Reiki healing is a Japanese energy healing technique in which a trained practitioner helps guide energy through a person’s body to promote balance, relaxation, and well-being. The goal of Reiki is to remove byoki or energetic blockages and restore the flow of this natural energy in your body to improve health and well-being. The word ‘reiki’ is made of two Japanese kanji characters. ‘Rei’ means ‘spiritual’ or ‘sacred’ while ‘ki’ translates to ‘energy.’
The origins of this energy healing practice can be traced back to the teachings of Mikao Usui, who developed Reiki as a system of spiritual healing in the early 1920s. It’s based on the principle of life force or universal energy, which, according to Eastern philosophy, refers to the psychophysical energy or natural force that permeates the universe and all living beings.
A typical Reiki healing session involves a qualified practitioner channeling universal energy by placing their hands lightly on or above specific areas on the recipient’s body. A Reiki healing session can last anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes, depending on the recipient’s needs and the practitioner’s techniques.
Incorporating Reiki into your self-care routine can have several physical, mental, and emotional benefits.
For example:
- It promotes relaxation
- It increases self awareness/self attunement
- It may lower blood pressure
- It may stimulate creativity
- It may increase intuition
- It may improve mood