Reiki - In Focus

Hello,

we're starting a new feature tonight called "In Focus". We know a lot of people attending our shows already know a lot about New Age subjects and complementary therapies but for this feature we are aiming at people who are just starting on a new path.

The "In Focus" feature is intended to be a simple look at our subject and hopefully provide a little inspiration for jumping into something new!

Starting with Reiki, which tends to be one of the first therapies that people  try.  It's a very gentle and relaxing therapy which has gained a lot of popularity in recent years.


Reiki (ray-key) is Japanese for "universal life energy", a system of natural healing.

It was founded in Japan by Dr Mikao Usui in the early 20th century and evolved through his research, and experiences.

The system of Reiki was developed by Dr  Usui in 1922 while performing Isyu Guo, a 21 day Buddhist training course held on Mount Kurama. While undergoing this training Usui had gained the knowledge and spiritual power to apply and attune others to what he called Reiki, which entered his body through his crown Chakra.

Reiki is a form of hands-on-healing, through its use, practitioners use set hand positions to transfer universal energy which  allows for self-healing and a state of balance.

There are two main traditions  of Reiki, Traditional Japanese Reiki and Western Reiki. However, in essence both traditions of Reiki treatments can help the body emotionally or spiritually. It is a tradition that is open to any belief system and in some cases is followed as a Spiritual tradition in its own right.

In a typical  Reiki treatment, the person having the treatment will lie down and start to relax while the Reiki practitioner  might takes a few moments to enter a calm or meditative state of mind and mentally prepare for the treatment.

The treatment involves placing the hands on the recipient in various positions. However, the hands are usually held a few centimetres away from the body. The hands are usually kept in a position for three to five minutes before moving to the next position.  Between 12 and 20 positions are used, with the whole treatment lasting anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes.

As a universal energy Reiki can be practiced by anyone as long as they have been "attuned" to the system.  Reiki attunements are divided into 3 levels, all of which include teachings and attunements. Most Reiki practitioners also run or belong to Reiki Share groups.  These events are usually open to everyone.  You can try a mini-treatment, learn more about Reiki and meet up with new people.

As with any complementary therapy, when looking for someone to give you a treatment it's always best to find someone that is recommended by someone you know.

For more information about Reiki and practitioners near you visit www.reikifed.co.uk