Reiki is an energy healing technique conceptualized as a biofield therapy. The name Reiki originates from the Japanese word Rei, or “Universal Life,” and Ki, or “Energy.” This universal life force energy is the flowing, nonphysical energy found everywhere and in everything living and non-living. Reiki is limitless and abundant. The practice of Reiki focuses on the energetic pathways and channels in the body and takes a whole system approach.
In the human body, energy should be free-flowing. In this positive state, optimal health and wellness are achieved. When energy becomes blocked, it can lead to imbalance, illness, and or dis-ease. Reiki can facilitate wellness and healing by moving and circulating energy, enhancing the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Reiki practitioners facilitate this energy healing modality through energy channeling with or without physical touch one-on-one, in groups, or cosmically through the Universe in the form of distance healing.
Japanese Tradition of Reiki
Reiki is based on ancient Japanese healing practices using specific hand positions and symbols. These techniques channel the universal energy for healing and well-being. The tradition of Reiki has historically been passed down orally from Reiki Master to Reiki student through attunement. The lineage is traced back to the 1800s and founder Dr. Mikao Usui. This “Usui” style of Reiki was then passed along to Chujiru Hayashi and later his granddaughter, Hawayo Takata.
Reiki is taught in three levels: Reiki I, Reiki II, and Reiki Master Training. Essential to the Reiki Healer is the ability to set healing intentions and serve as a conduit of healing energy, which is drawn through the practitioner to wherever the patient needs it. Reiki can also be used with animals, plants, and crystals and in any area of life where you are seeking clarity, balance, or healing. The practitioner can also self-administer Reiki treatments as part of daily self-care.
How the Energy Healing Works
Reiki channels our electromagnetic biofield energy signal through the brain and body and out through the practitioner’s hands. Other electromagnetic fields influencing the potential of Reiki energy biofield therapy include moon phases, sunspot activity, and geomagnetic pulsation.
Human physiology interacts with the environment through energy fields and also communicates on a cellular level. The involvement of chemical, electrical, and neurotransmitters makes up the dynamic resonance that exists between the human biofield and the environment.
Evidence-Based Practice
The recipient of Reiki energy is drawing in the energy healing themselves. The practitioner is present with the rebalancing of the energy field and with the patient, with their presence set by the practitioner’s intention. The healing therapeutic relationship is established by the practitioner as healer and the patient’s desire to be healed. Reiki has shown evidence of being an effective energy healing modality when used in mental health as a complementary therapy, including being effective for:
- Stress and Anxiety • Depression • PTSD • Difficulty Sleeping • Fibromyalgia • Pain • High Blood Pressure • Surgical Recovery • Cancer Symptoms
As Reiki continues to gain mainstream recognition for its therapeutic effects and a multitude of benefits, more research, measurable outcomes, and documentation of sound evidence-based practices with methodologic quality are needed to continue to substantiate the positive energy of Reiki healing.
Melissa Wooldridge Breton, APRN, FNP-BC, MSN, RN, is a Holistic Nurse Practitioner and Integrative Nurse Coach. With a comprehensive understanding of the complexity of the human spirit and a deep knowledge of natural complementary healing modalities, Melissa blends the art and science of Integrative Nursing into a co-creative, intentional, human, caring experience.
Text Melissa at 860.614.7588 or email her at: Melissa@eclipseholisticliving.com. ECLIPSE Holistic Living, LLC, located at 30 Hebron Avenue, Building E, second floor (above Ken’s Corner) in Glastonbury Center.