WHAT IS REIKI?

By Drs. Phillip and Jane Mountrose Reiki is an amazing technique using universal life force energy for healing. It is holistic, because it brings balance and harmony to the body, mind, emotions and spirit.  It's fun to do and includes easy-to-learn techniques which are energizing for both the giver and the receiver. The extraordinary energy of reiki opens the energy field and offers a deeper level of spiritual awakening for anyone who is attuned to it. It is a unique and powerful method which may be used alone or in combination with hypnotherapy, massage or other healing modalities. Reiki is a method of hands-on healing that connects us with the healing powers each of us has within ourselves. Hands-on healing is a natural part of the human experience. When a child is hurt, his mother puts her hand on the painful area make it better. When we injure ourselves, we instinctively use the energy in our hands to ease the pain. Tapping into the energy of reiki is a way to develop these natural abilities to help ourselves and others to heal. Reiki energy also contains a mysterious ability to connect us with ourselves at a deeper level where we can recognize the magnificent spirit within ourselves. At this monumental time in human history, when all of humanity is preparing to open to the spirit within and shift to a higher level of reality, reiki energy can provide a deep level of healing for all of humanity. The word Reiki is derived from two Japanese words: "REI" means universal, transcendental spirit, mysterious power, essence. "KI" means "Chi" or life force energy, which is the energetic building block of life. Reiki, then may be interpreted to mean the mysterious power to transmit universal life force energy. HOW REIKI WORKSLife force energy flows into and through all of us and creates life. It "steps down" as it enters our fields and flows through the chakras to the body, nourishing all of the organs and cells. When the flow is disrupted or blocked, this diminishes the life force energy flowing into an area of the body.  It can be shown that wherever there is disease, there is a corresponding blockage in the flow of energy. Reiki re-establishes the flow through these blocked areas, recharging them with life force energy. It opens up the energy flow through the blockages, which sets the healing process in motion. For a receptive person, a treatment with this energy feels like a glowing radiance and naturally creates an altered state of consciousness. Reiki is often performed on the chakras, but it may be applied to any area of the body. The universal life force energy that is used is limitless and is energizing for the therapist as well as for the client. A few key points about how this energy works: The availability of this universal energy is limitless and is energizing for the provider as well as the receiver. Providing Reiki does not draw on the provider’s own energy or life force. It is a process of inviting and allowing the energy to flow through. No forcing or “trying” is required; in fact, it gets in the way of the natural flow. Anyone can do it. Everyone has the innate ability to channel this energy. With practice, this ability is enhanced. The receiver is responsible for their treatment. The goal of the Reiki provider is to help the receiver to heal him/her self. The receiver will either accept or block the flow of energy. It is also reassuring to know that the energy will go just where it is needed, regardless of where the provider is applying it. THE THREE LEVELS OR "DEGREES" OF REIKIReiki is traditionally taught in three degrees. Each of the three degrees of Reiki include the learning of new skills in energetic healing, as well as opening channels in the student through the "attunements", which allow the energy field to receive and transmit energy more powerfully.  This naturally results in adjustments, which may include detoxification or "clearing" symptoms, as the student’s energy field realigns to the new flows of energy. First Degree: Unlocks the ability to use Reiki for direct hands-on healing. This degree includes the use of one symbol and attunement by a person who has received the third degree attunement and training. It takes three or four weeks to adjust to the Reiki I attunement. Second Degree: This level provides tools for sending Reiki long distance and for the use of Reiki on the mental level. It includes the use of two additional symbols and attunement by a person who has received the third degree attunement and training. Third Degree, Reiki Master: This level further unlocks the power of Reiki. It also includes learning how to teach Reiki to others and providing attunements. It includes the use of one additional symbol and attunement by a person who has received the third degree attunement and training. THE REIKI ATTUNEMENT PROCESS The attunement is a sacred process of opening to the universal symbols of Reiki and allowing them to activate the natural ability to use the Reiki energy. The First Degree Reiki attunement may be seen as the "light switch" that turns on the ability to use the Reiki energy and opens the receiver to a new world.  Once this switch has been turned on, it just becomes brighter and brighter with use of the energy. This attunement opens and activates the crown chakra to receive the universal life force energy; then the energy centers in the hands are opened to allow the energy to flow out through the hands; finally, the ability to use Reiki in this way is sealed into the energy field, making it available for the user’s entire life. A Reiki treatment should not be considered a substitute for professional medical care. The purpose is to open the flow of energy through the body, which stimulates healing. This makes it a wonderful complement to traditional medical practices, but the client should be told that it is not a substitute for proper medical treatment when a physical problem is involved. "I believe there exists One Supreme Being - The Absolute Infinite - a Dynamic force that governs the world and universe. It is an unseen spiritual power that vibrates and all other powers fade into insignificance beside it. So, therefore, it is absolute! . . . I shall call it "Reiki" . . . Being a universal force from the Great Divine Spirit, it belongs to all who seek and desire to learn the art of healing." - Hawayo Takata