In today’s world, feeling busy, overwhelmed, anxious and overstimulated seems to be the new normal. With all the pressure we face on a day-to-day basis, you may find yourself searching for ways to reduce stress and calm your mind. You’re not alone in your search. Many people are now looking to things like exercise, yoga, and meditation for relief. One lesser-known solution that is rapidly gaining popularity in the western world is known as Reiki, and the benefits pack a powerful punch.
Reiki is a form of Japanese energy healing where a Reiki practitioner helps guide energy through the body. The movement of energy throughout our bodies is meant to promote self-healing abilities. The job of the Reiki practitioner is to be a channel for the energy and help facilitate the flow of our own healing energy.
History of Reiki
In 1920, Buddhist Priest Mikao Usui underwent three weeks of fasting and meditation on Mount Kurama. During his fast, Usui was nearing death when he suddenly experienced a burst of energy that gave him a sense of awareness and vitality, unlike anything he’d experienced before. As he went running down the mountain to tell his Zen master about his discovery, he stubbed his toe on a rock and placed his hands over his toe. The pain in his toe disappeared with his touch and the therapeutic touch was realized. Usui went on to open a clinic in Tokyo to practice the healing technique known as Reiki.
How does Reiki Work?
While Reiki has been around since the early 20th century, there are still misconceptions about how Reiki actually works. The healing benefits that Reiki provides are phenomenal, yet hard to explain. There are many theories about how Reiki helps promote healing, including the interaction between human magnetic fields and the movement of energy particles through thoughts and intentions.
What to Expect During a Reiki Session
If you’re new to Reiki, you may feel nervous or hesitant about your first session. Don’t fret! Your Reiki practitioner will help guide you through the process. Typically, during a session, a Reiki practitioner will hover their hands about your body in various areas including the feet, stomach, shoulders, and head. Depending on your comfort level, the practitioner may also place their hands gently on you to help guide the energy through your body. Each position is held anywhere from three to ten minutes at a time, depending on your needs.
Sessions usually last anywhere from 60 minutes to 90 minutes. Sessions are typically meant to be performed quietly, with very little or no talking, but can include accompanying music or a special sound bath with calming sound frequencies. It’s recommended that you wear loose, comfortable clothing as you will remain fully clothed for the session. Oftentimes, customers experience a deep state of relaxation, others will feel an electric energy and some people even report seeing colors or hearing music.
Benefits of Reiki
While reducing stress is one of the most sought-after benefits that Reiki provides, there are many other potential health benefits that are often associated with Reiki. These include improved mood and sleep, pain relief, reduced anxiety, and lowered blood pressure. Some even believe that Reiki can help manage chronic diseases and can help promote recovery after surgery. Reiki is becoming so widely known in western culture that it is even being used today in hospitals as a medical treatment.
Ready to give Reiki a try? At Up Against the Ropes Yoga our certified Reiki practitioner can help guide you through your first session. Contact us today!
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