A Guide To Reiki

In this blog, Shanti Som Wellbeing Retreat's experts give us the lowdown on the Reiki and its various benefits.

What is Reiki?

Reiki is a spiritual healing practice which originated in Japan in the early 20th century. It is built on the belief that the body is innately able to heal itself. The word “reiki” loosely translates to “universal life energy” — an energy which practitioners believe exists within, and surrounds every body.  At it’s core, the practice involves transmitting or balancing that energy, through the specific placement of hands on or above a recipient’s body. Most commonly, it is used to ease pain, anxiety, fatigue, and depression.

What are the benefits of Reiki?

Reiki is a wonderful way to release ‘blockages’ of tension, stress and negative feelings. Some specific benefits include: 

Relaxes and releases tension from the body

What many people love the most about Reiki is that it allows them to simply “be”. It is a couple of minutes of pure relaxation where the receiver can clear their heads and release the tension and stress of their day. The energy transfer through Reiki may make people feel peaceful, relaxed, and lighter which allows then to be in touch with their inner selves and reflect clearly on their lives.

Breaks down energy blocks and balances the mind, body and spirit

Regular treatment promotes the consistent and unlocked flow of energy throughout the body. This allows people to feel less stress, enhances learning and memory, promotes mental clarity, and physical healing/ less physical pain. When energy passageways are blocked, positive energy cannot flow to certain parts of the body, which results in mood swings, fear, anger, pain, and more. Reiki can help keep these passages clear.

Cleanses the body of toxins and supports the immune system

Reiki technique is used to remind our bodies how to go back into the “repair” or “self-healing” state of rest and digest. By triggering this state, our bodies begin to cleanse themselves of useless energies. It also allows the body to protect itself from exhaustion, burnout, or immune system failure.

Helps you sleep better

You can always expect to feel extremely relaxed after a Reiki session. This kind of relaxation helps our bodies to sleep better, to heal better, and to think more clearly. It is not uncommon for people to fall asleep entirely during a session.

Accelerates the body's self healing ability

Reiki balances your internal body levels to return to a near-natural state. This means that your breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, circulation, and other bodily systems will improve. This normal balance will allow your body to heal itself from within.

But what does the research on Reiki say?

Over the past two decades, a number of studies have shown that Reiki treatments help diminish the negative side effects of chemotherapy, improve surgical outcomes, regulate the autonomic nervous system and dramatically alter people’s experience of physical and emotional pain associated with illness. In fact, it’s growing popularity has shown acceptance at some of the most respected hospitals around the world. This is inline with various non-western techniques such as yoga, meditation and acupuncture forming part of patient treatment plans.

Admittedly research on Reiki is not extensive. However, from what has been conducted, research does show some clear benefits.

For example research suggests that Reiki may lower anxiety, stress, and pain in people undergoing surgery. In a study published in 2017 of patients undergoing knee replacement surgery, researchers separated 46 patients into three groups: One group received three or four 30-minute Reiki treatments throughout their hospital stay; a second group received the same number of placebo (sham) Reiki sessions; and a third group received neither Reiki nor sham Reiki. Every group also received standard medical care. Researchers found that only those who received Reiki saw significant reductions in pain, blood pressure, breathing rate, and anxiety pre- and post-surgery.

What to expect during a Reiki session

Sessions vary in length, but they often last between 60 and 90 minutes. You’ll spend the entire session lying fully clothed on a treatment table, but if you’re pregnant or otherwise can’t lie flat, you may be in a recliner.

During the session, the practitioner will place his or her hands lightly on or near your body in a series of hand positions, including positions around the head and shoulders, the stomach, and the feet, as well as other positions based on the client’s needs. Each hand position is held for roughly 3 to 10 minutes, depending on how much the client needs in each position.

Expect to feel deeply relaxed during the session. You’ll likely daydream, and you may even fall into a light sleep.

In conclusion

Research on reiki right now is scarce- that which exists shows little proof of effectiveness, but also little danger when used in tandem with conventional treatment. There is consensus in the medical community that its practice is non-invasive and low risk. In other words, if it makes you feel good, then go for it!