What is Reiki?

Reiki is an ancient healing force with its origins in the eastern countries of China, India and Tibet. Texts and symbols containing ancient healing knowledge were rediscovered over a hundred years ago in a Tibetan monastery by a Christian theologian, Dr. Mikao Usui who dedicated the remainder of his life to the practice and teaching of the healing powers of Reiki.

The word Reiki is derived from the Japanese language and means Universal Life Force Energy :

• REI (universal, present)
• KI (non-physical, healing energy – the life force)

There is a growing acceptance that stress and low energy contribute towards illness and low self esteem, and when high energy is being produced an individual will develop a higher resistance to illness and experience and increased feeling of well- being and self esteem. A Reiki practitioner will work towards channelling healing energy to others through his/her upper energy centres. Using non-invasive techniques the practitioner opens a channel through which the life force flows, leaving the reciprocant with a greater feeling of self-awareness and a more positive outlook on life. The Reiki initiate is taught to channel the life force energy for self-healing and the benefit of all living things.

Reiki is not elitist. It crosses the boundaries of religion, of culture and of class and the practice of Reiki is said to improve the quality of our lives and those around us.

The principles of Reiki tell us to live for and honour each day.

Just for today I will live the attitude of gratitude
Just for today I will not worry
Just for today I will not anger
Just for today I will do my work honestly
Just for today I will show love to each living thing.

Freya Leigh

© Hypno4Health 2008