By Susan Kimball

What is Reiki?

Reiki is a Japanese energy healing modality that opens up the flow of life force energy, often called chi, promoting physical, mental, emotional and spiritual healing. 

Reiki is made up of two words:  “Rei” meaning “spiritual wisdom or universal power” and “Ki” meaning “life force energy,” combined to mean “universal life force energy.”  Reiki treats the whole being, creating positive results including balance and well-being. 

Reiki healing enhances the body’s natural ability to heal itself and is never harmful.  While Reiki therapy is not connected with any religion, it is spiritual in nature.

How does energy come into play?

All living entities give and receive energy.  We breathe in and out.  We nourish our bodies with food which gives us energy to expend exercising or just living.  If we don’t have enough food — or if it is not good food — it will deplete our physical energy. 

If our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual energies are well-nourished, we will thrive and be happy and healthy.  However, if our life force energy is low, it may show up as inflammation, illness, stress, pain, depression and overall imbalance.

We know that to be in balance we need to nourish ourselves with good food, physical and mental exercise, being outside, playing and loving every day.  Unfortunately this doesn’t always happen in our daily lives, so we are inevitably out of balance and out of energy.  

Reiki healing therapy brings balance and energy to our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual selves. With our energies restored, we can live life more fully and happily.

What is a Reiki treatment like?

You are in a relaxing atmosphere, with gentle music, laying fully clothed on a massage-type  table (there is no massage involved).  The practitioner places both hands on (or above) your body.  You may feel heat or coolness and you may fall asleep briefly. You may see, feel or hear divinely guided information that can lead to solutions, new ideas or a sense of peace.  You will likely feel deeply relaxed.

Research

Research on Reiki is fairly new and it is not always easy to scientifically study an integrative therapy such as this. Studies to date have typically been small and not all are well designed.  However,  some strong studies support the ability of Reiki healing to reduce pain and anxiety and suggest it is useful in helping with relaxation, fatigue, depression and overall well-being.

The work of the Center for Reiki Research suggests “Reiki shows some promise as a noninvasive tool for healing at the physical and non-physical levels, particularly regarding the alleviation of pain, depression, and anxiety.”  Research in the area of Reiki in elderly and long-term care facilities show reductions in pain, anxiety, stress and physical symptoms as well as improved coping, self-care and well-being.  Several studies have documented Reiki’s effectiveness in nursing care, including the areas of oncology, critical care and pre- and post-procedures.

Reiki healing used as self-care for health care professionals has the potential for increasing job satisfaction and reducing burnout.  Nurses and other health care professionals reported feeling less irritated and more compassionate, grounded, alert, peaceful and empowered.

Benefits of Reiki

Reiki healing is beneficial to all living things, no matter one’s current health. It flows naturally to any and all areas that are out of balance.  Reiki therapy treats the whole being consisting of body, emotions, mind and spirit, creating positive effects including:

·         Energizes the body

·         Helps relieve pain

·         Relieves stress

·         Helps with sleep

·         Supports emotional and mental well-being

·         Promotes a deep meditative state

·         Brings clarity and awareness

·         Enhances spiritual connection

·         Boosts circulation and immune system

·         Assists with healing before and after surgery

·         Boosts creativity

·         Promotes natural self-healing

·         Releases blockages in the body (e.g. showing up as inflammation)

·         Releases blockages in the mind (e.g. showing up as procrastination)

·         Releases blockages in the spirit (e.g. showing up as depression)

·         Adapts to whatever is needed in that moment

·         Brings balance to body, mind and spirit

Susan Kimball, owner of Balanced Health Counseling, LLC, is a holistic health counselor, nutritionist and Reiki practitioner in the Denver-metro area. She received her training at Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City, is certified by Columbia University Teachers College in the Health Counseling Training Program and is board certified by American Association of Drugless Practitioners. She practices Usui style Reiki along with Intuitive.