Reiki is a healing therapy created over a hundred years ago by a Buddhist named Mikao Usui. Reiki is based on a spiritual principle that we are all guided by the same life force that controls our mental, physical, and emotional being. When our energy is flowing freely, we can find reserves of power that were previously unknown. When the energy hits blockages, we are only operating at a suboptimal level. Even non-believers who spend just an hour with a Reiki master can feel a positive shift. Many describe these sessions as a combination of light touch and energy sweeping above the body. This is both grounding and calming. However, some feel it is more like emotional realignment. While Reiki masters train for years, anyone can learn to work with energy and its flow. The steps are explained below.
Receiving Energy
To begin a Reiki practice, you must first activate energy within yourself. Do this by closing your eyes and taking a few slow, deep breaths. Imagine your crown opening as a healing white light flows from the top of the head, into the heart, and out through the hands. Ask to be filled wherever you need the most healing so if you offer Reiki to others, you are not doing so from an empty space. As the energy flow is felt, continue to breathe, and focus on that breath. Envision yourself as a healing vessel and set an intention to receive healing of the highest level and good.
Reiki for Sleep
For a sleep focused Reiki session, ask the recipient to lie down as you are positioned near their head. Imagine a stream of steady healing light that goes from your hands into the back of their head to clear their mind of discomfort and pain. Ask your client to take several deep breaths, inhaling for three slow seconds and exhaling 3-5 seconds. Ask them to visualize their entire day one occurrence at a time and as they thank each memory, let it go with an exhale. Allow the client to drift as you channel energy through your hands and send healing light into them. Imagine the body healing and relaxing for a peaceful rest. Typically, this only takes 15 to 30 minutes, but Reiki is safe to use as long as you prefer.
Reiki for Stress
When people have lots of stress and anxiety, they do not breath properly and this can add to the stress. In this type of session, channel energy down through the person’s shoulders and into their body. Place your hands on their shoulders for 10-15 minutes as you send energy down their body and breathe deeply with them. This can get them back in their body.
Sealing the Energy
Once you have completed a healing session, offer gratitude and cleanse yourself to close the energy off. This can be as simple as stepping back, wiping your hands, and placing them in a prayer position to thank the energy, yourself, and the recipient for the energy exchange. Another option is to draw a large circle by closing the arms in front of the body to signify the closing of the two different energies. This should end in prayer hands.
It’s interesting that the practice emphasizes self-preparation and mindfulness before helping others. This might ensure that the practitioner is also in a good state, which could enhance the overall effectiveness of the session.
The emphasis on visualizing energy and light is fascinating. However, I wonder if there are scientific studies that support the claims made about Reiki’s effectiveness.
The step-by-step instructions for different Reiki sessions are well-explained and accessible. The discussion about energy flow aligns with many ancient healing practices.
The article provides a concise and clear outline of Reiki practices. It is interesting to see how the therapy combines both mental and physical elements, creating a holistic approach to healing.
The explanation of ‘sealing the energy’ is intriguing. The ritualistic aspect of it might provide a sense of closure and completeness to the healing session.
The description of Reiki for sleep and stress relief seems practical and potentially beneficial. It would be helpful to know more about how individuals have integrated these practices into their daily routines.