Discover the transformative power of Reiki, an ancient Japanese healing technique that harnesses universal life force energy. This personal account delves into the serene experience of a Reiki session, the historical roots of the practice, and its growing acceptance in modern healthcare. Reiki's non-invasive approach promotes physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, offering a complementary therapy that aligns with the body's natural healing abilities.
As I settled onto the bed, enveloped in a warm blanket with the gentle strains of ethnic music in the background, I anticipated the start of my massage. Yet, as I waited, no physical touch came. Instead, a profound internal shift began to stir within me—a sensation that I would later recognize as the Reiki effect. It felt as if I were being drawn back to my core, to a place of deep inner balance.
During the next 30 minutes, the practitioner's hands hovered over various parts of my body, radiating a comforting warmth. Time seemed to stand still, and I wished the moment could last indefinitely. But eventually, the session concluded, and I was gently coaxed back to reality. In the quiet that followed, my practitioner, Sue Luffman, and I shared our experiences and insights from the session. Sue, who would later become my mentor, exuded a vibrant energy that was infectious. Our connection was immediate and profound, as if we had known each other for a lifetime.
The story of Reiki begins with Dr. Mikao Usui, a Japanese doctor and seeker of knowledge, who lived approximately 150 years ago. Driven by a desire to enhance his healing abilities, Dr. Usui embarked on a spiritual quest that led him to study Christian healing miracles and the teachings of Buddha. Despite his extensive research into various religious sects, he found that the physical healing techniques he sought had been lost over the centuries.
Determined to uncover these lost methods, Dr. Usui dedicated seven years to studying Zen Buddhism and learned Chinese and Sanskrit to access ancient texts. His breakthrough came during a 21-day meditation on Mount Kurama, where he received a vision of Sanskrit symbols that would become the foundation of Reiki healing.
Dr. Usui distilled his insights into five principles, which serve as the ethical cornerstone of Reiki practice:
He then began teaching others, creating a lineage of Reiki practitioners that continues to this day.
Reiki, which translates to "universal life force," is a practice where healers channel energy from the universe through their bodies into the recipient. This energy is directed to the body's seven chakra centers either by placing hands on or near the body. Symbols discovered by Dr. Usui are also used to enhance the healing process.
Reiki treatments typically last up to an hour and may require multiple sessions. It is always used as a complementary therapy and has gained recognition from some medical professionals and veterinarians. Studies in America have provided evidence of Reiki's beneficial effects, which can range from alleviating headaches to aiding in the healing of broken bones after they have been set.
As a Level 2 Reiki student, I am now able to practice Reiki and have witnessed its diverse effects on patients. Reiki energy can be applied to anything, from enhancing the taste of water to aiding the growth of plants. My own experience with Reiki has been profound, both as a giver and a receiver.
Despite my scientific and logical mindset, Reiki has introduced me to a new realm of healing that transcends conventional understanding. It has prompted me to explore the balance between skepticism and trust in the unseen forces of healing. Reiki is a natural part of our lives, often used unconsciously, and my training has provided a structured approach to harnessing this energy.
For those interested in exploring Reiki further, I encourage firsthand experience before delving into the wealth of literature available. If you have questions or wish to learn more, feel free to reach out to me at dragon33uk@hotmail.com.
Remember, just for today, embrace the possibilities of healing and well-being that Reiki offers.
Take care, Stephen Floyd
