The Gift of Reiki
by Martha Thomas, Tofino
Touch the body, reach the spirit, heal the soul, aaahhh Reiki.
Reiki is an ancient healing art where light touch works to balance
one’s energy system and promote healing on all levels: physical,
mental/emotional and spiritual. It is a subtle energy that penetrates
and works deeply in the body. Reiki is a Japanese word pronounced ray-key.
Literally translated, ” Rei” means miraculous or phenomenal,
and “Ki” means energy. Phenomenal in the sense that we
do not know why or how it works, but we can definitely feel the affects.
Through the years the meaning of Reiki has evolved to become “Universal
Life Force Energy.” Someone I know says he has a jar of this
energy at home and puts it on his cereal every morning for an extra
boost. But really, Reiki is a way of channeling and applying this energy
directly on yourself or others with the intention of healing and well
being.
Reiki has its roots in ancient India and Tibet. The knowledge was
almost lost, had it not been for the studies and rediscovery of this
art by
Dr. Mikao Usui who became the founder of Reiki and its use in Japanese
healing clinics. Dr. Usui was a devote teacher and student. It was
his search for ancient truths that motivated his studies. The truth
that he was seeking was the gift of healing. It was through his spiritual
quest that he finally experienced this phenomenon of healing with
the laying on of hands. Reiki still remains a spiritual quest for those
who practice it today. Many cultures around the world have had systems
of healing through touch. It is a universal way of healing. The technique
and truths most likely would have been lost if it were not Dr. Usui.
As the Reiki energy is such a gift, we must be grateful for his work
and for those who have carried it on. .
So, what do you experience during a Reiki session? Lie back, relax,
breathe and feel the sensations. Sometimes we are so caught up in our
busy world and have built so much tension up in our bodies that it
takes a few moments to “come down” to reality, to reach
the stillness and experience the energy of Reiki. Once you do, you
may experience a deep sense of relaxation. Some feel heat, tingling
or pulsing in certain problem areas in their body. Some may go on a
journey, having visions and out of body experiences. And some may feel
emotions rise to be released from the body. Reiki works on all levels.
It is great for pain, insomnia, depression and many states of dis-ease.
It is a non-invasive way of healing and is ideal for those who are
recovering from an injury where it is too painful to have deep tissue
massage. It has divine wisdom and will travel to where it needs to
in the body and will do what is needed. After the session, many feel
lighter, more clear, less pain and in general…better. The Reiki
is a ray of unconditional love… of pure bliss!
One of the best things about Reiki is that it is easy to learn and
to practice. Once you are “attuned” or opened up to the
energy, it is always flowing through you. It is always there “on
hand” to use for yourself, family or friends. Parents can use
it on their children for their many scrapes, bumps, cuts, bruises,
colds and fevers as it helps to speed the healing. It is perfect for
any type of body worker to have as a compliment to the therapy they
already practice. It is also great for nurses and hospice workers who
are often dealing with people in pain whether it is physical or emotional.
If you are at a crossroads in your life and not sure which path to
take, Reiki can help give you direction as you get in touch with yourself
and your inner most desires. It can help you to realize your soul’s
path.
In the first level of Reiki you will learn more about the history
of this system of natural healing. You will become attuned to the energy
and learn how to use it on yourself and others. In the second level
of Reiki you will have another “attunement” to a higher
degree and learn symbols to increase the energy and to send it for
long distance healing. The symbols that you learn will increase the
flow of energy and work more specifically on a mental/emotional level.
Certificates are presented on the completion of the courses.
Reiki is not; a diagnostic tool, a religious practice, an alternative
to medical treatment or a panacea. Reiki is an excellent compliment
to any medical treatment or therapy. It is a way of giving your own
body’s natural healing system a boost. It is a way to help others
in need, almost like giving them a warm healing hug. It is a way to
let the energy of unconditional love flow through you. Reiki is a beautiful
way of touching each other’s bodies, spirits and souls with the
intention for the highest good of all.
Martha Thomas is a certified Reiki master who has been studying and
practicing the art of Reiki for 10 years. Call her at 250.725.2079 for
more information.
Tofino Body & Soul - Spa and Wellness articles
Tofino reiki master Marla Thomas explains the origins and benefits of Reiki in Tofino Time Magazine in December 2004.