Reiki Basics

There are many ways to interpret this mysterious treatment, but I prefer a more clinical approach to understanding. The easiest way to describe the feeling of reiki is that it resembles the soothing nature of a sustained, genuine hug. The entire body feels supported during a reiki session, which allows the parasympathetic nervous system (responsible for rest and recovery) to activate and begin the body’s natural process of healing itself. Having a practitioner skilled in meditation and positive intention provides experienced guidance to help you enter this deeply restorative state. In this busy world, scheduling in relaxation has become paramount to a successful self-care regime.

Benefits and Beliefs

Since our bodies are designed to have physical contact, the proven benefits of reiki include decreased production of stress hormones and improving the immune system. People can experience deep relaxation, enhanced mood and lowered levels of anxiety. Even facilities like Johns Hopkins Medicine are now incorporating reiki into their treatment offerings as it has proven reduction of stress and improved healing functions.

It is a complementary practice, meaning it is not a replacement for life saving surgery and medication when necessary. It can be used for preventative care, mental and emotional support, and support during and after surgeries. Reiki is among many practices that aim to reduce our dependency on over-prescribed pharmaceuticals and give us natural ways to combat stress, disease and loneliness.

I am not anti-medication or western medicine. I believe in a future with a more holistic, accessible and unified healthcare system.

A Case for Reiki

• Touch Isolation in Men

• Humans: Wired for Touch

• Reiki Goes Mainstream