May 13, 20215 min read

Ever wondered why we touch our bodies when we hurt them? Here’s why...

Have you ever hurt yourself and put your hand on it straight away? That simple action seems to bring us comfort and minimise our pain no matter what our age is…

Why is that?

The thinking behind Reiki will enlighten you…

Japanese for Universal life energy, Reiki is a system of natural healing, developed in 1922 by a Japanese Buddhist called Mikao Usui.

It’s foundations are interweaved with the notion that subtle life energy flows through all living things and healing of varying degrees can be achieved through right intent and touch.

“The energy is there, it is always flowing around us and inside of us”

A session with a practitioner can aid relaxation, encourage the body’s natural healing processes, and enhance emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.

How does it work?

Quantum physics has shown that all matter is a matter of vibration, and there is research to show that our very intentions can affect this field of vibration.

We also know that we are energetic beings and that although energy can never be created or destroyed, it can become blocked… Especially in our bodies due to physical injury or emotional trauma’s. Left untouched, this can then manifest into physical ailments, and so it is best to shift out that which has become stagnant and replenish with the very force that creates worlds…

Reiki practitioners tune into this magnificent Universal energy, and during a treatment, will direct it into different areas of the body using their hands as transmitters. Common sensations are feeling a sort of warm glowing radiance flowing through the body, a lightness in heart and a breeze of happiness as the energy blocks are dissolved and Chi/ Prana (energy) can begin to flow with less resistance once again.

What are the benefits?

1. Promotes Harmony & Balance

Reiki helps to promote harmony and balance. It is an effective, non invasive energy healing modality that enhances the body’s natural healing ability whilst energising and promoting overall wellness. Reiki works directly on restoring balance on all levels and works directly on the problem and condition instead of just masking or relieving symptoms.

2. Creates deep relaxation and helps the body release stress and tension

Reiki provides a time for you to just “be”. A space where you can be more aware of what is going on inside your body and mind. To learn to listen to your own body and make wise decisions regarding your well being from this place. Being more present means you are in your body, which helps you to access even more of that inner knowing and wisdom that we all have!

3. Dissolves energy blocks and enhances relationships both internally and externally

Regular Reiki treatments can bring about a calmer and more peaceful state of being, in which a person is better able to cope with everyday stress. This mental balance also enhances learning, memory and mental clarity.

Reiki can heal mental/emotional wounds and can help alleviate mood swings, fear, frustration and even anger. Reiki can also strengthen and heal personal relationships.

Because Reiki enhances your capability to love, it can open you up to the people around you and help your relationships grow.

4. Assists the body in cleansing itself from toxins and supports the immune system

We spend so much time in stress-reactive fight/flight phase that it becomes our ‘norm’ and our bodies literally forget how to return to balance.

Reiki reminds our bodies how to shift into the parasympathetic nervous system (rest / digest) self-healing mode.

5. Clears the mind and improves focus as you feel grounded & centred

Reiki can support you in staying centred in the present moment rather than ruminating about the past or feeling anxious about the future. It can strengthen your ability to accept and appreciate your current reality even if things aren’t going your way. You begin to respond instead of react.

6. Aids better sleep

The number one outcome of receiving a Reiki session is relaxation. When we’re reaching optimum relaxation, we sleep better, our bodies heal better, we think more clearly, and we relate to each other more genuinely.

7. Accelerates the body’s self-healing ability as you start to return to your natural state

Reiki healing quickly returns you to your natural state, or at least gets your body moving in the right direction.

That means your breathing, heart rate and blood pressure improve and less cortisol is secreted into the body. All these functions have a significant impact on health and wellness.

8. Helps relieve pain and supports the physical body healing

On the surface, a Reiki treatment might appear to be merely a sequence of hand placements, but really it works to restore balance on the deepest possible level. It encourages your system to improve your body’s vital functions (breathing, digesting and sleeping) so your physical systems function optimally.

On the physical level, Reiki helps to relieve pain from migraine, arthritis, sciatica ~ just to name a few. It also helps with symptoms of asthma, chronic fatigue, menopausal symptoms, and insomnia.

9. Helps spiritual growth and emotional cleansing

You do not need to be into spirituality to enjoy the benefits of Reiki. Yet, for many they receive Reiki treatments to support themselves through their self healing journey i.e. spiritual growth / personal development.

Reiki addresses the whole person, rather than targeting individual symptoms. It can create profound, often subtle shifts from deep within your own being. What does that look like? Guidance about what to do around difficult situations can come more easily. Or it may inspire a change in attitude or belief about your situation. Suddenly, you see your condition from a fresh perspective and are able to deal with it in a more positive way. Or it might direct you to the right kind of action needed which is guided from within.

10. Compliments medical treatment & other therapies

Reiki is a wonderful compliment to conventional medicine and helps relax patients on the levels of the mind and physical body. When a patient is relaxed the healing process is accelerated. People sleep much better and are calmer following Reiki treatments.

The beauty of Reiki is that it is non invasive and is administered in a very gentle manner. The Reiki practitioner can give Reiki without touching the body in cases where patients have burns or major injuries.

Reiki is safe to use if you have medical conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes or heart conditions. You may receive Reiki treatments if you are undergoing chemotherapy. Pregnant woman can have Reiki treatments to support them through all stages of the pregnancy. Reiki is for everyone!

“Maintaining internal harmony helps you to respond to challenges differently”

Creating a sensitivity to your vital energy is key as you walk the path to understanding self and come into greater alignment with Source. Reiki treatments will deepen this connection, but adopting the practice as a lifestyle will close that gap with greater ease and success.

Mikao Usui created the Principles of Reiki lifestyle.

The Principles of Reiki are as follows: