Reiki, the universal life energy, is contained in all living things. If a person becomes ill, his body shows energy deficits. He develops symptoms that can be treated with a Reiki application. Energy initiation belongs to the field of holistic energy work and is offered today by many alternative practitioners, as well as in spa clinics and wellness centers.
What is Reiki?
The treatment, in which body, mind and spirit are conceived as one, does not require a conventional diagnosis and assumes that the Reiki will automatically find the place in the energetically ill body where it is urgently needed. In Reiki treatment, the practitioner serves only as a channel for the transmission of Reiki to the patient (client). According to the teachings of Reiki, every form of illness is caused by energetic blockages and energy deficits. The universal life energy cannot flow unhindered. Certain areas of the body are thus energetically undersupplied. This leads to complaints in cells, organs and whole regions of the body. Through Reiki, the blockage is dissolved on the fine-material level. The discomfort and pain disappear. The treatment, in which body, mind and soul are understood as one unit, does not require a conventional diagnosis and assumes that the Reiki will automatically find the place in the energetically ill body where it is urgently needed. Reiki works independently of the particular mental condition of the patient. It has a positive effect on people who are open to it and have the willingness to make the necessary changes in their lives. The health-promoting effect is further enhanced if the Reiki user has a high level of sensitivity. Scientific studies on the effectiveness of Reiki treatment have not produced any clear results to date. With the help of Reiki, the trained user can even treat himself, animals and plants.
Function, effect and goals
In Reiki, a distinction is made between the short treatment for acute health disorders and whole body treatments. They are usually performed for severe chronic diseases and very stressful complaints. Short treatments last up to 30 minutes each. In the case of full treatments, the client can expect the treatment to last up to one and a half hours. He is in a relaxed position on a mat on the floor. He is clothed, as the universal energy can naturally penetrate his body through his clothing. The Reiki practitioner determines the energetic state of his chakras (energy centers) by laying his hands on his forehead for 15 minutes. He then applies his hand to the other chakras, transferring the energy to them. Alternatively, the Reiki practitioner can hold his hand a few inches above the body. Then the client lies down on the front side so that the back of the body can be energetically treated. From the individual chakras, the strengthening and healing universal energy is also transmitted to other areas of the body. According to Mikao Usui, the discoverer of Reiki, the Reiki practitioner may even gently stroke, tap and massage the client’s body in the process. This is decided by the practitioner depending on the need of the sick person. Reiki treatment affects all fine-material levels. The harmonization of the mental and spiritual state promotes the physical healing process. However, the client should expect the occurrence of the first-aggravation effect. Therefore, in case of acute disorders, it is recommended to perform the treatment for 4 consecutive days in order for healing to occur. The first-worsening effect is only the proof that the treatment is effective and the body is ready to respond to it. In case of strong psychological stress, an emotional surge may occur initially. It too shows that the energy supplied is causing changes. It is generally active 5 to 7 days after the treatment. In case of chronic and strong complaints, several applications are necessary.On the mental-spiritual level, the universal life energy causes the following: Reduction of stress and anxiety, promotion of relaxation, increase of concentration and learning ability, harmonization and intensification of emotional life, letting go of negative and hindering thought structures, promotion of inner strength and serenity, strengthening of creativity, mental flexibility, intuition, promotion of cognitive processes (self-knowledge, recognition of one’s own life task), development of mental-spiritual potential, possibly promotion of spiritual abilities. Depressive moods and eating disorders are also positively influenced by Reiki. The treatment should not be used in the presence of neuroses and psychoses. On a physical level, Reiki causes a permanent strengthening of the immune system and can thus bring about healing successes in diseases such as neurodermatitis, allergies, asthma, rheumatism and arthritis. Even spontaneous healings of cancer have been observed. It has anti-inflammatory, pain relieving and wound healing effects, strengthens the nerves and balances the hormonal imbalance of thyroid hormones. In addition, the treatment has a detoxifying, spasm and shock relieving effect.
Risks, side effects and dangers
People who undergo Reiki treatment do not run any health risk with it. In extreme cases, it does not affect them. If they are undergoing medical, naturopathic or psychotherapeutic treatment at the time of application, they should definitely continue with it: Reiki additionally supports them in their health-promoting effect. However, because of the consciousness-raising meditative effect, pain and anesthetic medications may be reduced in effectiveness. The Reiki client should absolutely refrain from the simultaneous application of crystals, as they can sensitively disturb the healing process due to their energy-storing properties. As a special feature is considered the so-called water Reiki, a Reiki treatment that is performed in warm water.
