This month we are taking some time to spotlight one of our lesser known services, Reiki. Whether you’re curious about giving Reiki a try, or have never heard of it before, keep reading to learn more about the healing practice of Reiki, and to hear from MBTC’s very own Reiki healer, Megan Owen.
What is Reiki?
Reiki is a healing technique that originated from Eastern Medicine and works on our bodies energy system, also called Chakras. Chakras influence our physical, emotional, and spiritual health. “Through life experience and trauma we hold these emotions and experiences in our body. They cause blocks in our energy flow which creates health problems”, says Megan. When the body’s energy becomes blocked, this can lead to symptoms such as mental fatigue, feelings of disconnection, emotional stress, physical pain or discomfort, insomnia, low self-esteem, or difficulty focusing. Reiki has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including pain, stress, anxiety, and depression. Reiki is often used as a complementary treatment, along with traditional medicine, to aid in the healing process.
The History of Reiki
Reiki was founded in Japan in the early 1900’s by Mikao Usui, however there were several similar healing modalities that had been practiced in Japan before the term Reiki was coined. Dr. Usui’s interest in medicine, psychology, and theology prompted him to seek a way to heal himself and others using a method of healing that would be accessible to everyone, regardless of their religious beliefs. Usui studied many different healing systems in his pursuit to develop his own method of healing. Years into his training, Dr. Usui spent 21 days fasting, meditating, and praying, which ultimately led him to a spiritual awakening from which he invented the healing practice of Reiki. The word Reiki comes from the Japanese word “rei”, meaning universal, and “ki” meaning a flow of energy. Usui went on to start the first Reiki clinic, teaching several Reiki masters who would continue spreading the practice of Reiki after his death. In the 1930’s, a Japanese American woman, Hawayo Hiromi Takata, who came to Japan to seek Alternative treatment, found Reiki to be a relaxing and healing experience. After her own healing, she returned to the U.S. and began her own Reiki practice to help others in the United States. The very same methods of Reiki healing that were developed by Dr. Usui in Japan are still practiced in the United States today.
Reiki Treatment: Who is it for?
Reiki can be used to treat a variety of conditions that may result from blocked energy. Reiki promotes deep relaxation, which can reduce muscle tension, relieve stress, speed up the healing of wounds, and support overall health and well-being. Reiki can also help to remove toxins from the body as well as balance the energy field as a whole. Reiki is used to treat: stress, anxiety, PTSD, depression, difficulty sleeping, low mood or energy, pain, high blood pressure, fibromyalgia, surgical recovery, and cancer symptoms. Reiki promotes a holistic healing approach when used as an add on to conventional or western medical treatments.
A study by David E. McManus (2017) found that Reiki is an effective “complementary health treatment” given that it activates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing heart rate, and blood pressure. Their research also found that Reiki was effective for patients with chronic health conditions in “reducing pain, anxiety, and depression, and for improving self-esteem and quality of life” due to its influence on the parasympathetic nervous system.
At Mind and Body Therapeutic Connections, trauma informed practice is of the utmost importance. For those healing from trauma, Reiki can serve as a supplemental treatment to help clients integrate their experiences more fully. Megan states, “As clients receive Reiki, they may become more aware of their thoughts and feelings, fostering a deeper understanding of their trauma and its effects on their lives.” Furthermore, Reiki encourages clients to connect with their own healing energy, promoting a sense of empowerment and self-agency in their recovery journey.” Given that Reiki is a gentle, non-invasive, modality, it can be particularly appealing to those who may find other types of treatment to be overwhelming.
What to expect
Reiki helps to relieve blockages of energy to relieve both physical and mental/emotional symptoms. A Reiki session takes place with the client laying on a massage table, fully clothed. During a session, the practitioner, or reiki master, gently places their hands on or just above the body, helping to guide the energy in a way that leads to balance. When asked how Reiki can supplement one's healing journey, Megan states, “ I am able to clear blockages by channeling energy to areas where blockages exist, helping to release stagnant or negative energy. This can facilitate a smoother flow of energy throughout the body. Which expedites in healing the areas that were not receiving the proper energy flow.” She goes on further to say, “An Energy alignment also aims to align the energy bodies by bringing them into a state of coherence. This alignment can enhance overall vitality and emotional stability. Once these blocks are removed, miraculous things happen.”
Feeling apprehensive about giving Reiki a try? “It’s completely normal to feel apprehensive about trying something new like Reiki,” says Megan. Megan encourages unsure clients to approach Reiki with an open mind. “Reiki is non-invasive and focuses on relaxation and balance, which can be beneficial regardless of their beliefs about energy.” She states further that Reiki is a “gentle practice”. “Sessions are typically calm and peaceful, allowing clients to simply relax without pressure or expectations”. During a Reiki session, Megan says that her client's comfort is a priority. “They can set boundaries regarding touch and the aspects of the session that feel right for them,” she says. Still feeling unsure? Schedule a trial session, ask questions, and voice concerns to help gauge the experience and better understand how Reiki can be a part of your healing journey.