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Reiki Natural HealingBy Margaret E. Dexter, Ph.D. Reiki is a technique for relaxation and stress reduction that often promotes healing. This ancient healing modality was discovered, or rediscovered, by Dr. Mikao Usui in Japan approximately 100 years ago. Similar techniques have been used for thousands of years in many different religions including Christianity. Jesus healed, and He said “Truly, truly I say to you, he who believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I go to the Father.” John 14:12. The word “Reiki”, pronounced "ray-key", comes from two Japanese words. "Rei" means higher knowledge or spiritual consciousness, the wisdom that comes from God. "Ki", also called chi or prana, is the life force energy that animates all living things. One definition of Reiki is "God guided life force energy. The consciousness we call Rei guides the energy we call Ki Why would I want a Reiki session? Reiki has many benefits including positive states of consciousness and spiritual experiences. It is a powerful tool for personal and spiritual development. Reiki has aided in healing virtually every known illness and injury. It complements other forms of treatment, both conventional and alternative. During a Reiki session, you lie on a massage table, fully clothed, while the Reiki Practitioner places his or her hands on or near your body. The Reiki energy flows from the universal Reiki source to the practitioner and through the practitioner to you. The Reiki energy knows what is needed and where it is needed. Since the God-consciousness - not the mind of the practitioner - directs the energy, Reiki can never do harm. You may want a Reiki session as a treat for yourself, a wonderful way to relax. You may want a Reiki session to help with healing at the physical, emotional, or spiritual level. Or you may want a Reiki session just for the fun of it! How does Reiki work? Reiki produces a deep state of relaxation and promotes balance at the physical, emotional and mental levels. This state of balance and relaxation enhances the innate healing ability of the body. Can I learn to do Reiki? Reiki can be learned and used by everyone. It is not a religion and it has no dogma. A Reiki practitioner can be trained to do Reiki treatments in a weekend workshop, yet people devote their lives to the study and practice of Reiki. We all have healing ability. When you are in pain, it is instinctive to place your hand where it hurts. Mothers place their hands on their children when they are hurt or sick. Learning Reiki will enhance your innate healing ability. How is Reiki taught? Reiki is taught in three levels or degrees: Reiki I, Reiki II and Reiki III/Master. Reiki workshops are a combination of lecture, discussion, meditation and practice. In the Reiki I workshop you are attuned to level I of the Reiki energy and taught to do a complete Reiki treatment on yourself and others. Yes, on yourself! Reiki is one healing modality you can use for self-healing. Reiki I is focused primarily on the physical body. In the Reiki II workshop you are attuned to level II of the Reiki energy and taught how to do a level II treatment. Reiki II increases the power of the Reiki energy, extends the healing power of Reiki to the emotional and mental levels and includes a method of distant healing. After the Reiki II workshop and a little practice, you are qualified to do Reiki treatments as a Reiki II Practitioner. In Reiki Master training, you are attuned to level III of the Reiki energy and are taught to attune others to all levels of Reiki. The Reiki Master training also increases your healing ability. After the Reiki Master training, you are a Reiki Master and can teach all levels of Reiki to others. Some Reiki Masters, Margaret included, teach an Advanced Reiki Training (ART) class between Reiki II and Reiki III/Master. ART includes several healing and meditation techniques. The purpose of ART is to enhance your healing abilities and prepare you for the Reiki Master class. There are many excellent books about Reiki that you may want to read to learn more about Reiki. But you cannot learn to do Reiki from a book. Reiki training includes attunements or initiations during which the ability to do Reiki is transferred to the student by the Reiki Master. Margaret E. Dexter, founder of Reiki Chattanooga, is a Reiki Master Teacher and has taught Reiki in Chattanooga since 1995. She holds a PhD from Georgia Tech and is a former college professor. This article was written for the March 2005 issue of New Life Health and Wellness. |
Last modified: 10/15/2013 | ||||||
