photo cred: Michelle Darago

What is reiki?

Simply put, reiki is Universal Energy- the unconditional love of Spirit/God/The Divine. Reiki is a healing modality that originated in Japan borne of a vision quest undertaken by Dr. Mikao Usui. After 40 days, Usui came back to his community with knowledge of how to tap into this spiritual energy to initiate and catalyze healing. Although all healing modalities work with the energy bodies to some extent, reiki impacts these bodies in a gentle but powerful way to shift ingrained patterns that are not serving the client’s highest good. In a reiki session, the practitioner gently lays hands on the client’s fully clothed body and acts as a channel of this Universal Energy into the client’s auric field. This can also be done long distance without the client being physically present and, for those who do not feel comfortable with touch, can be done hands off. Since it is not possible for lower vibrating energy (that produces pain, tension and suffering) to exist when higher vibrating energy is present, the Universal Energy flushes out these more dense energies out of the energetic field.

Reiki is a particularly effective way to relieve stress, tension, bring more inner peace and balance into one’s life. For people who are needing more long-term support due to illness or disease, a crystal healing grid can also be set up by request that will continue to deliver healing energy to the client long-term. Hour-long reiki sessions are now offered over phone, in person, and on Zoom.

The following is taken from the Canadian Reiki Association’s FAQ page (www.reiki.ca):

What can be expected after a session?

Over the next little while, you may notice that you are detoxifying the waste that has built up in your system. You may want to allow more time in the ‘little room’ (the washroom) in the morning. Increase your water and/or herbal tea intake so that the toxins are flushed out more readily. You may want to rest more and allow time for that. Most people feel an immediate improvement in their level of pain. Energy and alertness increase daily and a feeling of overall well-being may be noticed.

Reiki Principles:

Just for today, I will not anger
Just for today, I will not worry
Just for today, I will be grateful
Just for today, I will work hard on myself
Just for today, I will be kind to others

To learn more about reiki, check out these resources:

Article: Is there Science on Reiki?

Going Shamanic Radio: Reiki: Japanese Healing Energy

On this episode, Jen talks with Carrell Mehl, a Reiki Master Teacher and Shamanic Practitioner about Reiki as a healing modality.