TAPPING INTO POSITIVE ENERGY WITH REIKI

Reiki (pronounced RAY-kee) is a gentle, hands-on healing practice developed in Japan by Mikao Usui in 1914.  It is based on the idea that every person possesses an energy source or life force that support's the body's ability to heal itself.  A Reiki practitioner can help guide that person toward finding that energy and being in balance, enabling the body to heal. 

In a Reiki session, the patient lies on a table, fully clothed.  The practitioner places his hands lightly on or just above the client's body, palms down and uses a series of 12 to 15 hand positions.  Each position is held for a few minutes or until the  practitioner feels that the flow of energy - experienced as sensations of heat or tingling in the hands - has slowed or stopped.   Sessions last a little more than an hour.  Most people generally feel deeply relaxed, many fall asleep and may feel a warmth or tingling. 

Reiki (a self-healing tool) has grown in popularity with people suffering from chronic illness, pain and cancer.  Others use it as a stress management device.  It is taught in three levels, the first of which can be learned quickly and a person can start some self care in one day.  Reiki can ease symptoms and provide a sense of calm and lessen the need for medication. 

THINKING ABOUT TRYING REIKI?

-  Do not use Reiki as a replacement for proven conventional care, to avoid care or to avoid seeing a doctor

-  Learn about the practitioner's background, training and experience

-  Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use.

To learn more about Reiki, visit:

National Center for Alternative & Complementary Medicine:  www.nccam.nih.gov/health/reiki

The International Center for Reiki Training:  www.reiki.org