What is Reiki & 5 Myths Revealed

Anabel
Jul 14, 2022
3 min read

Updated: Mar 4

Have you ever stepped into a room and instantly felt a positive or negative vibe?

That’s energy.

Believe it or not, energy is not just a scientific concept. It’s the buzz in the air when you enter a room, the warmth of the sun on your skin, the sound of a bird’s song. According to quantum physics, energy and mass are interchangeable, meaning everything, including us, is energy in motion.

This is the essence of Reiki, a Japanese energy healing technique based on the belief that our bodies are conduits of energy. Reiki, with its roots dating back thousands of years, has gained significant traction in the West since the mid-20th century. Today, it’s practiced worldwide, finding its place in hospitals as a complementary therapy and taught in clinical institutions to patients’ caregivers and the general public.

But what exactly is Reiki, and how does it work?

Reiki is a subtle energy healing therapy that aims to rebalance or stimulate energy flow in a person’s body, returning it to its natural state.

Think of it like this. Our bodies are undoubtedly physical. When we pull a muscle, we either take an aspirin to relieve the pain or see a physical therapist for help with recovery. At the same time, our bodies are energetic, so feelings of anxiety, depression, grief, anger, etc., can influence and impact them. Most of us have learned to deal with and manage our emotions; however, if unprocessed, these issues can block the body’s energy flow. That’s where Reiki comes in.

As we know from the first law of thermodynamics, energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only get redirected from one place or form to another. And so, during a Reiki session, trained practitioners use their hands to alter or redirect this energy flow in the body, helping to create an internal environment conducive to self-healing.

To further shed light on Reiki, here are five common myths and their answers.

Reiki can heal in just one session. While one session may be enough for most people, others may need more than one to sustain the healing process. Traditionally, four Reiki sessions are recommended as a starting point to evaluate the results and overall benefits received. These benefits can include a sense of deep relaxation, improved sleep, reduced stress and anxiety, and a general feeling of well-being. However, if you’re skeptical about booking multiple sessions at once, start with one and go from there.
Reiki practitioners have special powers. Reiki practitioners are not endowed with special mystical abilities. Through training, they learn specific hand positions and symbols that allow them to shift and restore the natural flow of energy for clients. Their role is to facilitate the healing process, not to perform miracles.
Reiki can only be performed in person. Reiki can be performed both in-person and virtually, at a distance. Like energy frequencies from cell phones, radio signals, and wi-fi work across distances, so does Reiki. Using specific symbols received during training, a practitioner tunes in to a person’s energetic needs to channel Reiki to them during an agreed-upon time. This accessibility allows anyone to receive Reiki wherever they are.
Reiki is an equal alternative to Western medicine. Reiki is not a replacement but rather a complementary form of therapy that can be used with Western medicine. It aids in creating an environment that promotes healing in the body and can increase the efficacy of other medical treatments. If a person is already in good health, regular Reiki treatments can serve as a form of preventative care and can enhance overall well-being.
Reiki is a religion. Reiki is often misunderstood as a religion, but it’s not. Reiki is a spiritual practice that can complement any faith or belief system. The name comes from the Japanese “Rei,” meaning God’s Wisdom or Higher Power, and “Ki,” which means spirit or life force. This non-religious nature of Reiki allows individuals from all walks of life to benefit from its healing properties, regardless of their religious beliefs.