As we traverse this hectic modern world (especially this year!) we all need to find ways to de-stress. Things like yoga, meditation, massage therapy, and different breathing techniques all help to turn "off" our sympathetic nervous system and calm our minds. Reiki is gaining momentum and recognition in the mainstream and blends beautifully with other alternative healing modalities. It's main focus is relaxation and promoting a sense of peace and well being.
In a nutshell, Reiki is a hands-on Japanese energy healing technique for stress reduction and relaxation promoting healing of mind, body and spirit. It is based on the understanding that all humans and living things have a "universal life force" energy flowing through them. When this energy is low or blocked by physical, emotional or spiritual distress, we can be more vulnerable to pain, illness, and disease. Reiki is performed by the practitioner placing hands on or above the body to act as a conduit for this healing energy.
Below are just some of the benefits- I purposely included physical benefits and scientific research to speak to those who may be more on the skeptical side...
1. It gives you a sublime feeling of peace.
Regardless of how much you “believe” or accept the concept of Reiki energy, you would still benefit. As long as you’ve agreed to the treatment and have somewhat of an open mind, Reiki energy will facilitate relaxation and open the door for healing. It’s common to feel physical sensations like heat, coolness, or tingling, but even if you don’t recognize these sensations, the Reiki is still working it’s magic. It’s very powerful to have someone holding space for you with light and good intention- it is a very rare and beautiful thing. You feel very safe, comfortable and cared for.
2. It can oxygenate the blood and reduce heart rate.
Reiki is increasingly being utilized in the healthcare field so it would stand to reason that extensive studies would be conducted to test the effects on the human body. Wendy Wetzel RN, found that subjects following their first Reiki session showed a significant change in the oxygen carrying capability of blood within a 24 hour period. Another study by Dr. Ann Linda Baldwin found that Reiki reduces the physical heart rate response to stress. They used lab rats in the study to eliminate the "belief or skepticism" variable and found that rats that had been exposed to a loud noise had experienced a significant reduction in heart rate once Reiki was introduced.
3. It provides an opportunity for self discovery and self reflection.
When you are an active participant in your Reiki session, and you have learned about the chakras (or energy centers) of the body, you can begin to recognize where you may have some low or blocked energy. Opening yourself to feeling changes in sensation in areas like your throat or solar plexus chakras, may bring to light areas for you to consider or work on in your life. If you feel some activity in your throat chakra, for example, it may signal a need to speak up for yourself at work or in your relationship. You could spend some time journaling about what challenges you are facing, and make some necessary changes. It also provides a beautiful opportunity for self care. Chakras are represented by elements and concepts. For example, balancing your throat chakra is achieved with music, especially singing or humming. A blocked sacral chakra is balanced with flowing water or a good cry. Reiki provides an opportunity for emotional and spiritual growth, brings about clarity of mind, and can recharge your creativity if you have been feeling “stuck.”
4. Reduction of physical pain.
Activation of the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest) is a large part of dealing with chronic pain. When we are in an active pain cycle, the brain has been rewired to communicate a constant pain state, sometimes even after tissues have completed healing. Enacting a relaxation response and being able to visualize your “healed’ self can begin to correct this. Reiki provides an immediate dose of beta- endorphins to reduce pain in the short term as well.
Personally, I have had almost as much pain reduction from Reiki sessions as I have from massage therapy. Often anger, grief or trauma gets locked in our musculature, thus the saying, “the issue is in the tissue.” Traditional massage therapy is certainly useful, but the process can sometimes be painful. Reiki provides a more passive and gentle approach to releasing these physical manifestations of emotions.
5. It blends beautifully and effortlessly with other healing modalities.
Whether more the “Western” offerings like massage therapy and chiropractic, the Eastern styles like acupuncture or acupressure, or the metaphysical like crystal grid, sound healing, or shamanic work, Reiki fits. Reiki can be used to clear the space before you arrive to cleanse it of any heavy energy and make it safe and welcoming. I often use Reiki during a massage to further coax a trigger point to release- sometimes it’s a delicate negotiation and more pressure isn’t always the answer. I have begun to experiment with using Reiki with tuning forks and letting the energy flow through me, through the forks, and infuse the sound with intensified healing.
Even if you have had a physical illness, major surgery, or significant injury and are doing interventional therapies like PT, infusions, or chemotherapy, Reiki can boost your body’s natural healing capabilities and improve the results. It would also temper the side effects as you get a boost in “feel good” hormones from eliciting the relaxation response.
So no matter what your particular health and wellness goals, Reiki can be incorporated as a beautiful part of your journey. I'd love to introduce you to this magical therapy!