The Key Benefits Of Reiki

I used to be such a sceptic of anything “woo-woo” or remotely “out there”. Consequently, I am still sometimes reconciling in my own mind how I went from a self-confessed cynic to writing an article about the benefits of reiki. However, the truth is that it makes sense when I connect the dots. In 2015, I had reached a point in my life where I would have tried anything- and everything- in order to feel better. I wanted and needed relief both mentally and physically. 

Mentally, I could not move past an old relationship and was in a constant self-destructive mode continuously sabotaging my own happiness. Physically, I was in crippling pain each month with endometriosis. Enough was enough. And so began my journey of discovery into a more spiritual, holistic approach to life. Which ultimately, led me to discover the benefits of reiki…

So What Is Reiki?

Often, I find it hard to put into words what Reiki is. That’s because it’s really something that is better understood experientially. That said, with the words that I can summarise it in, Reiki is a gentle complementary therapy that activates the parasympathetic nervous system to heal the body and mind. It originated in Japan in the 20th century and is an energy healing system of treatment that has countless benefits for the recipient. And in my experience, the practitioner too!

A Reiki treatment is applied through noninvasive, nonmanipulative gentle touch. The practitioner simply places their hands over the participant and allows life-force energy to flow to them. A defining feature of Reiki is that the ability to practice is gained through an “attunement” process. This is rather than the person having an innate personal healing capability. The practitioner would have been attuned to reiki via a reiki master; ultimately, this means that they have essentially become a vessel of the spiritual divine energy.

Everything Is Energy

Everything is energy, and whilst we cannot always see it, it doesn’t mean it isn’t there. Consequently, lots of recipients and practitioners have experiences where they can sense the reiki energy during a treatment. I remember in one Reiki treatment, I felt a practitioner’s hands on my abdomen and a warm, comforting sensation. I then noticed there was a second pair of hands on my knees. Had another practitioner come in the room to help? I opened my eyes a little and was shocked to see just one person standing there.

When I asked her about this after she casually said “oh that was just the energy imprint that stayed there”. The previous cynic in me would have scoffed, but I knew I had experienced something I couldn’t explain. Nowadays, I understand it more having had many more of those experiences, but it can still surprise me! Lots of people also report feeling heat or cold, tingling sensations, seeing colours, or having sudden body movements. 

That said, even if you haven’t yet experienced Reiki, chances are you would have experiences of sensing energy at times in your life too. Have you ever sensed someone standing close by you? You can test this for yourself! Close your eyes and have someone walk towards you- only open them when you sense they are now in your energy field.

Benefits Of Reiki

For me, the benefits of Reiki as a recipient were a relief from crippling period pains and a profound sense of relaxation and peace. Both were things I hadn’t had for a long time. I also felt a deep sense of connectedness- to both myself and others. Reiki also:

• Leads to better sleep
• Improves mood and emotional well-being
• Reduces mental stress and anxiety
• Creates harmony and balance 
• Detoxes and purifies the body
• Reduces and manages pain 

I wish I could explain in full how these benefits of reiki can occur, but truthfully, even though I am a practitioner, I don’t have all of the answers. Ultimately, there’s a lot we don’t understand in life. Does that mean they are obsolete? Alternative therapies, spiritual practices, and healing modalities are often called ‘woo-woo,’ (like they once were by me!) but many of these approaches are now supported by scientific evidence.

In his book “Why Woo Woo Works” Dr. David Hamilton delves into the science as to why these practices that have been around for millennia actually do work, and it is well worth a read. It’s no wonder that reiki is increasingly being used alongside traditional medicine in hospitals to promote relaxation and calm.

For many, Reiki is also more than a treatment and becomes a way of life. The 5 Principles of Reiki can be put into practice to allow you to become more present and grounded.

Try It For Yourself

In summary, Reiki is a powerful treatment (or way of life) that has countless benefits for the recipient of the energy. It’s all well and good me saying that though- the best thing you can do is try it for yourselves.

Remember, the Reiki practitioner is merely a facilitator to the wonderful life force energy that is already available to you. If you are not able to get out for treatment right now, perhaps you could also try just living by the principles and see if you notice any improvements after doing that.

For those, that would be interested in learning about Reiki and becoming attuned to the energy, I would personally recommend Christina Costa, and you can check out her website here.

I would love to hear from you about how you get on so please do share your experiences by reaching out to us or in the comments below! <3