Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by the "laying on hands" and is based on the principle that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If our "life force energy" is low or not free flowing then we are more likely to become ill or feel stress, and if it is high and free flowing we are more capable of being happy and healthy.

Reiki treats the whole person including the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual bodies creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and wellbeing. It is a simple, natural and safe method of spiritual healing and self development that everyone can use. It also works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery.

An amazingly simple technique to learn, the ability to use Reiki is not taught in the usual sense, but is transferred to the student during a Reiki course. This ability is passed on during an "attunement" given by a Reiki Master Teacher and allows the student to access an unlimited supply of "life force energy" to improve health and enhance quality of life. Its use is not dependent on intellectual capacity or spiritual development and therefore is available to everyone. It has been successfully taught to thousands of people of all ages, cultures, backgrounds, religions and physical ability.

While Reiki is spiritual in nature, it is not a religion. There is nothing you need to believe in order to learn and use Reiki and in fact, Reiki is not dependent on belief at all and will work whether you believe in it or not. While it is not a religion, it is still important to live and act in a way that promotes harmony with others. Mikao Usui, the founder of the Reiki system of natural healing, recommended that one should practice certain simple ethical ideals, the Reiki Precepts to promote peace and harmony, which are nearly universal across all cultures.                   

Reiki energy flows to where it is needed in the client, creating the healing conditions necessary for the individuals needs. It cannot be guided by the mind, therefore it is not limited by the experience or ability of the practitioner. Health and well being comes from the Ki that flows through and around us. If the flow of Ki is disrupted, the physical organs and tissues will be adversely affected. Therefore, it is a disruption in the flow of Ki that is the main cause of illness.When a Reiki practitioner channels energy through their hands to the person receiving treatment, it activates the body's natural ability to heal itself. The energy goes to the deepest levels of the person's being, where illnesses have their origin. It works wherever the person needs it most, releasing blocked energies, cleansing the body of toxins and working to create a state of balance. It reinforces the person's ability to take responsibility for their life and helps them to make the necessary changes in attitude and lifestyle to promote a happier and healthier life. Reiki can create deep relaxation, aid the body to release stress and tension, aid better sleep, reduce blood pressure, help with acute and chronic problems such as asthma, eczema, headaches, etc, aid the breaking of addictions, help relieve pain and support the immune system.

This non-invasive healing technique is becoming more and more popular. As western medicine continues to explore alternative methods of healing, Reiki will play an important role as an accepted and valued healing practice.

After practicing for a while, if we feel discouraged or tired because of how far we are from the goal of our spiritual journey, we should look back at our life in the days before we started training and celebrate any progress we have made.

An excerpt from 'The Healing Power of The Mind' by Tulku Thondup.