December 2009 Newsletter Article

What is Reiki

Article contributed by Jan MacKay, Reiki Master

Reiki is a wonderful New Year's gift to give to yourself or others -- it's gentle, centering, and oh-so-relaxing.  

But just what is it?

Reiki (pronounced Ray-key) is a Japanese name consisting of two words, "Rei" and "Ki". At its simplest, the term means 'life energy' (commonly known as universal life energy) -- an energy which animates us all and is found all around us. Reiki helps to harmonize body, mind and spirit for yourself or anyone you want to help.

At its most basic, Reiki is an ancient Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that can also help facilitate self-healing.  Once a body is in a state of relaxation, it can more effectively provide an environment that can strengthen the body and provide an effective support system for self-healing. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit, creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and well-being.

What's involved in a Reiki treatment?

What one experiences during a Reiki treatment can vary from person to person. However, feelings of deep relaxation are usually felt by all. In addition, many feel a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and surrounds them. As Reiki energy encourages one to let go of all tension, anxiety, fear or other negative feelings a state of peace and well-being is experienced. Some drift off to sleep or report floating outside their bodies. At the end of the treatment, it's almost universal -- one feels refreshed with a more positive, balanced outlook.

You relax, fully clothed, on a table, couch or seated in a chair while the Reiki practitioner holds her hands on or above you. A treatment can last an hour or longer depending on the treatment required. In the western world many practitioners use the standard hand positions and commonly a full treatment is given covering all the important organs of the body. There is no pressure on the body making it ideal for treating all ages and conditions, sometimes hands are even held away from the body. The gentle universal energy flows wherever it is required and can normally be felt as a warm sensation or tingling in the body. Receiving Reiki is a most relaxing and soothing experience!

What are the benefits of a Reiki treatment?

Reiki is a very gentle yet powerful holistic therapy that will:

• Promote natural self-healing
• Balance the energies in the body
• Strengthen the immune system
• Alleviate symptoms of illness
• Relieve pain
• Clear toxins
• Adapt to the natural needs of the receiver
• Enhance personal awareness
• Relax and reduce stress
• Aid in releasing negative feelings
• Aids meditation and positive thinking

Reiki will enrich your life and enhance your well-being, and will give you joy on many levels.  Come visit us to experience this joy and well-being for yourself -- or to give the gift of joy and well-being to someone you love.