.


I want to learn Reiki - How do I find a teacher.


If you decide to learn Reiki, it is important to find a good teacher. You want someone who has a good reputation, is open and honest with you and is a good listener. It's also helpful if they have several years of experience so that they can give you practical advice about how Reiki works in practice.


If you are looking for a Reiki teacher, there are a few things that you should consider.

First, make sure that the person you are going to meet has training and certification in Reiki. It is important because it shows that they have knowledge about the subject and also take their career seriously. Second, find out if they have a good reputation or not. People who have had bad experiences with a teacher won't be very eager to recommend them to others, so make sure to ask around for referrals if you want someone reliable. Third, find out if the person has any specialties or skills that might be helpful for your needs such as healing work or spiritual guidance. Also, it's important to ask if they have been attuned by another Reiki Master teacher. A Reiki Master teacher who has not been attuned by someone else can't pass on the information to you, so it's vital that your Reiki Master teacher is well educated before they begin teaching you.


One of the best ways to find a Reiki Master teacher is to ask someone who has been trained by them. If you have friends who are Reiki Masters, you can ask them for recommendations. Other than that, there are other ways:

  • Look for articles or books written on the subject in which they were a contributing writer

  • Look for public talks or workshops that they’ve given about Reiki

  • Look for public interviews with them about their work as a practitioner of Reiki

  • Look for public workshops and seminars where they spoke (and possibly taught) about their work as a practitioner of Reiki

  • Look for public lectures that they gave on this topic

  • Ask others in your community about them!


I think Reiki is a great compliment to standard medical treatment when it comes to dealing with chronic pain. It can be used in conjunction with other treatments or alone, depending on what works best for you. The benefits of Reiki are numerous and ever-expanding! Our Reiki program is one of the very few in Ontario, Canada, that offers training in three Reiki lineages at one time.


Interested in learning more about Reiki? Shinpiden Empowerment is available now!

 

Alysa is a professional mystic who teaches and works with spiritual seekers from all over the world. Her dynamic personality and passion for the mystic arts are infectious. She loves to bring her wealth of metaphysical knowledge and depth of experience to her clients and students through providing intuitive and spiritual services. Known for her ability to blend fun with professionalism, Alysa offers nearly three decades of esoteric experience which includes the co-creation of the Sirian Starseed Tarot & the Seekers Oracle. In her professional practice, Alysa is a master tarot reader & teacher, second-generation traditional western astrologer, numerologist, certified professional past-life regressionist, Reiki Grandmaster Teacher, Certified Life coach, published author, artist, and founder of North Star Mystic Academy, which opened in 2019. ​ Alysa has authored several metaphysical, esoteric and energy healing books. ​For a full list of her titles, please visit Achillea Fortuna Publishing. Alysa lives and works in Hillsburgh, Ontario.

 

Safety:

Reiki is not a replacement for medical treatment. Reiki may be used in conjunction with other forms of care, but it is not a substitute for good medical care when you need it.


Reiki is not a replacement for counselling. Reiki can be used to help people who have been through traumatic events or situations, but it is not a substitute for therapy or counselling sessions.


Reiki is not a replacement for medication prescribed by your doctor, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. If you have questions about any medication or supplement you are taking, consult with your health care provider before making changes to how much you take or what types of medication/supplements to take on an ongoing basis.


Reiki should never replace surgery if something goes wrong inside the body (e.g., broken bones). In these cases, please seek out emergency medical assistance immediately!

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