What is Reiki?

Reiki (pronounce ray-key) is a Japanese hands-on stress reduction and healing technique. It is made of two words — Rei which means “higher power,” and Ki which means “life force energy.” In other words, Reiki can be defined as spiritually guided life force energy. It guides itself with its own wisdom rather than requiring the practitioner’s guidance. Reiki can never do harm as it is coming from the creator. Reiki is a simple, natural, and safe method of physical and spiritual healing and self-improvement for everyone. It works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery.

Reiki was first discovered by Dr. Mikao Usui in Japan in 1922. He received the gift of Reiki during a meditative experience on Kurama yama, a sacred mountain north of Kyoto. At the time he received the healing energy of Reiki and through practice he developed many methods to facilitate its use. He trained 16 masters who brought Reiki to us. Dr. Usui died in 1926.

There are two different ways to receive a Reiki treatment. One of them is a hands-on, in-person treatment, and the other is distant healing. I prefer the hands-on, in-person method because I can connect on a deeper level with my client and with Reiki, and it seems that the clients have a more profound experience with it, too. But if you are not able to visit, distant Reiki healing is very effective and powerful, too. The difference between the two is that the client and the practitioner don’t have to be in the same room, town, or continent for the client to receive a distance healing treatment. However, it is still strongly recommended that the client lie down during the distant treatment in order to be more relaxed and receptive to Reiki energy.

Reiki can heal physical, mental, and emotional problems. It shows instant results in pain reduction, stress management, and relaxation. It can help release unwanted lifestyle patterns, strengthen goals, and support positive thinking.

Hospitals are starting to incorporate Reiki treatments in their work with cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. The patients are reporting immediate relief from pain, nausea, and other side effects of chemotherapy. For more information about work in hospitals in Portland, visit www.nwreikiassociation.org.