What Is Reiki?

by Steve Long, Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki Master

Reiki is spiritually guided universal life force energy. Reiki (Ray-Key) is a Japanese word. "Rei" means universal, all-knowing higher power and refers to the cosmic spiritual energy that permeates everything from the largest galaxy to the smallest atom. "Ki" means life force energy refers to the movement of this vital life force energy especially in association with breath. Ki is comparable in meaning to the Chinese Ch'i or Qi, the Hindu Prana, or the Western Orgone.

Reiki is administered through the hands to the body of the recipient. This guided flow of life force energy helps strengthen and balance the recipient's energy field while also treating the whole person - body, mind, spirit, and emotions. This healing brings peace, security, well being, and a sense of purpose, often promoting a deeper understanding of self and spirituality in a profoundly universal manner. Reiki does not deplete the energy of the giver, but actually energizes the giver!

Reiki is not a religion, but is a simple, natural, safe method of energy healing that everyone can use. Some people misinterpret the "spiritually guided" aspect in the definition of Reiki as meaning that Reiki is tied to a form of religion or spiritual practice. Practicing Reiki can indeed be a spiritual experience! However, "spiritually guided" refers to our held intention when giving Reiki. Energy moves with intent. When Reiki is given, the facilitator opens as a conduit of the Reiki energy, holds the intention for the highest good of the recipient, and then directs the Reiki energy through the hands to specific places on the recipient's body, where the Reiki energy is then metabolized into the client's energy system.

Reiki is taught by the presiding Reiki Master in classes open to anyone wishing to be a student. People of all ages, education levels, and religions and ethnic backgrounds can learn Reiki. Reiki is accessible to everyone because the practitioner/ giver is not the healer - the Reiki energy is the healer!

Everyone does Reiki! Remember the last time you burned a finger cooking? Your first reaction was to wrap your other hand around that burnt finger. Well, you just gave yourself Reiki! Reiki heals by immediately sending the healing universal life force energy directly to the burned area, returning vital life force energy to the damaged area. In most cases, a blister will not even form, but remember the key is to give Reiki immediately.

One of the most direct and beneficial results of Reiki is that it is very relaxing and reduces stress tremendously. Being in a relaxed state is always beneficial for healing. Reiki can thus assist in the healing of complex injuries or disease. I can personally attest to this. Three years ago, I had spinal fusion surgery to replace a completely deteriorated disc, which had been punctured when I was run over by a car as a young child. Through Reiki, I prepared my body for the surgery, and after the surgery received Reiki as often as possible. Six months later, I was released from the care of my doctor, since my fusion had completely healed and solidified - and fusion usually takes one to three years to fuse completely!

The longer an injury or disease has remained, the more pervasive the damage, and thus the longer the body takes to remember its proper physical and energetic alignment. This is why Reiki, or other energy work, does not make conditions disappear instantly. However, when Reiki aligns the energetic system with the physical body, it assists the body in becoming more resilient to injury and sickness, helping the body recover faster.

Reiki is complementary to every field of medicine, assisting all patients in achieving their ultimate goal of complete health. Discover this revitalizing integrative approach, and let Reiki help you attain the health you have always wanted for a joyful life!

Steve Long has been a Usui Reiki Master since 1996, has a BA in Psychology, and has his own healing and counseling practice, SoulSpace Reiki & Energy Holistic Health. Visit www.SteveLongReiki.com for info on classes and services.