REIKI IS AN ENERGY-HEALING PRACTICE that many people describe as deeply calming and therapeutic. Maybe you’ve heard of Reiki but aren’t sure it’s right for you. Maybe you’re considering Reiki but aren’t sure what it’s all about.
Or maybe you’re just curious. I am. A quick internet search might lead you to think that Reiki is a scientifically proven technique. Or a bunch of pseudo-scientific quackery. It may just depend on which link you click. The idea that you can feel better physically and emotionally just by having someone hover their hands over you can sound less like real medical advice and more like a snake-oil salesman. But Reiki is used in legitimate medical centers across the United States and around the world, including the Cleveland Clinic and The Reiki Center for Healing Arts in Columbus.
So, what is Reiki? Reiki has roots in ancient Japanese healing practices and is considered a form of energy healing. It stems from the Japanese words “rei,” meaning universal, and “ki,” meaning vital life force energy. The theory is that a Reiki master (a practitioner trained in Reiki) can channel the “universal life force energy” to you. They say they do this by either lightly placing their hands on you or by hovering them just above you, using a series of hand positions. Some people call these techniques centering, clearing, beaming, or smoothing the aura. Reiki masters say that they don’t create energy or give their energy to you. Rather, they say they act as a “conduit” for the universal life force energy that exists around us.
Cultures around the world have similar philosophies dating back centuries. Traditional Chinese medicine has the concept of “qi,” a vital life force energy that flows through living things. Indian philosophy offers the concept of “prana,” a life-giving energy force that flows through your chakras, or the energy centers in your body.
People turn to Reiki and other energy-healing practices for all kinds of reasons. The idea driving Reiki is that channeling the universal life force energy and encouraging its movement through your body can help create a healthier environment within your mind and body. Essentially, people use Reiki to get their energy juices flowing and say it can help with things like better sleep, reduced anxiety, reduced pain, increased energy, and improved blood circulation.
There are dozens of Reiki practitioners in Northwest Ohio and Southeastern Michigan. Prices range up to $100 and more for a 60-minute session.
Better sleep. Reduced anxiety and pain. Increased energy. I just may try Reiki.
Daniel J. Jachimiak, BA, is a writer and speaker. He can be reached at djachimiak@bex.net or 419-787-2036. ✲
