Reiki
is a term derived from the Japanese words REI, which means spirit, and
KI meaning energy or life force. Together these can be translated as
spiritual energy or life force - the subtle energy which flows through
all living things. Brought to the Western world as a practice through
Japan, Reiki has its
roots in ancient Buddhist scripture and can be traced back thousands of
years to Tibetan monks.
A Reiki treatment lasts about an hour, preceded by the client sharing
any needs or concerns.The client
lies
fully-clothed on a massage table in a comfortable environment,
often
with calming music. As the Reiki practitioner uses a technique of gently laying
her hands upon the client's body in a variety of treatment
patterns, the client may experience such sensations as warmth or may drift
into a pleasant light sleep. As the concentrated life force energy is
received through the Reiki practitioner, the client may also experience
a subtle emotional release and relaxation.
Rather than being a cure, Reiki lends support to the immune system.
It
does this by enabling the body's natural tendency toward balance,
thereby reducing stress and physical symptoms. For those traumatized by
abuse and invasive medical procedures, Reiki can reeducate the body that touch can be nurturing, safe,
and respectful. Reiki is currently being used in many medical
communities to support the healing process.
