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January/February 2002 Alternative Health
Reiki: Healing Touch

by Sheila King

The simplest translation of the Japanese word Reiki (pronounced Ray-key) is Universal Life Energy--that energy that enlivens and animates matter. It is boundless, transformational and knows no denomination. The practice of Reiki focuses this energy and directs it through the hands of the practitioner. The concentrated flow of this energy accelerates the healing and balancing of body, mind and spirit.

Reiki is not a spiritual belief system and in no way contradicts any individual religious beliefs. It is instead, a simple and gentle transfer of energy that accelerates the body's ability to heal physical and emotional disorders. Reiki energy also opens the mind and spirit to the causes of disease and pain, the necessity for taking responsibility for one's life and the joys of balanced wellness.

Healing methods involving the use of subtle energy have existed throughout time. Historically, the knowledge of this healing was carefully guarded and preserved. It was often passed on by oral tradition to those chosen for their purity of motive and integrity of spirit.

The word REIKI embodies the concept of the transformation that occurs when the REI or universal boundlessness of energy meets the KI or vital energy flowing through all living things.

The Usui System of Reiki is also known as Usui Shiki Ryoho, meaning "the understanding of healing both trancendental and physical". Reiki is not just a healing modality, but a way of life. To help his followers to live in integrity with this energy, Dr. Usui shared some simple truths which are now The Principles of Reiki:

• Just for today do not worry-
• Just for today do not anger-
• Honor your parents, teachers and elders-
• Earn your living honestly-
• Show gratitude to every living thing.

Today there are many expressions of Reiki in the world. Leaders of these different systems have added their own feelings, thoughts, visions and ceremonies much as religious leaders through time have created many denominations. All have in common the use of touch for the purpose of transmitting healing energy.

The ancient Reiki Initiations open the door to grace and a deepening connection with both self and spirit. They offer the gift of light. Reiki is like a powerful light that fills each person illuminating and transforming the darkness within. It has the simplicity of greatest truth. It is an energy of magic and mystery--so powerful it inspires awe and so gentle it feels like unconditional love.

The energy of Reiki accepts people where they are and moves them toward their highest good. The ability to be present with every level of life grows with Reiki. It empowers by bolstering our strengths and gives support while moving through pain and fear.

Reiki is an intelligent energy that knows where to go in the body and just how much energy is required. Trusting in Reiki takes away the fear of human error. The energy of Reiki supports the highest good of both individual and situation. Reiki supports both allopathic and holistic treatments.

A Reiki treatment is generally experienced as gentle, relaxing and meditative. People often feel peaceful, secure, loved and warm. Emotions are sometimes touched and released. Since Reiki works where and how it is needed, experiences differ.

During a Reiki treatment the receiver lies or sits in a comfortable position. There is no need to disrobe as this energy moves through clothing and even casts. A complete treatment lasts for an hour to an hour and a half. During this time the Reiki practitioner allows his or her hands to rest gently for three to five minutes or more in each of a number of positions corresponding to the major organs, chakras and endocrine glands of the body. The receiver need only relax and receive.

Reiki is a simple and natural way to offer universal life energy to yourself or another. It is also a powerful way to support plants and animals. Any one can learn Reiki with no prerequisite other than willingness, openness and the desire to learn.

Sheila is a teaching Master of The Usui System of Natural Healing and member of the Reiki Alliance, with a practice is in Portland, OR. She may be contacted by calling (503) 244-0121 or writing her c/o Reiki House, PO Box 2366, Lake Oswego, OR 97035