Reiki is a holistic alternative therapy based on Eastern concepts of energy flow and the seven chakras (energy centers) in the human body. Reiki was formulated by a Japanese teacher, Mikao Usui, around 1890, but incorporates meditation techniques, beliefs, and symbols that are considerably older. It is distinctive among alternative therapies in its emphasis on self- healing, its five spiritual principles, and its accreditation of healers through a system of initiation.

Purpose

The purpose of this treatment is the healing of emotional and spiritual, as well as physical pain through the transmission of universal life energy, called ki in Japanese. It is believed that ki flows throughout the universe, but that Reiki connects humans in a more direct way to the universal source. Reiki is used for the healing of animals as well as people.

Description of a basic treatment

Although Reiki involves human touch, it is not massage therapy. You, the client, lie on a table fully clothed except for shoes while your Reiki healer places her or his hands over the parts of your body and the chakras in sequence. The hands are held palms downward with the fingers and thumbs extended. If you are in pain or cannot turn over, your practitioner may touch only the affected part(s). Silence or music appropriate for meditation is considered essential to the treatment.

Preparation

Your Reiki healer has been initiated into all three levels of practice through attunements, which are ceremonies in which teachers transmit the hand positions and sacred symbols. Reiki I healers learn the basic hand positions and can practice direct healing on others. Reiki II healers are taught the symbols that empower them to do distance or absentee healing. In Reiki III, the healer makes a commitment to become a master teacher.

Although Reiki is not a religion, healers affirm five spiritual principles attributed to Mikao Usui:

• Just for today, do not worry.
• Just for today, do not be angry.
• Honor your parents, teachers, and elders.
• Earn your living honestly.
• Be kind to your neighbors and every living thing.

Risks

Reiki is considered a positive force that works only for good without violating the human will. Clients can choose to block the energy flow, but cannot be harmed in any way. Reiki is used in conjunction with Western medicine or homeopathy; clients are not asked to change their religious or scientific convictions.

Normal results

Because your Reiki healer channels energy, he/she may experience warm or tingling sensations in their hands during a treatment. The client's experiences vary, since it is believed that Reiki energy will flow to wherever it is needed in the client's body or psyche. Healers do not promise to cure a specific disease. Clients have, however, reported relief from pain, general relaxation, faster healing of injuries, emotional calming or release, lowered blood pressure, and easier childbirth.