What is Reiki?

rei·ki

[ˌrākē]

NOUN

A healing technique based on the principle that the therapist can channel energy into the patient by means of touch, to activate the natural healing processes of the patient’s body and restore physical and emotional well-being.

For those who are unfamiliar with Reiki and the benefits of using Reiki as a healing and training tool, I will describe it as best I can from my personal experience receiving and practicing Reiki:

Reiki is energy healing and therapy. In essence, the Reiki practitioner moves their hands over the patient’s body and “feels” the problems areas. As we feel these areas, we realign the energy to flow more naturally through the body. These areas can be caused by spiritual, mental, emotional, or physical stress or injury. Think of the energy in your body flowing smoothly in radiating lines around your body. When one is stressed or injured, that particular area will not flow smoothly and can cause pain, discomfort, and general uneasiness which can, in turn, affect one’s overall well-being. Using Reiki with animals is very effective as they are more sensitive to energy than we are. Animal Reiki is especially useful with nervous, excitable, or aggressive animals. In order to correct the symptoms shown, we have to look to and correct the underlying problem. Animal Reiki is an invaluable tool in helping train, comfort, heal, and rehabilitate all animals.

I do not claim to be a Reiki Master, although I do aspire to be one. I have experience practicing reiki on humans and animals and have witnessed the benefits. I have also received Reiki and it has always left me feeling refreshed, relaxed, and renewed.