Mind - Body - Spirit

Reiki is safe, non-intrusive and non-manipulative. By the traditional laying-on-of-hands one can access and transmit this natural healing energy to create and maintain balance and harmony within the body.

Reiki catalyses the body's natural ability to heal itself and hence is an excellent complementary mode of healing.

Addressing physical and emotional imbalances, Reiki brings relief and release by accessing the universal energy to dispel disharmony and pain. Although Reiki is essentially a means of working with universal energy that we cannot see, it is not a religion and requires no particular belief system to make it work.

The Science Behind Reiki - What Happens in a Treatment?

Independent research by Dr Robert Becker and Dr John Zimmerman during the 1980's investigated what happens whilst people practice alternative therapies such as Reiki. They found that not only do the brain wave patterns of practitioner and receiver become synchronised in the alpha state characteristic of deep relaxation and meditation, but they pulse in unison with the earth's magnetic field, known as the 'Schuman Resonance.' During these moments, the bio magnetic field of the practitioner's hands is at least 1000 times greater than normal, and not as a result of internal body current. Toni Bunnell (1997) suggests that the linking of energy fields between practitioner and earth allows the practitioner to draw on the 'infinite energy source' or 'universal energy field' via the Schuman Resonance. Prof. Paul Davies and Dr. John Gribben in The Matter Myth (1991), discuss the quantum physics view of a 'living universe' in which everything is connected in a 'living web of interdependence'. All of this supports the subjective experience of 'oneness' and 'expanded consciousness' related by those who regularly receive or self-treat with Reiki.

Zimmerman (1990) in the USA and Seto (1992) in Japan further investigated the large pulsating biomagnetic field that is emitted from the hands of energy practitioners whilst they work. They discovered that the pulses are in the same frequencies as brain waves, and sweep up and down from 0.3 - 30 Hz, focusing mostly in 7 - 8 Hz, alpha state. Independent medical research has shown that this range of frequencies will stimulate healing in the body, with specific frequencies being suitable for different tissues. For example, 2 Hz encourages nerve regeneration, 7 Hz bone growth, 10Hz ligament mending, and 15 Hz capillary formation. Physiotherapy equipment based on these principles has been designed to aid soft tissue regeneration, and ultra sound technology is commonly used to clear clogged arteries and disintegrate kidney stones. Also, it has been known for many years that placing an electrical coil around a fracture that refuses to mend will stimulate bone growth and repair.

Becker explains that 'brain waves' are not confined to the brain, but travel throughout the body via the perineural system, the sheaths of connective tissue surrounding all nerves. During a treatment, these waves begin as relatively weak pulses in the thalamus of the practitioner's brain, and gather cumulative strength as they flow to the peripheral nerves of the body, including the hands. The same effect is mirrored in the person receiving treatment, and Becker suggests that it is this system, more than any other, that regulates injury repair and system rebalance. This highlights one of the special features of Reiki (and similar therapies), that both practitioner and client receive the benefits of a treatment, which makes it very efficient.

It is interesting to note that Dr Becker carried out his study on a world-wide array of cross-cultural subjects, and no matter what their belief systems or customs, or how opposed to each other their customs were, all tested the same. Part of Reiki's growing popularity is that it does not impose a set of beliefs, and can therefore be used by people of any background and faith, or none at all. This neutrality makes it particularly appropriate to a medical or prison setting.

From an article by Tamisha Sabrina

How does Reiki work?

The Reiki energy is drawn through the practitioner by the need or imbalance in the patient. A Reiki Practitioner acts as a channel for the energy and therefore is not actually doing the healing. It is the patient's willingness and acceptance which determines the progress of healing, and enables just the right amount of energy being drawn through at any given treatment session. The sensation felt by the patient is usually a deep feeling of warmth, and a slight tingling sensation can also be felt through the body's and arms and legs.

Reiki healing energises the body's natural defence mechanism, which assists in the healing process in the physical body, the mind, the emotions as well as assisting in spiritual awakening. In certain chronic illnesses, the progress of the disease may not be reversed however; great benefit can still be gained to bring about a sense of peace and acceptance by the patient. Reiki treatments can be used to maintain general good health and to create a sense of well being when used on a regular basis.

A Reiki Treatment

The treatment usually creates highly a relaxing experience for most people. The recipient is asked to lie on a treatment bed (or sits on a chair in some cases). The therapist's hands are placed on a fully clothed person in a sequence of positions to cover the whole body to enable the energy to flow naturally. Most people feel the energy as heat or as a tingling sensation, but the experience may differ from person to person. Afterwards, the person usually feels very relaxed and full of energy; sometimes the relaxed effects can be delayed by up to several days.

Reiki healing can:

Promote natural self-healing
Relax and reduce symptoms of stress
Strengthen the immune system
Relieve symptoms and causes of illness
Relieve pain
Assist in the release of toxins from the system
Enhance natural healing following injury and/or operations
Enhance personal awareness and calmness
Release blocked and suppressed feelings and emotions
Aid meditation and positive thinking

© 2008-2010 Christina Richmond