ALTERNITIVE HEALING

R E I K I
THE .H E A L I N G. PROCESS by Diane Hurley: aka Racoonwoman

A "laying on of hands" Eastern therapy using a technique — according to practitioners, a "spiritually guided universal life force energy" — for stress reduction and relaxation, based on the knowledge that this unseen universal life force energy flows through all living things and is connected directly to the quality of health. Reiki techniques are said to be capable of balancing the body's energy on a physical and emotional level, and to be very effective in the treatment of emotional and mental distress as well as chronic and acute physical problems; in addition, practitioners claim it promotes spiritual focus and clarity.

..Reiki was re-discovered in the mid 1800’s by Dr. Mikao Usui. The history of Reiki goes back to the Tibetan sutras, ancient records of cosmology and philosophy, as well as the Ancient Chinese civilizations which recognized the separation between mind, body and soul, and the balance of this life-force energy as chi. Japanese cultures know it as ki, and the Native Americans call this force prana. In the last twenty years the popularity and interest in Reiki Energy Medicine has become more and more accepted in the medical and hospice fields. Many alternative healing centers teach and encourage initiation into the Reiki Therapeutic Process. Reiki has opened the door to other energy healing modalities as well.

..The role of metaphysics has challenged the former views on practical modern day medicine. We now understand that we are all part of a large energy force, a universal consciousness and connection to all things. This energy force is part of us and around us at all times, although we may not even recognize it. Everything has its own vibration which can be tapped into. The higher the vibration, the lighter the energy and it is this energy that we may use for spiritual healing and growth.

..Learning the art of Reiki is a powerful process of self-discovery. Once you have been initiated, your own vibration rises as you are now aware of this life-force. Everyone has the capacity to heal and Reiki is one way to add structure on how to become instruments of the healing process. Our energy becomes fine-tuned to detect different flows or vibrations of the energy around us. Most Reiki initiations are performed by a trained Reiki Master who is knowledgeable of the precise process that Dr. Usui used in his teachings to others. A student’s hands become like radio waves with different frequencies, making them a conduit for channeling this ancient energy life-force. Each level of learning increases our ability to effectively manipulate and direct the universal energy that our body on a cellular level recognizes.

The first level of Reiki initiation teaches the different hand postures most commonly used in Reiki healing today.

..The second level of Reiki raises our vibration even higher as we learn to channel this energy on a grander scale, over long distances, through our connection to all living things. Although many Reiki classes teach both Level 1 and Level 2 at the same time, I myself recommend learning each level separately, as the initiations can be quite overwhelming.

The third level of Reiki is that of attaining a Reiki Master status who in then teaches others.

..The actual process of Reiki healing is a hands-on approach to therapeutic touch, although some Reiki practitioners work within the body’s energy field without physical touch. Reiki can also rid a person of negative energies which may be influencing the overall health of the mind and body through this cleansing process. Different hand postures are used for different purposes, depending upon what the receiver of the healing is requesting. The practitioner must be very sensitive to the comfort level of the receiver so that the session is at its most successful. Some people prefer not to be touched, or some only are receptive to the head and shoulder positions. The experience should be one of relaxation and respect above all.

..As a shamanic practitioner I find that Reiki is very similar to the methods used when I open myself to the teachings of Spirit, becoming a channel or conduit for the messages and enlightenment that is received as I journey through the Lower, Middle and Upper Worlds for my clients. Once one understands the concept and experiences of the life-force energy, it can lead to the study of many different modalities.

..Here is an exercise that you can do that will help you experience the vibrational energy we all possess: Put your hands together as if you were praying. Slowly part your hands until they are about 6” apart. Now bring your hands closer together without touching. Do this repeatedly. You may even want to imagine that you are holding a ball, manipulating its shape and molding it into whatever your imagination ‘sees’ it as. Can you feel the difference in the heat of your hands? Do you sense the invisible force between them? This experience shows how easy it is to become aware of one’s own energy. After all, Reiki can also be used for self-healing as well.

..Once you begin to use Reiki for the healing of others, with practice you will become more and more sensitive to the difference in the vibrations throughout the human body. In this way the practitioner may identify specific health issues and may then direct the healing energy into these areas. Or if you are working with a person who is only comfortable with having your hands on their shoulders as they sit or lay before you, you can send the Reiki healing force by directing it to ‘wherever it will be used for its highest good’ of the client. Some Reiki practitioners use this energy to manipulate physical objects, even so far as charging a battery! The possibilities are endless. The pure magic of Reiki is that one does not need to believe in this type of healing in order to benefit from it, as our spirit recognizes this universal force even if our mind does not.

..If you are interested in becoming a Reiki practitioner, there are likely many resources in your area. You may find classes in the medical field, nursing or hospice training as it becomes more and more acceptable in our society. Also look at alternative medical resources in your area as you will likely find someone with knowledge of a Reiki Master that can teach its processes and practice to you. Many seminars are becoming more available, and many classes can be found on the internet. As with anything, listen to your inner self when choosing a Reiki Master, use your gift of discernment and you will draw the most positive experience to you.

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