Energy healing
...restoration of balance and harmony!
Reiki: an energy massage for balance and healing
Reiki is an ancient healing technique, rediscovered by Japanese monk Dr Mikao Usui in the late 19th century. Rooted in the wisdom of ancient Tibetan cultures, Reiki is a holistic practice that supports healing on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels. It works by harmonising the flow of vital energy through the body’s channels (meridians) and energy centres (chakras), dissolving blockages and restoring balance.
During a Reiki session, the practitioner channels universal energy through their crown chakra and transfers it to the recipient via their hands. This is often described as an “energy massage” – a gentle yet profound experience that reduces stress, deepens relaxation, and activates the body’s natural self-healing abilities. Reiki is an intelligent energy that intuitively reaches the areas where it is most needed.
How Reiki works
Reiki does not require belief or faith, only an openness to its energy. By clearing blockages and rebalancing the body’s energy flow, Reiki creates a sense of inner harmony and supports the healing of physical, emotional, and spiritual ailments.
Practitioners may also use gemstones, particularly crystals, to amplify Reiki energy. Crystals, when charged with even a small amount of energy, can magnify its effect, especially in areas related to key energetic centres. For therapeutic benefits, a series of at least 10 Reiki sessions is often recommended. Each session typically lasts 45–60 minutes, depending on the individual’s health and needs.
Scientific research on Reiki
Reiki is a recognised form of energy medicine, used worldwide in private clinics, hospitals, and medical centres to complement conventional treatments. Scientific studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing stress, pain, and anxiety.
Research highlights include:
- Strengthened immune function and reduced muscle tension.
- Lowered heart rate and blood pressure, promoting cardiovascular health.
- Improved memory and mental clarity.
- Support in managing psychological stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges.
- Relief from chronic conditions, such as migraines, menstrual pain, and colic.
In my personal experience, Reiki has been instrumental in relieving short-term memory issues caused by a stroke, accelerating healing after fractures and injuries, and significantly reducing stress and anxiety.
Reiki and traditional Chinese medicine
Reiki aligns closely with the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which teaches that illness arises from blockages in the body’s energy flow. Stress, untreated illnesses, and unhealthy lifestyles can disrupt the balance of Qi (vital energy), leading to physical and emotional discomfort.
Reiki helps release these blockages, restoring the natural flow of Qi. In TCM, health is defined as harmony within oneself (body, mind, and spirit) and with one’s surroundings. Reiki achieves this by balancing the complementary energies of Yin and Yang, which flow through the body’s meridians.
Energy centres and meridians
The body’s energy system consists of energetic centres (chakras or tan tiens) and channels (meridians). Meridians, which run beneath the skin, connect all parts of the body, while chakras act as energy hubs that transform and distribute energy. These structures are surrounded by the aura, an energetic field that also requires cleansing.
A full Reiki session cleanses the entire energy system, balances the chakras, and dissolves blockages. This promotes the free flow of energy, nourishes the body, and stimulates its natural healing processes.
Benefits of Reiki
Physical healing
- Supports recovery from fractures, injuries, wounds, and burns.
- Helps manage pain, including migraines, muscle tension, and colic.
- Aids in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, cancer, and organ dysfunction.
- Improves vision, hearing, and digestive health.
Emotional and mental well-being
- Relieves stress, anxiety, and tension.
- Supports emotional balance and relaxation.
- Assists in therapy for autism, ADHD, and other neurological conditions.
Spiritual growth and prevention
- Enhances spiritual awareness and balance.
- Promotes relaxation and strengthens the immune system.
- Regular sessions help prevent illness by maintaining overall health.
During pregnancy
Reiki is safe and beneficial during pregnancy, supporting both the mother and baby by reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
Reiki in practice
A typical Reiki session involves the practitioner applying their hands to or near the recipient’s body. The process is gentle, non-invasive, and deeply calming. Clients often report sensations of warmth or tingling as energy flows through their body.
A series of sessions is recommended to address chronic issues or to fully integrate the benefits into daily life. Regular Reiki treatments can act as a preventive measure, keeping the body and mind in a state of balance and harmony.
Contraindications
Reiki is a non-invasive therapy with no known contraindications. It is safe for people of all ages and conditions, making it a versatile complement to other medical treatments.
Reiki is much more than a therapeutic technique – it is a pathway to greater self-awareness, balance, and healing. Whether you are seeking relief from pain, stress, or emotional challenges, or simply looking to restore harmony in your life, Reiki offers a gentle yet powerful way to reconnect with your body’s innate ability to heal.
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