Hi All

This week I would like to provide something of a short introduction to Reiki for those who may not be familiar with it. I have always had some trouble explaining what Reiki is, so I hope that in writing this, I will find a decent way of expressing my understanding of it. Most of you are fully aware of the power of human touch; the practice of Reiki builds on our natural instinct of using the human touch to comfort and ease pain.

Reiki, as most may know it, is an ancient hands-on healing technique that was rediscovered in Japan by Dr Mikao Usui around the end of the 19th century. It involves the use of certain symbols and mantras that are imbued with energy that has a particular effect on the four-body system. The energy of the symbols flows through the practitioner’s hands which rest either just above or directly on the receiver’s body. While these symbols and mantras may be rooted in Esoteric Buddhism, the practice of Reiki is not bound to it. People from both East and West, from all different religions and walks of life, are trained in this ancient healing art. The philosophy behind it, and the knowledge of the body, is very similar to other healing techniques across the globe. A complex energy system exists within and around the body, the flow of which can be disrupted by destructive thoughts and emotions, and resistance to what is. The build up of these tend to cause blockages of energy in certain areas of the body, which often manifest in physical dis-ease. For example: continuously choosing not to communicate something that you really feel you should, will cause a blockage around the throat area which is affected by issues of expression, trust, and communication. Fear and unresolved emotions tend to affect the area around the abdomen. Reiki works to release these blockages that cause dis-ease, and helps restore the natural flow of energy within the body.

Restoring this natural flow relaxes and de-stresses the body, eases physical tension, and balances the emotions, while also bringing clarity to one’s thoughts. Often this process takes a number of sessions, and requires a certain degree of commitment from the receiver. While the practitioner can help to release these blockages in the energy system, and provide insight into the cause, it is up to the receiver to properly address the issues that underlie the dis-ease. During the time that one is receiving frequent healing sessions, and after making a conscious decision to resolve the issues, the receiver tends to experience a range of things that can be pleasant at times and unpleasant at others. Often they will experience physical discomfort for a few days, or alternatively an incredible boost in vitality.

The release of unwanted energy in the form of aches and pains, or unpleasant emotions can go on for some time after each session, but is necessary to go through, allowing consciousness to evolve, and opens the receiver to opportunities and experiences that they have otherwise been held back from. It opens you up so that you can properly reconnect to your true self, beyond the physical body, beyond the emotions, and beyond the mind. This is where Reiki becomes more than a technique for healing, but also a tool for Self-realization. Some may not be all that interested in Enlightenment or spiritual evolution and how Reiki can assist you on that path. Some are only interested in using Reiki to de-stress or ease physical discomfort, which is fine; there is nothing wrong with this. You will however still notice changes in your behavior if using or receiving Reiki on a regular basis. Situations that would normally put tremendous stress on a person will gradually be dealt more calmly and with greater clarity. Sleeping comes much easier. Creativity increases. Health tends to increase dramatically. It gently unlocks one’s potential and joy for life.

Anyone is capable of handling this energy, and is effective both as a practice on its own and to compliment other techniques. Many combine Reiki, which tends to be very gentle, with something like deep tissue massage, creating a good balance between gentle and vigorous techniques.

In the past, Reiki teachers would charge a considerable amount for their courses, but this has changed over the years and it is now much more accessible. The high pricing was particularly to have people be more serious about the course and ensure that they valued the knowledge that was imparted to them. Now it is understood that Reiki is a very natural part of our being and should be shared with all who show interest.

Well, I think that should do well enough as a short introduction into the practice.

As always it has been a pleasure sharing these words with you and I hope that you enjoyed reading them.

Your Brother in Love, Light, and Service.

Ryan

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