The word Reiki is composed of two Japanese words – Rei and Ki.  Rei (pronounced ray) means “Universal or Higher Intelligence that guides the creation and functioning of the Universe.”  Ki (pronounced key) is the non-physical energy that animates all living things.  Ki is flowing in everything that is alive including plants, animals, and humans.  When a person’s Ki is high, they will feel strong, confident, and ready to enjoy life and take on its challenges. C  When it is low, they will feel weak and are more likely to get sick. D  We receive Ki from the air we breath, from food, sunshine, and from sleep.

Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing.  It is administered by “laying on IhandsI” and is based on the idea that an unseen “life force energy” flows through us and is what causes us to be alive.  Though it is spiritual in nature, Reiki is not a religion; practitioners of Reiki are from all religious backgrounds and beliefs.

All negative or dis-harmonious thoughts or feelings will cause a disruption in the flow of Ki.  Even Western medicine recognizes the role played by the mind in creating illness and some doctors state that as much as 98% of illness is caused directly or indirectly by the mind.

It must be understood that the mind does not only exist in the brain, but also though-out the body.  The nervous system extends to every organ and tissue in the body and so the mind exists here also.  It is also known that the mind even extends outside the body in a subtle energy field 2 to 3 feet thick called the aura.  Because of this, it is more appropriate to call our mind a mind/body as the mind and body are so closely linked.

The negative thoughts and feelings that are lodged in the unconscious mind/body are the greatest problem as we are not aware of them and therefore, we are greatly hampered in changing or eliminating them.

The great value of Reiki is that because it is guided by the Higher Intelligence, it knows exactly where to go and how to respond to restrictions in the flow of Ki.  As Reiki flows through a sick or unhealthy area, it breaks up and washes away negative thoughts or feelings lodged in the unconscious mind/body thus allowing a normal healthy flow of Ki to resume.  As this happens, the unhealthy physical organs and tissues become properly nourished with Ki and begin functioning in a balanced healthy way thus replacing illness with health.

Reiki is a non-invasive healing technique.  It is sometimes called “hands on, Reiki on.”  A session feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through you and surrounds you.  Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind, and spirit, and creates many beneficial effects including deep relaxation, feelings of peace, security, and well being.

A 1997 uncontrolled pilot study, involving 20 patients experiencing pain from various conditions, found that pain levels were significantly lower following a session of Reiki compared to just before the session.[1]  Reiki is also used to ease anxiety in patients preparing for surgery.[2]

Now that I have given you information from books, I want to let you know what Reiki is to me.  I believe in a Higher Being.  I pray to that Higher Being and ask for extra energy, which runs through me and then through the Charka’s in my hands into the person that I am asking the extra energy for.

When the energy goes into the person that asked to receive it, it usually feels warm or tingly.  That person’s mind or body will take the energy and put it where it needs to go.  I have no control over what the person does with the energy, they do.  They are in complete control.  They can accept it or reject it. 

Reiki works differently for everyone because everyone is different.  I only know how it works for me and how it works for people that have tried it and they tell me how it felt or what it did for them.  A client once told me after a full Reiki session it was the most relaxed they had ever been in their life. 

I certainly hope that you will try Reiki sometime.  Please make sure that it is someone that you feel comfortable with.  That’s the most important part.  Feeling comfortable enough to relax and enjoy the energy.

Thank you for your time.  If you have any questions, please feel free to drop me an email.

Stephanie Pumphrey
Certified Reiki Master-Teacher, Tuning Forks, Stained Glassmaker

I Feel the Energy, LLC.