Reiki for Beginners
Reiki is a healing technique from Japan that has made its way all over the world. Reiki involves the use of the hands to channel and move energy through the body, encouraging physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. Reiki is made up of the Japanese words, Rei which means "God's Wisdom or the Higher Power" and Ki which means "life force energy". It refers to a fundamental life force that flows through all beings. Reiki was developed during the early 20th century by Mikao Usui, a Japanese Buddhist monk. Usui believed that there was universal life force energy that flows through all living beings, and that it could be used to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.
The practice is based on five basic principles, also known as precepts. They are:
How does Reiki work?
Reiki is a form of energy healing, based around the concept that all living things are made of energy that can be accessed to promote healing. Physical, emotional, and spiritual imbalances occur when there is a blockage in the energy’s flow. Reiki practitioners can work to balance the body's main energy centers by using their hands to channel energy.
In a Reiki session, the practitioner uses specific hand positions to transfer energy into the client's body. Unlike conventional medicine that addresses specific issues, the Reiki practitioner channels the universal life force energy to help the client heal holistically, letting the energy flow where it's needed. During the session, the client may experience sensations such as warmth, tingling, or relaxation as they receive Reiki energy. The primary aim of the session is to facilitate the client's healing process and promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
The Benefits of Reiki
Reiki has been shown to have a positive impact on physical, emotional, and mental well-being, with numerous benefits to offer in each area. Physically, Reiki has been found to reduce pain, improve sleep quality, and bolster the immune system. Emotionally and mentally, Reiki can be effective in reducing stress and anxiety, promoting inner peace, and enhancing overall emotional well-being. Reiki can offer spiritual benefits by fostering a sense of connection to a higher power or universal energy.
Getting Started with Reiki
When starting your Reiki journey, the first step is to find a qualified practitioner who is Reiki certified and has positive reviews or recommendations. Consider whether you want to visit the practitioner's space or have them come to your home. At Altyr, we accommodate both options as well as virtual energy healing sessions.
A session typically takes place in a serene environment where the practitioner channels energy into your body using their hands. You may feel sensations such as warmth, tingling, and deep relaxation during the session, which can vary in length based on the practitioner and your individual needs. It's essential to approach the session with an open mind and a willingness to receive the healing energy that Reiki provides.
DIY Reiki: Self-practice and at-home techniques
Alternatively, you may choose to explore Reiki on your own. A lot of great experiences can come from this as well, and here are some tips to get you started.
A good place to start is to learn the basic hand positions for self-healing. You can practice positions by placing your hands on different parts of your body. Visualizing healing energy flowing into those areas can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Find a way to build Reiki into your routine. You might start your day with a brief self-healing session, or end your day with a relaxation practice. You can also imbue your daily activities with Reiki energy by visualizing healing energy flowing through your body as you go about your day.
Another technique for using Reiki for stress reduction and relaxation is to use symbols. Symbols can be visualized in the mind's eye or drawn on the body, and are believed to enhance the flow of healing energy. You can work with the traditional Reiki symbols, or create your own symbol for your practice.
While self-practice can be a helpful addition to your Reiki journey, it's important to seek out a qualified Reiki practitioner for deep work.
In Closing
Reiki is an amazing healing technique that you can benefit from in many ways. Based on universal life energy, you can take things into your own hands, literally, and learn the basics yourself. Reiki can help address your daily stresses or reduce chronic pain, as well as create emotional wellbeing. However, to really experience the healing energy that Reiki has to offer, book a session with a trained Reiki practitioner.