What is a Reiki treatment and why would you need one? It’s a common question. Here, what Reiki is and why and how you might benefit from a treatment (or a series of treatments!) And you don’t need any specific “reason.” Broadly speaking, Reiki is a tool that can help you calm down, seek clarity, and find balance. Here, Horoscope.com Senior Astrologer (and reiki practitioner) Narayana Montúfar explains the what, whys, hows and magic of a Reiki practice. — Horoscope.com editors
Reiki is a stress reduction and relaxation technique that also promotes healing. Founded by Mikao Usui in 1922, the word Reiki (pronounced ray-key) is made of two Japanese words “Rei” which means “higher power” and “Ki” which is “life force energy”. As a spiritually guided life force energy, it helps treat any illness while restoring the overall energy of the mind, body, and spirit.
All Reiki practitioners have received the ability to give it through an “attunement” process that was performed to them by a master from the Usui lineage. Along the way, different schools have developed, some practicing hands-on Reiki, which is considered a more western type of Reiki. Other schools have developed an all-mental technique, for example Holy Fire Reiki, founded in 2014.
One of the most fascinating things about Reiki is that it easily pairs with other spiritual practices. Mantras, crystals, meditation, yoga, and even rituals help enhance its benefits by doubling the power of intention. And just like many other healing modalities, Reiki is a very personal thing. Like a massage therapist or a life coach, energy practitioners develop their own style. A good place to start is word of mouth, but if that is not an option, doing research online can help. Try finding someone who you feel you can easily connect with. Most practitioners share their story on their site, which will be very telling of their practice. And your session begins as soon as you and the practitioner connect—even when just discussing appointment specifics. Communication is key, which is why it is so important to share with your future practitioner the reasons for your visit and what kinds of techniques you are most comfortable with and what you expect out of the session, as well as any questions or concerns.
Here, the six main reasons why you might want to seek a Reiki treatment:
You’re Experiencing Energy Blocks
Everything around us is energy, including our bodies. When sickness and depression frequently take over our mind and body or last for long periods of time, it means that our energy may not be flowing through our aura and chakra system as it should. Reiki not only finds negative energy, it clears it and replaces it with positive, flowing energy. However, it is important to mention that this process could—but should not be expected to—be an automatic or one-time thing. Negative energy can take a long time to clear, and despite our best intentions, it can continually crop up.
You’re Trying to Chill Out
While the major changes and shifts of Reiki may not be seen instantantly, what is instantly noticeable is the inner peace and relaxation that comes from receiving Reiki. I remember that feeling so well, that when I imagine or visualize getting a treatment, the same feeling visits me once again. At a time when life seemed so uncertain, I got a sudden reassurance that everything was going to be okay. In fact, after walking out of my very first Reiki session, I looked up at the sky and decided that I wanted to be able to bring that same feeling of harmony and happiness to others!
You Want to Add an Alternative Therapy to Treating Physical Trauma or Illness
For thousands of years, humans have healed themselves naturally with many energetic practices. That innate power and wisdom is and has always been our birthright. If you are one of those people who believe in this human power, Reiki might be perfect for you. But even if you are skeptical about it, Reiki works whether you believe in it or not. Scientific validation does exist, which is why it is provided in some hospitals as a therapeutic modality.
You’re Experiencing Grief or Psychological Trauma
Magical and deeply mystical, the chi (healing energy) that is transmitted through the practitioner somehow knows exactly where to go and what needs to be healed. After being treated, people experiencing grief or trauma report feeling a sense of peace and relief. In some cases, like in mine, ancestral healing and old traumas were treated and left behind; opening the door to a more positive existence.
You Want to Break Bad Habits
Healing unwanted habits is also something this healing modality can help us with. Addictions, toxic relationships, and environments have been proven to ease and even go away after receiving continuous Reiki sessions and treating the parts of the mind and emotions that relate to the unwanted habit. Creating positive life habits works in a similar fashion. When we struggle to achieve a particular goal, it means that something needs to be healed so that part of our life can grow, and we can move forward.
You’re Searching for Enlightenment
Because Reiki is an inclusive modality, it often takes people who practice or receive it down a more conscious path. Very often, after getting Reiki treatments, people feel awakened and interested in other spiritual practices or modalities. And even those who have already been immersed in such practices report a deeper understanding or connection to them after exposure to a Reiki treatment. It helps that Reiki is a non-competing practice that makes self-love, love towards Mother Earth, and love for all people its most important pillar. So incredibly refreshing!
Cover photo courtesy of the author; find her work on Instagram @naramonartstrology