Reiki
Reiki pronounced ‘ray - key’, is a Japanese word, which in essence means,
Universal Life force energy.
Reiki also refers to an ancient healing form which can be traced back to early Tibetan Buddhist times. It was rediscovered in the early 1900’s by a Japanese scholar Dr Mikao Usui, after undertaking an extensive study of the healing phenomena of some of history’s greatest spiritual leaders. He dedicated his life to the practise and teaching of this method which he named “Reiki, The Usui System of Natural Healing”.
Reiki is a fine vibrational energy which permeates our whole being. This energy is able to penetrate the body at a deep cellular level; it is drawn to where it is needed and accelerates our own innate healing ability. Reiki also helps to open our mind and bring greater awareness so we can look deeper within ourselves for the underlying causes of ‘dis - ease’ and pain. It brings equilibrium and supports us in life, not just on a physical level but emotionally, mentally and spiritually.
A Reiki Treatment is given with the recipient lying down fully clothed, in a comfortable position, while the practitioner places his or her hands gently on the person, starting at the head and working down through specific points along the body, as well in the energy field that surrounds the physical body.
Each person experiences Reiki in a different way; a person may be aware of heat coming from the practitioners hands, of warmth or cold sensations or tingling throughout the body, sometimes one may have very profound experiences and at other times may simply fall asleep. Reiki promotes deep relaxation and feelings of peace and tranquillity enhancing our sense of wellbeing.
Reiki is not a belief system or religion; it works on an energy level. Reiki is not an ‘alternative’ therapy – it is a ‘complementary’ therapy in that it works alongside other medical and therapeutic techniques.
The Five Principles by Mikao Usui
Just for today, I will not be angry.
Letting go of anger brings Peace into the Mind.
Just for today, I will not worry.
Letting go of worry, brings healing into the Body.
Just for today, I will be grateful.
Being thankful brings Joy into the Spirit.
Just for today, I will do my work honestly.
Working honestly brings Abundance into the Soul.
Just for today, I will be kind to every living thing.
Being Kind brings Love into the Will."
“Reiki treatments are increasingly accepted in health and community care facilities including hospitals, hospices and cancer support units. For example, at the Solaris Care Cancer Centre at Sir Charles Gairdner hospital in Perth, Reiki is the most accessed complementary health treatment for cancer and leukaemia patients. Many patients report significant improvements in their level of pain, fatigue, nausea and breathing”.
According to the American Hospital Association, in 2007, 15% or over 800 American hospitals offered Reiki as part of hospital services (Gill, 2010).
Reiki Australia has shared this story from The Midwest Reiki Community in America.The Midwest Reiki Community was invited to participate in "Stand Down", an event run by US DVA for homeless veterans, on June 21st and 22nd 2013.
Volunteers gave short Reiki treatments to 90 veterans, many of whom suffer PTSD, and it was incredibly well received.
The words of one veteran who received Reiki are especially touching
'If we would've had this type of 'technology' before we went to war, nobody would want to fight".
Reiki Australia shares their hope that Veterans Affairs departments everywhere, will begin to recognise the value of Reiki for combat veterans suffering Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other mental and physical health problems.
Dr Mikao Usui said