Reiki is a Japanese therapy used to heal the mind and body. It is included within the so-called alternative medicines. It consists of placing hands on the patient’s body, attracting universal energy, and restoring the balance of the chakras. There are different ways to apply it, such as “in person” or “at a distance.” Let’s explain what it is, how it works, what it is used for, and what the health benefits are.
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What is Reiki
Through the laying on of hands, Reiki serves to transmit healing energy to the body of individuals. It works by transferring universal energy or “Reiki” to cure the person physically and emotionally. The original word comes from Sanskrit, REI meaning universal energy and KI meaning vital energy. By combining these two meanings, we get the full meaning: universal and vital energy.
Reiki was invented by the Japanese Buddhist Mikao Usui. The first Reiki techniques began in 1922.
Today, it is considered a pseudoscience, with many opinions for and against. It works to restore psychic, mental, and physical energy. Below we see what Reiki is used for.
What it is used for
- Eliminate repressed emotions.
- Increase the body’s energy.
- Improve both physical and mental vitality.
- As a rejuvenating therapy for the entire body.
- As an adjunct or complementary therapy to medical treatment.
- To relax and eliminate anxiety or stress.
- Relieve sorrow, suffering, and emotional ups and downs.
- Reduce migraines, headaches, and cephalalgia.
- Eliminate constipation and intestinal problems.
- Decrease menstrual pain and reproductive-related conditions.
- Detoxify the body.
- Clear the mind of negative thoughts.
- To make you feel better.
- Increase self-esteem.
- Improve sleep quality.
- Eliminate apathy or lack of motivation.
- Regulate appetite (increase hunger or eliminate cravings).
Anyone can access Reiki. You don’t need to be sick to benefit from the therapy, although if you feel unwell, it may help you feel better and find your energy center.
How it works
The session begins when the patient lies on the bed, relaxes, and clears the mind. The laying on of hands is not total, meaning that at times it may touch the body and at other times remain above it, transferring energy without physical contact.
The laying on of hands aims to balance the energy of the body and the chakras, which are energy centers of the human body according to Hinduism.
Since energy can be transmitted without contact, some masters and practitioners practice the so-called “Reiki at a distance.” This eliminates the need to stay in the same room and is believed to also provide benefits and positive results.
Benefits of Reiki
Improves self-healing of the mind, body, and spirit (mental, emotional, and spiritual healing).- Balances the energy of the chakras.
- Increases mental balance.
- Regulates the vibratory frequency of the human body.
- Relaxes and eliminates stress.
- Increases the expulsion of toxins from the body.
- Helps with spiritual and personal growth.
- Supports overcoming personal problems.
- Improves self-esteem.
Improves self-healing of the mind, body, and spirit (mental, emotional, and spiritual healing).The benefits of Reiki are for the mood and everything related to the mind. After each session, a sense of well-being, tranquility, and relief from stress and daily worries appears.
Most people say they feel better, calmer, and without fear of family or work problems.
Additionally, it also has a strong component for curing back pain, joint, and muscle aches. The transfer of universal energy acts on the whole body, strengthening it and improving self-confidence. This promotes spontaneous self-healing and strengthens decision-making in important life choices.
Benefits of distant Reiki
- It is not necessary to visit a Reiki center.
- You can continue with your daily life and not waste time.
- You receive energy from the Reiki master remotely.
- It maintains anonymity.
- You can receive a session from anywhere in the world, which allows access to the best professionals.
- It helps heal, keep the mind clear, in harmony, and balanced.
The benefits of distant Reiki therapy are the same as the in-person ones, with the added bonus that no one will know you are attending sessions as they are not in-person, but remote.
Disadvantages
- There are no official certifications.
- The scientific community does not approve of it.
- Health insurance does not cover it, or in very few cases, it is accepted as a treatment for health.
- Two people can receive different benefits from Reiki with the same therapist.
The Japanese art of healing restores the body’s energy flow through the laying on of hands. Although there are official centers that offer Reiki courses, this branch of alternative medicine is not regulated by the Ministry of Education or official bodies, so the therapist’s knowledge and experience are not certified by an officially recognized title.
Is it compatible with chiropractic and other alternative medicines?
The good thing about this Japanese healing technique is that it works well when included in other alternative therapies. In the case of bone and joint conditions, it is possible to complement this technique with traditional massages or another branch of alternative medicine closely related to osteopathy and physiotherapy called chiropractic. If you are unfamiliar with it, we suggest you learn what chiropractic is as it will greatly benefit you in treating bones, back pain, and improving vertebrae health.
Just like Reiki, chiropractic is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as complementary medicine to treat bone conditions. So, you can use one of these techniques or both if you have knee, hip, or any other joint pain.
If you have never tried a session remotely or in person, we recommend that you also use therapeutic massage with a chiropractor. You will see great results in a short time.
But, where is the energy from Reiki channeled? It’s simple. Below we explain the so-called “Chakras” to help you better understand this Japanese healing art.
Reiki Chakras
There are 7 chakras that can become destabilized throughout life, a circumstance that makes it necessary to practice Reiki to unblock and harmonize the chakras.
These energy centers are related to 7 sounds and 7 colors, as the belief is that vibration exists and is connected to both universal and body energy.
Thus, we can say that each chakra is related to a color of the rainbow and a sound. They are also related to specific aspects of the human being. Let’s now look at the meaning of the Reiki chakras:
- Chakra 1 and 2: function by transmitting the vitality of the sun and earth. They are physiological and lower chakras.
- Chakra 3, 4, and 5: personal and ego development. These are called middle or personal chakras.
- Chakra 6 and 7: function for spirituality and connect with the energy of the universe. These are spiritual or upper chakras.
The balance of the Reiki chakras is very important. According to the theory developed by Mikao Usui, they are responsible for the emotional and physical stability of the human being.
Meaning of the Chakras
First Chakra symbolizes the connection with the earth, what “I have,” and what connects us with nature, survival, and the basic needs of the human being.
Its name is Muladhara or root, basal, or earthly chakra. The meaning of the first chakra is “foundation.”
Its representation is through a lotus flower with 4 petals, red in color, and shaped like a cone pointing downward.
Babies and young children are greatly influenced by the first of the chakras, as in early ages, the goal is to eat, grow, and meet basic needs.
In addition to the mentioned meaning, it is also related to the body’s endurance. Unlocking the root chakra improves the health of bones and teeth as well as tissues with high keratin and collagen content, such as nails and joints.
People with problems letting go of material things often have this chakra blocked. Materialistic behavior indicates that the energy does not flow properly through it.
Second Chakra of Reiki is called “Swadishthana” and means “The place where the being resides.” It is located just below the navel (4 centimeters below) and connects human creativity, sexuality, and emotions. The color associated with the second chakra is orange, with a strong component of desire.
People with a blocked second chakra have difficulties regulating their emotions. They are people who feel guilty about past behaviors and attitudes.
Third Chakra of Reiki is called “Maniura” and means “The city of gems.” Its location is in the stomach, right in the solar plexus. It is related to the color yellow and a flower with 10 petals. It affects personality, intelligence, and self-esteem. It also interacts with the second chakra.
At the same time, this third energy point works by providing willpower and a sense of shame for actions committed. Teenagers tend to be strongly influenced by the third chakra as they seek the recognition of others, showing insecurity in themselves.
Fourth Chakra of Reiki is called “Anahata” and means “The unstruck.” Its location is in the heart, and the symbol representing it is a lotus flower with 12 petals in pink and green.
Its function regulates self-love and love toward others, so it is necessary for it to flow properly in order to love fully, allowing sadness and feelings of grief to pass.
People with difficulty forming emotional bonds, entering into relationships, and making friendships often have this chakra blocked.
Fifth Chakra of Reiki is called “Vishuda” and means “Purity.” Its symbol is a lotus flower with 16 petals.
Its function is communication, courage, and emotional strength. People who are afraid to be honest often have this energy center blocked, causing them to lie to protect behavior that they are ashamed of and unable to face in front of others.
Sixth Chakra of Reiki is called “Ajná”Raku and its meaning is “Authority, power, and command.” Its symbol is a flower with 96 petals. The balance of this chakra is fundamental as it regulates understanding toward others.
Popular belief indicates that women develop it more than men, although the reality is not so. Each individual can develop empathy to varying degrees regardless of whether they are female or male.
The “I understand” can be unlocked, that is, unlocking the sixth chakra of the body. It is believed that people with a well-functioning energy point six can become clairvoyant. Those with a blocked chakra are prone to changing partners and establishing short-lived interpersonal relationships.
Seventh Chakra of Reiki is called “Sahasrara” and its meaning is “nectar or the moon.” Its location in the human body is at the crown of the head, and its symbol is a lotus flower with 1000 petals.
It is related to inner peace, tranquility, and the passage of life in a serene manner. It is also known as the crown chakra.
Problems with concentration and the ability to perform complicated tasks are often due to energy not flowing well through chakra 7. It also affects the ability to believe in spirituality, God, and divine beings.
Reiki Symbols
They function as keys that allow the energy of the universe to connect with us. Each symbol has a vibration and also a unique function. The Reiki symbols are 5:
- Cho Ku Rei.
- Sei He Ki.
- Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen.
- Raku.
- Dai Ko Myo.
Each of these Reiki symbols can work separately or together, offering a series of advantages and benefits when vibrating in unity. Traditionally, the Usui Reiki symbols are five, although today there are many more that can also complement them and serve their function in human health.
Cho Ku Rei
It is a 1st degree symbol used for physical healing. It establishes the connection with cosmic vital energy and is the most important of the first three symbols.
It attracts spiritual energy to the physical plane, concentrating it at the desired point. This is why it is called the “Connector.”
Sei He Ki
It is a 2nd degree symbol related to the color blue. It acts on the brain, specifically the right hemisphere, and is also known as the “harmony symbol.”
It is the mental and emotional Reiki symbol.
Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen
It is the Reiki symbol for distant healing. It symbolizes time and space and serves to unite the therapist and the patient, making the healing process and chakra balancing easier.
The meaning of Hon-Sha-Ze-Sho-Nen is “Neither past, nor present, nor future,” “The God within me salutes and recognizes the God within you.”
Through the use of the symbol Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen, Reiki can be performed at a distance. This element allows therapy to be conducted between people in different locations while also enabling exploration of the past and future.
This symbol enhances the energy channeled through the chakras.
Raku
Ray of light, illumination, and awakening. The Raku symbol connects the energy of the earth and the body, allowing a stronger connection with the natural elements.
It is used for alignment and also for initiations. Raku should not be used for healing as it does not belong to the healing symbols.
Dai Ko Myo
It is the master symbol, considered one of the most important and effective.
It promotes the initiation of the student, connects with the heart and essence of the human being. It is the spiritual center of the organism. The Dai Ko Myo symbol addresses the root of the illness, suffering, or pain.
The function of this symbol is to help cure diseases, advancing toward the origin and providing symptomatic relief.
