Reiki can be learned by anyone, at any age or background. It is not a religion and will fit into whatever spiritual belief system you have. It is not necessary to become a professional practitioner of Reiki to derive the benefits to your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual self.
Along with the physical, emotional and mental components of being human, we also have an unseen component, our life force or chi, which is an integral part of the whole human package. The chi or life force flows through a chakra system as a non-physical force or energy. The integrity of the flow of energy throughout this energetic system is determined by several key factors, including what we say, do and think about ourselves and others around us. If we do not pay attention to these key factors, all areas of our being, emotional, mental and physical begin to show signs of stress.
This energetic system is supported by an energetic mainframe. The main support system is a chakra grid, with seven main chakras, or energy vortexes, located down the center of the human body, front and back. Beginning at the Crown, these chakras continue successively to the Third Eye (between the two eyes), Throat, Heart, Solar Plexus, Sacral Centre (just below the navel), to the Root Chakra (below the base of the spine). These chakras feed the body's organs with life force or chi, they also have colours and emotional components, thought patterns and beliefs attached to them.
After learning Reiki, most people have an increased sense or awareness of connection to themselves and those around them. Many experience a warmth in their hands and an awareness in their hearts that they have not felt for a very long time, if ever.
Reiki, is one way that this energetic system can be given the support that it needs, enhancing the energy flow or chi throughout the human body. As my father puts it, 'by consciously transmitting energy to oneself, people are able to give themselves support even in the most stressful situations, increase their sleeping time, reduce and relieve pain and discomfort, and feel more together in even the most stressful of situations'.
As a parent, I have found Reiki an invaluable complement to established medical treatment for illness and injury. Not only has Reiki given comfort to our children when they have been sick, but they have taken an interest in learning Reiki for themselves. They now treat their pets if they are sick and have an understanding of how important it is to take care of themselves and be responsible for their thoughts, words and actions. They also enjoy more self-esteem and confidence in all situations.
With stress at an all time high in the workplace, having staff trained in Reiki or a practitioner available on-site is ideal. Employees experience less stress, which allows them to be more creative and productive. Apathy and consumption of sick-leave time is also reduced. Thus, companies and corporations experience less lost revenue and enjoy higher productivity and boosted morale.
Reiki is taught in a rather unique manner, one on one, by a Reiki Master to student. By way of what is called an "attunement" and intent, the energetic battery or mainframe of the individual learning Reiki is given a boost, with the teacher placing Reiki in the crown and into the individuals hands. This is not to say that a Reiki Master has 'special powers' to do this for another. As it was originally explained to me by my teacher, 'this process energizes a house already wired for electricity'.
The universal life force, chi or prana, that is transmitted during an attunement, has a consciousness, and understands what is needed for each individual, for only their highest good and only what they wish to personally receive. The energy that surrounds all living things passes by intent through the teacher to student, they are a conduit. By boosting this energetic framework or chakra system, it increases the amount of energy flow throughout it. The results are as individual as the people receiving this attunement.
As surprising as this may sound, after this attunement, all a person has to do is place their hands on themselves or another with intent and permission of course, when treating another, and the Reiki will flow. The energy fills the person's body giving Reiki and then flows out from the heart through the hands to the individual receiving the energy.
Since you are tapping into the energy surrounding all living things, you are also not depleting your own supply. In fact, when giving Reiki to another, you are also receiving Reiki yourself. The more Reiki that is practiced day-to-day, the more its benefits become apparent. Reiki is primarily for personal use; some people do become practitioners, although most learn for themselves.ealing.
Learning how to tap into the energy that surrounds all living things, which is what Reiki intends to accomplish, is something that is often believed to be the domain of those who are 'special or gifted'. It is true that some people are better at this than others naturally, however, like many other pursuits, practice brings greater achievement and satisfaction.
Whether you practice or receive Reiki, you will notice a reduction in your stress level, pain relief and comfort and gives you a framework to work with when beginning to understand the energy that we feel in and around us all the time. The more you work with Reiki, the more benefits become aware to you. These benefits are limitless and will bring support, in every area of your life.
Author: Bev Hille, Reiki Master-Teacher 2000