ABOUT REIKI

What is Reiki?

Reiki is a Japanese energy healing system developed in the early 20th century by Mikao Usui. Reiki is based on the practitioner's ability to draw into themselves external energy at variable frequencies and emit a coherent electromagnetic field from the hands for healing.

What are the origins of Reiki?

Mikao Usui developed his Reiki method after his satori (japanese: enlightenment) at a temple on Mt Kurama following a 21 day fasting retreat. The concept of drawing external energy directly came to Mikao Usui and he applied this to his Ki Ko [see notes] teaching, which developed over time into his Reiki method that we know today. Reiki has grown into many forms or styles now, each with its own theory and techniques, but all have a common origin in the lineage of the founder of Reiki Mikao Usui. Reiki is taught in levels or degrees and has an initiation process known as Denju whereby the Reiki teacher gives the student a number of initiation attunements that connect them to the source of the energy and allow them to draw into themselves this energy.

How does Reiki work?

Reiki is a direct healing method and the practitioner applies the energy at the area that is damaged or diseased or simply needs healing. Reiki can be used as a passive healing method, where the practitioner is a channel for the energy and does nothing to promote healing or an active method (click here to read about Active Reiki) where the practitioner takes an active role in the healing process and does everything possible to maximise the healing effects of the Reiki treatment.

Research studies have shown that energy healers produce an Electromagnetic field, infra-red energy and biophoton emissions from their hands when healing.

On a physical level, the mechanism of how Electromagnetic Field therapies work is posited to be through signal transduction pathways. Signal transduction is the process by which cells convert one form of signalling into another, usually a biochemical reaction. It is believed the Electromagnetic field affects the frequency of the charged ions' binding state. It is this change that appears to initiate the cells healing cascade. This is how I believe Reiki works - with Reiki, the initial signal is electromagnetic and the response is a healing cascade

On an emotional level, Reiki works through a number of mechanisms. There is indirect effect through the relaxation and calming experienced during and after the treatment and there is a direct effect through the application of infra-red and electromagnetic energy at the brain and/or heart and/or gut. (click here to read about Reiki science)


Notes:

Ki Ko is the Japanese name for Qi Gong. One of the aspects of Ki Ko is healing. The practitioner can project healing energy from their hands. Ki ko requires much practice over a lengthy period of time for the practitioner to be able to project Ki (energy).