an A-Z of alternative therapies

Reiki is one of the more widely known forms of healing through direct application of Chi, or a force very similar to Chi for it may be that Chi is different from the energy used by Reiki.

Chi is the term used by the Chinese mystics and martial artists for the underlying force the Universe is made of.

Mystics in all cultures have talked about the physical universe being made of an underlying simpler form of something, much as modern physics research is now coming to understand the Universe is made of energy which is subject to (or affected by) thought. Just as modern physics says this energy is affected by thought the mystics also say this underlying form is affected by thought, going so far as to claim we create our own reality from our thinking and the thoughts we share between each of us every day.

At the level where Reiki functions, anything can be changed because all is fluid like and is very malleable.

Emotional difficulties are just as healable as physical ones since emotional issues are even more directly present in the energy structures.

In this context, the word Healing has a somewhat different meaning from the widely accepted meaning, which seems to be the curing of symptoms only. The other meaning for healing, used in the practice of Reiki as well as other related areas, is the return to greater wholeness. There is an ideal form each of us has, this ideal form being the highest and clearest expression of who we are. Pain or disease comes from any deviation between the person's current form in the 3D physical world and this ideal form.

You will be asked to "formulate your intent", in other words, to say what it is you wish your practitioner to treat, but since it is thought that "Reiki works for the highest good", it may not always offer a cure.

A Reiki healing is very simply performed. The practitioner places his or her hands upon the person to be healed with the intent for healing to occur, and then the energy begins flowing.

There is a set of hand positions traditionally taught which give good coverage over the recipient's entire body. It is not necessary for the practitioner to follow those positions, they are merely taught as a starting position from which the practitioner can learn.

If there is a specific area of concern the practitioner can keep his/her hands right there for as long as necessary.

The Reiki energy knows where to go, and what to do once it gets there, or else as many believe, it is being directed by a higher intelligence.

The energy manages its own flow to and within the recipient. It draws through the healer exactly that amount of energy which the recipient needs.

All this happens without direct conscious intervention by the healer, whose job is to get out of the way, to keep the healing space open, and to watch/listen for signs of what to do next.

Even though the capability to heal anything is there, this is not what always happens. The limits to Reiki seem to be in the recipient's willingness to cast off old habits and patters, to accept change and to accept healing.

Following a treatment, there can be a feeling of increased vitality and you may feel invigorated yet relaxed.

Each treatment session lasts approximately 1 hour.

Number of sessions varies considerably.

Reiki may also be practiced in the form of absent healing.

• Safe for every age group.
• Safe for every level of health.
• You should make the therapist aware of any existing medical condition.