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The following article was published in the June 2001 issue of Heliopolis magazine and was later reprinted in the May 2002 BCA (British Community Association) Cairo Magazine and also the December 2002 issue of the Egyptian CSA Magazine. It appears here in edited form. Reiki: Energy from the Universe
Traditionally, a Reiki level 1 or 2 class should take 2 days. This is quite a short period of training, but most of the learning with Reiki is experiential, and a good Reiki Master generally offers support and guidance after the class. A level 3 class can take anywhere between 4-5 days and 2 years, depending on the teaching methods, and tradition of the Master. HOW DOES IT WORK? The focus of Reiki is a ritualistic process, called an "attunement", performed by a Reiki Master, with each student. Reiki Masters and practitioners regard this as a sacred and mystical procedure involving the Reiki Master in elevating the energy levels of the students and the creation of a channel through which universal energy can flow. Underlying many alternative therapies is the principle that there is a biological life force energy that is said to animate all things. It is believed that in the smallest seed, it is this energy that makes it grow into a tree. This life force energy is what Reiki practitioners claim to work with. In humans this energy is said to flow around our bodies through meridians (or pathways), and the chakras (energy centres). When this energy becomes blocked, illness results. 'Chakra' is a Sanskrit word that means 'wheel'. There are thought to be many chakras in the body, but only 40 are of real significance. Practitioners claim that simply by placing their hands on or slightly off the body, the Reiki energy is drawn through a channel within the subtle body of the practitioner, by the client. This channel connects through the practitioners Crown, Third Eye, Throat and Heart Chakras, and then via the system of meridians down to the two palm Chakras. Since Reiki is drawn by the client and not given or "pushed in" by the practitioner, it is not possible to overdose on this energy. The body draws exactly what is required for its own healing. A Reiki treatment, works directly on the Chakras and subtle energy channels of the body as well as the physical organs. This enables the body to become deeply relaxed, thus allowing its own innate healing potential to come to the fore. IS IT SAFE?
It is important to be aware, however, that Reiki can instigate a sometimes-rapid detoxification process. This can take many forms and can on occasion, be quite uncomfortable, depending on the initial problem and the level of toxins stored in the body. Toxins can be in the form of physical substances or emotional or mental debris. Consequently, where the root cause of a problem is emotional - whether the problem is physical or not - a great deal of emotion can be released as the body tries to restore it's energetic balance. This detoxification process, or "healing crisis" as it is referred to rarely lasts for any length of time. This is however, determined to some degree by the severity and type of problem that is being treated. It has been known for a healing crisis to go on for several months. In the majority of cases though progress out of illness or imbalance is simply a gradual road to recovery. WHAT'S IT EFFECTIVE FOR? No diagnosis, or consultation is needed prior to a Reiki treatment, as all conditions, whether physical or emotional, can be treated with this energy system. WHERE'S THE EVIDENCE? Very little empirical research has been done specifically on the effectiveness of Reiki as a therapeutic process. As a healing system Reiki is regarded generally with a great deal of scepticism from orthodox practitioners in the West. Healing of any kind has had a bad press. Unfortunately, nearly all of the evidence for the efficacy of Reiki is anecdotal. There is a mountain of literature now available detailing individual case studies, and cross referencing does provide a strong case for the effectiveness of this healing system. Clearly though, there is a need for a much more substantive look at the claims made for this system of healing, before it will be given more credence by the medical establishment. |
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Traditionally, there are 3 levels of training in Reiki. The 1st level, is the Foundation level, and allows the student to gain experience of the healing system, by working on themselves, family and friends. The 2nd level is the professional practitioner level, which allows students to take on clients for a fee. At this level, through the use of specific symbols used in healing, Reiki treatments can be done at a distance - in absentia. Reiki practitioners claim that it is just as effective as a hands-on treatment. The 3rd level - the Masters level - is for those who wish to go on to teach Reiki to others.
There are no known negative side effects of receiving Reiki and it can be used with great effect in combination with all other forms of therapy, whether conventional or complementary. In fact, many people engaged in other forms of touch-therapy, such as reflexology and acupressure, are now learning Reiki as the quality and effectiveness of these disciplines is dramatically improved with the additional input of this energy.