What Is Reiki?
Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by "laying on hands" and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.
The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words - Rei which means "Spirit or the Higher Power" and Ki which is "life force energy".
So Reiki is actually "spiritually guided life force energy."
Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of spiritual healing and self-improvement that everyone can use. It has been effective in helping virtually every known illness and malady and always creates a beneficial effect. It also works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery.
What is Energy?
Energy is our life force, if we are to achieve all that we desire then we need to maximize our energy levels. The higher your energy levels, the better you feel and the more likely you are to achieve your results as you will put all your ‘energy’ into it. In Japan, energy is called ‘Ki’, meaning universal life force. Energy constantly flows through our seven energy centers, or our chakras although we do not physically see it.
Energy is something that we can all feel but most of us feel it unconsciously. Close your eyes and remember a time when you met someone with whom you like to spend time. Notice how you feel when you think of this person. On the other hand, remember spending time with someone with whom you don’t like to spend time with. Notice how you feel when you think of this person. Did you notice the difference in what you were feeling? While thinking of spending time with someone you like you feel happy, relaxed, things flow and time passes quickly. However, when you spend time with someone you don’t like to hang out with, then you feel tense, awkward, and out of sync and time seems to stand still. You react in this way as you are sensing the other person’s energy.
The Seven Chakras
The word Chakra comes from an ancient Indian language known as Sanskrit, Chakra means vortex, spinning wheel or circle (open to the front and back). The chakras spin in a clockwise direction and are shaped like a spinning fan. Each chakra spins at its own frequency ensuring that the ki (universal life force) is drawn into body to keep the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health of the body in balance. The chakras also spin outward when releasing unwanted ki or when they are dealing with other people or situations.
Chakras are energy centres through which energy enters and leaves our bodies, both the physical body and the bodies of the aura. The chakras are found in within each level of our aura – (physical, mental, emotional and spiritual), and so they affect every part of our being. When we are feeling good, relaxed and happy in the world then our chakras are spinning openly and evenly creating a balanced aura that is well protected. However if we’re feeling depressed, anxious, stressed, etc then the chakras will be depleted and our aura may be affected also. Over time this will affect a person’s well being and this is where Reiki would be very beneficial.
We now live in a world where the pace appears to be getting faster almost to the point where we are on the go twenty four seven, or feel that we should be. As we push ourselves forward in our lives, many of us are losing the balance and harmony. Instead of choosing to enjoy each day and being grateful for what we have, we worry about the past and the future and let the present pass us by. All this worry and stress in our daily lives affects our energy centres and they become blocked i.e. the energy does not flow freely through the chakras. We are in control of our energy flow – if we hold negative thoughts then our chakras become dirty with dense energy which means that this constricts the flow of energy through our chakras which leaves us feeling sluggish and unbalance or ‘out of sorts’.
A ‘block’ is a place where energy is trapped or constricted. In dealing with a block, you need to get the energy moving which is what Reiki does. When energy flows through the whole body it creates harmony and releases dis-ease. Reiki assists to bring the chakras into alignment and balance.
No chakra works independently of the other chakras, they are all part of the whole energy system. Each chakra only works fully when the other chakras are also fully engaged. They are all part of a whole. Each chakra has a role in balancing some aspect of our life physically, emotionally, mentally or spiritually. Many things can affect our chakras from our physical environment to our emotions to our mental dialogue. It’s essential for good health, to be aware of how balanced or unbalanced our chakras are.
Below I’ve provided a summary of the main charteristics of the seven chakras. The first three chakras (lower chakras) are primarily concerned with physical and material issues, while the heart chakra onwards is primarily concerned with spiritual issues (upper chakras).
There is so much more information available on the chakras if you want more detail. Although there are many chakras, we generally concern ourselves with the major seven chakras which are located throughout the body, next to a hormonal gland, as follows:
Meaning of the seven chakras
7th Chakra – Crown – Thought, Universal identity, Knowingess (violet)
The ‘crown chakra’ relates to consciousness as pure awareness. It is located at the top of the head. It is our connection to the collective consciousness and the greater world beyond. It is believed that this is where the soul enters the physical body at birth and departs at the time of death. When balanced and developed this chakra brings us knowledge, wisdom, understanding, spiritual connection, & harmony.
6th Chakra – Third Eye – Light, Archetypal identity, Intuition (indigo) – The Spirit of Clarity and Psychic Awareness
This chakra is known as the brow chakra or ‘third eye’ center. It is located slightly above and between the eye brows. Its main function is the centre of inner vision. This chakra is the place of intuition and soul knowledge. As such it opens our psychic and spiritual awareness faculties as well as our understanding of archetypal levels. When in balance it allows us to have insight and knowledge.
5th Chakra – Throat – Sound, Creative identity, self-expression (blue) – The Spirit of Truth & Expression
This is the chakra located at the throat and is related to communication, self expression and creativity. It allows for free communication helping us feel centered and happy. It also helps us while we are meditating to connect with our higher guidance. The chakra is connected to your inner self and is deeply connected to the soul and allows you to listen as your soul speaks.
4th Chakra – Heart – Love, Compassion, Social identity, self-acceptance (Green) – The Spirit of Evolution (New Beginnings)
The ‘heart chakra’ is located at the center of your chest. It is related to love and compassion. The chakra connects the lower ego/physical self to the higher soul/spiritual self. In balance our fourth chakra allows us to love deeply, feel compassion, and feel a deep sense of peace and centeredness. We allow ourselves to love unconditionally.
3rd Chakra – Solar Plexus – Desire, Personal Power (Yellow) – Spirit of Knowledge and Wisdom
The ‘solar plexus’ chakra is known as the ‘power chakra’, located at the solar plexus. Its main function is to supply energy in the form of heat, power and enthusiasm. It rules our consciousness of decision, creative expression, personal power, will and autonomy, as well as our metabolism. When in balance this chakra brings us energy, effectiveness, spontaneity and we become aware of divine guidance flowing into our lives.
2nd Chakra – Sacral- Creativity, Manifestation, Emotional identity (Orange) – The Spirit of Health and Purity
The ‘sacral chakra’ is located in the abdomen, lower back, and sexual organs. It relates to the water element and our emotions and sexuality. Its main function is to provide a sense of self – our inner self/inner child. It is the source of creativity and inspiration. This chakra controls our appetite for sensation, be it through sound, smell, taste, touch or sight. Ideally this chakra brings us depth of feeling, sexual fulfillment and the ability to accept change.
1st Chakra – Root – Support, Survival, Grounding (Red) – The Spirit of Life
The ‘root chakra’ is located at the base of the spine and forms our foundation. It represents the element earth and is related to our survival instincts (food, shelter and protection). It stimulates the urge for us to take care of and stand up for ourselves, in order to stay alive. It appeals to our sense of grounding and connection to our physical bodies and physical world. Ideally this chakra brings us security and presence in the here and now.
Many doctors and healthcare institutions have embraced the benefits of Reiki practice. Mehmet Oz has been an enthusiastic promoter of Reiki for many years and includes it in his cardiovascular surgery protocols. Over 800 hospitals incorporate Reiki in their patient care. It has been offered at University of Maryland’s Shock Trauma Center for several years.
The benefits of Reiki are broad-based, and there are no contraindications. It provides a safe and effective adjunct to traditional treatments, minimizing their side effects and decreasing healing time and hospital stays. Reiki is a deeply nourishing and relaxing experience, the effects of which continue to deepen and reveal themselves over time.
