WHAT IS REIKI?

Rei ~ Spiritual Wisdom

The word "Rei" means universal and this is the definition most have accepted. The word Rei as it is used in Reiki is more accurately interpreted to mean higher knowledge or spiritual consciousness.

Ki ~ Life Energy

"Ki" is life energy. It is also known as the vital life force or the universal life force. This is the non-physical energy that animates all living things. Ki is present all around us and can be accumulated and guided by the mind.

Reiki is a non invasive ancient Japanese healing technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. Reiki uses universal, vital life force energy to balance the body, mind and spirit and bring it back into wholeness. Reiki can improve just about any aspect of life, from physical health to emotional and spiritual well-being, stress reduction and mental clarity. Reiki is administered by "laying of hands" above the chakras and meridians and it is a very gentle yet powerful technique.

Reiki will also provide additional energy required to recover from illness. A Reiki healing session can induce an extremely comfortable state of being, which can bring alteration in the clients consciousness and raise their vibration. If used with other natural therapies (meditation, crystals, aromatherapy, Bach Flower remedies, homeopathy, massage, acupuncture, etc.), Reiki can reinforce their effects. Reiki complements and enhances the health care the client receives in the hospital or from other health care providers. Reiki healing complements Eastern and Western medicine and everybody can benefit from it. It is beneficial to the health of women (including pregnant), men, children, animals, plants, water, food, etc.

History and Facts

Dr. Mikao Usui opened a dojo (training hall) in Toyama, Tokyo in April 1922 and began teaching people Reiki and offering healing sessions. Mrs. Hawayo Takata brought Reiki from Japan into the west in 1938.

Since, more than 60 U.S. hospitals have adopted Reiki as part of patient services, according to a UCLA study, and Reiki education is offered at 800 hospitals.

The Healing Touch Professional Association estimates that more than 30,000 nurses in U.S. hospitals use touch practices every year. Hospitals now seek out Reiki masters and conduct workshops to train nurses and medical staff.

Several Canadian health care facilities are now offering Reiki. Mt. Sinai Hospital’s Marvelle Koffler Breast Centre (Toronto, Ontario), Princess Margaret Hospital (Toronto, Ontario), Bruce House AIDS hospice (Ottawa, Ontario), Sandy Hill Community Health Centre (Ottawa, Ontario), Tamara's House (Saskatoon, Saskatchewam) and Wellspring Canada (9 locations and 4 partnerships throughout Canada) are leading the path for Reiki's complementary care into Canada's health care system.