Reiki Training & Reiki Energy Healing
Reiki therapy is a Japanese integrative health technique that delivers gentle, non-invasive touch to promote relaxation, reduce pain, and alleviate stress and anxiety. While reiki is not a replacement for conventional medical treatment, research supports that it may be an effective complementary treatment to other treatments.
Reiki history
The Usui System, also referred to as Usui Reiki, is a spiritual healing practice that traditionally involves the reiki practitioner placing their hands on or slightly above the person’s body to transfer healing energy and therefore maintain a flow of energy between the practitioner and the client. This constant flow of energy is used to promote relaxation, reduce stress and anxiety, speed healing, and improve overall well-being. For this reason, reiki is also referred to as palm healing.
Reiki sessions
Reiki sessions often last around 20 to 90 minutes. Some reiki practitioners may perform Reiki for the entire session, whereas others may take integrative health approaches and combine talk therapy and Reiki.
During your reiki treatment, you may be asked to fill out an intake form and discuss your goals and expectations with your practitioner. If you have any injuries or concerns, communicate them upfront. The professional reiki practitioner may create a relaxing environment to support healing using calming music, comfortable blankets, soft lighting, and, potentially, essential oils.
When it comes time for the therapist to practice Reiki, they may ask you to lay down on a Reiki table or mat. They can then hover their hands above your body or utilize gentle touch to redirect and balance body energy. If you prefer light touch, you can let your reiki master know; the practitioner can also utilize distance healing for those who prefer no touch. Unlike some forms of massage therapy, you will remain clothed during Reiki sessions in therapy.
As reiki treatments are intended to promote deep relaxation, they might not involve extensive discussions. However, after your appointment, your reiki practitioner may have a conversation with you about your experience and how you are feeling. Before each session, they may also ask you where in your body you’d like to relieve pain. Depending on your symptoms, their therapeutic techniques may vary.
Key Reiki principles
Reiki is based on five core principles, which serve as a foundation for the practice. These principles include the following:
“Just for today, I will release angry thoughts”
According to the principles of Reiki, energy comes from within. If you can release worries about the future, you may embrace the present. During your Reiki session, practice letting go of the thoughts that worry you, telling yourself you can come back to them after you’ve finished your session. This practice may aid in long term stress reduction as you learn to be more present in each moment.
“Just for today, I will be grateful”
Studies have found that emphasizing gratitude can improve mental and physical health. In reiki practice, centering gratitude is thought to channel positive energy and promote natural healing. Try to think of who and what you are grateful for during your reiki energy therapy session.
Mindfulness and appreciation for the present are key components of reiki’s energy healing technique. You may expand your consciousness by considering your body, spirit, and needs. You can also consider the reiki aspects of the people and living beings around you.
“Just for today, I will be gentle with every living being”
In Reiki, positive energy is gained through kindness to everyone, including yourself. By incorporating these principles in your life, you may experience an improved sense of balance, well-being, and positivity.
Reiki mental health benefits
While more scientific evidence is needed to establish the effectiveness of Reiki for alleviating mental health symptoms, there are several minor studies that suggest reiki may be a beneficial complementary health therapy alongside psychotherapy or other primary mental health interventions. The following are symptoms Reiki may address, followed by studies that have shown positive impacts.
Reiki and anxiety
A systematic review published in 2022 discovered that, of three randomized placebo-controlled trials analyzed, two studies found significant reductions in anxiety in those who practiced reiki compared with a placebo.
Stress
The same 2022 review article found that Reiki appeared to show significant reductions in stress levels compared with placebos. Additionally, in a study published in Advances in Nursing Science, researchers found nursing students who received distant Reiki sessions experienced decreased stress levels.
Chronic pain
A meta-analysis of randomized trials published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice in 2018 investigated four randomized controlled studies, finding that Reiki had a statistically significant impact on reducing pain. Another study shows that reiki and acupressure are effective in reducing pain levels in patients receiving palliative care, compared to a control group of patients who did not receive reiki or acupressure.
Reiki for depressive moods
In one study, Reiki was found to reduce depressive symptoms in chronically ill patients, and it was significantly more effective than a placebo Reiki session. Another study on participants with mild clinical depression found that reductions in depressive symptoms were maintained at a one-year follow up after Reiki sessions concluded.
The effectiveness of Reiki is challenging to study, due to difficulty establishing placebo standardizations for hands-on healing techniques, and the inability for modern research equipment to document or track changes in the energy field.
While some studies support the idea that Reiki may be more effective than placebo, there may not be enough research to make recommendations for Reiki as a primary treatment for mental health conditions through therapy. Additionally, some studies have a significant risk of bias. Instead, Reiki is considered integrative medicine and therefore an alternative therapy option that can be used in conjunction with conventional psychotherapy or medical treatments.
Anxiety
Chronic pain
Depression
In a 2016 study comparing Reiki therapy, CBT, and wait-list for the reduction of depressive symptoms in adolescents, both Reiki and CBT were found to be effective. However, CBT resulted in significantly greater reductions in depressive symptoms than Reiki.
Connecting with a Reiki practitioner
While some research indicates that Reiki may help with symptoms related to anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and stress, the US government warns that there is not enough clinical research and medical research to show any definitive therapeutic benefits of reiki and therefore may not be recommended as a standalone treatment for mental health conditions. If mental health symptoms begin to interfere with your daily life, consider reaching out to a licensed therapist. Some licensed therapists are experienced in reiki training and CBT, among other techniques, to offer a comprehensive approach.
Takeaway
Reiki offers a holistic approach to well-being that focuses on balancing the body's energy fields. The principles of reiki include releasing anger and worry while embracing gratitude, consciousness, and kindness. Reiki can be a beneficial complementary and alternative medicine for addressing symptoms of anxiety and depression, with studies finding that it can be more effective than a placebo.
If you’re ready to try reiki or another therapeutic approach, consider reaching out to a therapist for further guidance and support.
What're the principles of Reiki?
Usui Reiki Ryoho roughly means “Usui’s spiritual energy healing method” in Japanese. The word Reiki means “mysterious atmosphere” or “miraculous sign.” Reiki was founded by Mikao Usui. Its key principles are: living in the present moment, practicing gratitude, expanding your consciousness, and caring about the wellbeing of all living things in the world.
How does Reiki aim to promote healing and balance in the body?
Reiki is said to work by the practitioner channeling what practitioners call the universal life force energy by lightly placing their hands on someone’s body or hovering their hands over the body. These various hand positions used to channel energy are said to promote healing and balance by moving stuck energy in the body.
Does Reiki heal?
Many people use Reiki and feel that it is effective. However, it is important to know that Reiki remains unproven by scientific research. Studies that have been done have been poorly designed and contain methodological flaws.
Reiki vs. massage?
Reiki practitioners hold their hands to lightly touch the client’s body or don’t touch the body at all, while in massage, the practitioner uses their hands to manipulate muscles and fascia. Also, the aim of Reiki is to move energy, while the aim of massage is generally to relax muscles.
Is Reiki spiritual?
Yes, Reiki is a spiritual practice. In Japanese, rei means “higher knowledge” or “spiritual consciousness,” and ki is related to the Chinese word chi and means “life energy.” it can be combined with the spiritual practice of meditation.
What to expect from a Reiki master?
During a Reiki session, you lie down fully clothed, and the practitioner places their hands either on or over your body, using therapeutic touch. Some practitioners play soft music during the session. It may promote feelings of relaxation and lower your blood pressure.
What kind of Reiki training does a Reiki practitioner need to have?
A Reiki practitioner must complete courses in three levels of training under the supervision of Reiki masters. Some Reiki practitioners get certified by a recognized Reiki program. The International Center for Reiki Training specializes in teaching Reiki and offers a variety of Reiki classes.
When to not use Reiki?
It is not advisable to use Reiki as the only technique to try to cure cancer. It also should not be used as a replacement for medically necessary surgery in hospitals. If a person has a complicated medical history they also need to be cautious about using Reiki as their only method of health care. Relying solely on alternative therapies such as Reiki can be dangerous. Reiki can, however, be used as a complementary therapy. For instance, it can be a helpful technique in palliative care because of its potential to provide pain relief and relaxation.
What are the disadvantages of Reiki?
Another disadvantage of Reiki is its cost, as it’s often not covered by health insurance. Check with your insurance provider to see if they cover Reiki sessions. You can also ask your healthcare provider or primary care doctor for recommendations or do an online search for low cost Reiki in your area. Some local clinics may offer a sliding scale. If you live in the UK, the UK offers free Reiki services in some places.
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