What is Reiki & What are the benefits?

Definition of Reiki
REIKI is a Japanese Spiritual Healing Art that was founded in Japan many many years ago. The word Reiki can be translated as "Universal Life Energy" or "Universal Life Force Energy."

This spiritual art typically and traditionally uses four aspects when learning, using it and being taught. Healing practice, personal development, spiritual discipline, and Mystic order. This art also involves oral tradition, spiritual lineage, history, initiation (also known as an attunement,) symbols, treatment, forms of teaching, monetary exchange, as well as, very importantly, the five Reiki precepts..... which are intended to awaken questions within a Reiki practitioner or student and therefore involves the mind, as well as the body and spirit in the process of becoming whole in body and spirit.

I won't get into the details of all of this at this time, but thought it best to mention this.

More details on what I just mentioned would be expressed in a Reiki level one course.

But to explain a little bit more about what Reiki is specifically....

Reiki is a healing technique based on the principle that the therapist, or practitioner can Channel ‘The Universal Life Energy’ into the patient or client by means of touch to activate the natural healing processes of the patient or clients body and restore physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. The session is usually performed by using specific hand positions gently placed on the body, or hovering slightly over the body.

During a Reiki session the client typically is fully clothed while either lying on a massage bed, or any other way they are able to lay down, or can even be done while seated in a chair.

It can help immensely in Stress reduction, easing tension, and may help support the body to facilitate an environment for healing all levels.

It is not a massage, nor is it based on belief or suggestion, though intention is very important in a Reiki session.

For a Reiki session to have an effect, the client or patient must be open and willing to receive the ‘Universal Life Force Energy’. It's very important that you never run a Reiki session on someone that is not open, ready and willing to receive this energy.

This technique is extremely relaxing and enjoyable and is a special part of a spiritual journey. Keep in mind, the word Spiritual actually means ‘relating to our thoughts & beliefs, rather than the body & physical surroundings’; therefore, essentially, Spirituality is - connecting within yourself & inner well-being.

Reiki sessions can last anywhere between 45 minutes to 90 minutes in length typically. But this time can vary depending on the client or patients needs.

Reiki sessions or classes are a great investment in yourself and others in your life and can be used on people, pets, plants, food and other items.

A Few key things that Reiki is noted for:

- A subtle, gentle and effective form of energy healing using spiritually guided life force energy also known as universal life force energy
- Cannot be used in any way to cause harm
- Practiced to clear your energetic centers also known as chakras
- Practiced in every country in the world
- Being used in many settings including hospitals, especially before and after surgeries, hospice care, as well as in private practice and self-care
- It's a Wonderful complimentary modality in a personal Wellness or healing programs

REIKI IS NOT:

Affiliated with any particular organized religion or organized religious practices.

Main defining qualities of Reiki :

- A practice of transmitting healing energy through the hands
- Passed on through the Attunement process from Reiki Master to Practitioner
- The Reiki is not guided by the practitioner, but the energy has its own innate wisdom to guide itself, the practitioner is just a channel for the energy to travel through.
- Reiki energy is not based on belief, faith or suggestion
A short version description of a chakra :

The chakras refer to clusters of nerve endings along the spine were sensitivity and receptivity are highly concentrated. The Chakras also correspond with the endocrine glands near each cluster, as nerve stimulation is one of the triggers that causes glands to release hormone chemicals into the body.

Please note: REIKI is meant to be used as a compliment to traditional care or as a personal relaxation or stress reducing tool. It is not meant to be a substitute for qualified medical treatment, advice or traditional care.

DEEPER DESCRIPTION OF CHAKRAS:

The Chakras, otherwise also known as 'energy centers' of the human body, have a function of grounding spiritual energies into the physical plane. They are often described as 'spinning wheels' of energy. The word chakra means 'spinning wheel' in Sanskrit (Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism.)

During any Reiki session we are guiding the universal life force energy through our energetic system of our body out the hands and into the patient or client which is then directed to the energy centers that need attention, or energetic replenishment, this can also enhance healing on a mental emotional and spiritual level. And can be used in a wide array of healing as well as physical healing aspects.

Reiki essentially has its own innate wisdom and will travel to the areas that need the energy the most. Also something to keep in mind with any healing modality, where we place our attention, our energy will flow.

The major chakras are generally depicted as being aligned approximately along the vertical of midline of the body in line with the spine. Minor chakras are also located in the palms of the hand, soles of the feet and at each joint. As well as locations along the meridians of the body.

It has been told that we have 147 energy centers overall in our physical body.

Here's a breakdown of the seven basic main chakras....

1. The Root Chakra - which is located at our S2 Vertebrae at the base of the spine, The Coccyx, is our connection to the physical plane and symbol of our basic survival needs, it's the energy center of physical safety, strength, vitality and survival needs.

The main color is : Red

2. The Sacral Chakra - which is located at our S1 Vertebrae at the Sacrum, is the source of our creative and procreative urges and drives, including sexuality, sensuality, attractions, social connections likes and dislikes. This is also the main energy center where we store our emotions.

The main color is : Orange

3. The Solar Plexus - which is located along the Lumbar Spine governing our L1 to L5 vertebrae, is the energy center for power and manifestation. This chakra houses our sense of self, our individuality, our integrity, our willpower and our productivity.

The main color is : Yellow

4. The Heart Chakra - which is located at our Thoracic Spine governing our T1 to T12 vertebrae, is the energy center for love both human and divine, this connects our three lower and three upper centers and is our main source of love for self, universe, and others. This also governs forgiveness and compassion, this is also where we essentially receive our love energy.

The main color is: Green

5. The Throat Chakra - which is located at our Cervical Spine in the neck, governing our C2 to C7 vertebrae including our Axis, is the center for our creative expression and communication which is also a key Channel for our heart.

The main color is : Blue

6. The Third Eye Chakra - also known as the Forehead or Brow chakra is located at our Pineal Gland in our Brain and our frontal cortex or lobe, and also connects to our C1 vertebrae as well - known as the Atlas, governing our head, brain, inner and middle ears. This is our main Center for our psychic information, Insight and Imagination as well as our Perceptions in life.

The main color is : Indigo

7. The Crown Chakra - otherwise known as the Thousand Petal Lotus is located at the top of our head and is our connection with the cosmic or the divine, also known as God source or higher guidance system. When we refer to God this can mean many different things, basically, whoever you honor as your deity.

The main color is : Violet

Reiki can also help children:

• Babies sleep longer, more restfully
• Soothe a baby with colic
• Ease teething pain
• Hasten recovery from a cold
• Enhance Calmness and promotes a feeling of inner peace
• Improve Sleep and Relaxation
• Relieves Stress, Anxiety, Phobias and Fears
• Enhances relaxation and improve sleep
• Improves focus & Concentration in class and when taking test
• Manages Hyperactivity and self regulation
• Pain relief and relax sore muscles

Who else would Benefit from Reiki?

Children with Anxiety, stress and other fears
Children with Anger issues and Mood swings
Children with Insomnia, and other sleep related issues.
Children with issues related to Focus and Concentration
Children with diagnosis of ADHD or ADD Children with sensory processing disorders and Autism spectrum
Children with OCD and ODD Children with pain and sore/tight muscles
Children with Behavioral Issues

Reiki may also assist in reversing failure to thrive and weight gain problems as once-fussy babies shake off stress, sleep better, and become calmer, happier babies.

Babies can benefit greatly from Reiki treatments, and so do their families. There is a feeling of helplessness when there is a sick baby crying at home or in the ICU. Reiki comforts babies to reduce crying and fussing in a way that quiets the house and calms distraught parents. Simply watching a baby relax under the touch of Reiki can soothe the entire family.

Babies are extraordinarily perceptive of parental stress and respond positively when they see their parents relax.

Is Reiki safe for my Child? Yes, Reiki is absolutely the safest healing method! It is non invasive, causes no harm, and complements other treatments. The practitioner jump starts the child's self healing process, by simply placing their hands gently over the body by touching or not touching ( 3 to 4 inches away from the body) . The practitioner channels the healing energy and safety transfers to the child. The child feels a senses a feel of calmness and serenity after the session. The effects of this treatment can continue even hours and days after the session.

Reiki for New Parents: Being a new parent, or a first-time parent, can be especially stressful. Lack of sleep and constant focus can add stress to the happy time as new parents navigate the waters of caring for their tiny shining stars. Reiki for new parents can be quite a needed treat for them. A Reiki session makes a great gift for stressed newbies or seasoned new parents after the stork arrives. Babies are Receptive to Energy Therapy Babies are open to energy flow, so deprogramming sessions are rarely necessary. Unlike adults and older children conditioned to fear or reject innovative approaches to healing, infants have not developed the emotional defenses that can block Reiki. They are, in a sense, beautiful blank canvases that are receptive to energy therapy. Because of this openness, a short Reiki session is all most babies need – 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the baby’s needs. Some babies experience Reiki for the first time in a hospital’s neonatal ICU, as a way to reduce the stress associated with pain, sickness, and the constant drone of respirators, IVs, and other medical equipment.

Reiki is especially helpful for preemies, especially those that are on life support or are too fragile to be held. Reiki can help these tiniest patients relax, improving their ability to cope with the stress of being hospitalized for the first few precious days of life. Reiki for Fragile or Sickly Infants and Babies A practitioner can administer Reiki while holding the baby or by standing near enough to the incubator to send energy to the child. Distant Reiki is appropriate for any baby too fragile to hold. The practitioner can also transfer loving energy through to baby’s blanket, bed, or sleepwear to help the child sleep. As the child grows stronger, she may begin receiving gentle hands-on sessions. Chakra harmonizing is especially helpful for preemies and other babies who had a rough start in life. The trauma and stress of being a sick baby could result in an imbalance of survival, emotions, will, relationships, communication, creativity, and spirituality chakras. Reiki restores chakra harmony and general healthy energy flow.

A specific healing session is helpful for babies who have experienced pain or other blocks to the energy field. Specific healing re-establishes proper energy flow to stimulate healing in that area. Past healing also helps heal these wounds in a way that allows the baby to overcome these injuries and embark on their new positive life journey. Reiki allows infants to focus on the serious business of being happy, healthy little bundles of joy. And helps parents to enjoy this special time in their lives even more by reducing stress and by allowing them to focus on what is really important – raising their beautiful growing family.

Reiki can Help a child sleep: Calming Colic and Providing Restful Sleep Every newborn is unique and special. Even after just a week of life, some babies show early signs of stress, such as fussiness or colic. While infant stress may seem harmless at first glance, continuous anxiety at such a young age may create disharmony and imbalance that can negatively affect a growing bundle of joy. Offering a Welcoming Environment Parents of newborns especially in tune with their babies’ needs on all levels but some may be shy about telling others that their infant seems stressed. Moms and dads may worry that a practitioner thinks the parents are projecting their own stress onto the baby, or that the new parents are just imagining the newborns’ anxiety.

Reiki practitioners create a welcoming environment, one that allows parents to express their concerns and seek healing therapy for their bundles of joy.

Reiki All in All: Reiki is gentle, safe, non-invasive, comforting and nurturing. It is divine intelligence, it is inner wisdom, it is magic at your hands. Children are sensitive beings and, like sponges, their energy loves Reiki. Reiki assists deep relaxation and calms the emotions, bringing all aspects of self, mind and body into balance. It is a great tool to have and use for your child’s first day at school, as well as during the settling in period at school. It can also help you to support them through other events in life, such as bullying, moving home, changing school, the arrival of a new sibling, pressure of exams, family issues, dealing with separation/divorce or death. Reiki can help with emotions like anxiety, fear, anger, sadness and loneliness. It helps with sleep, self-esteem, confidence, concentration, raising self-awareness, and supporting with physical pain and discomfort.

Introducing Reiki to your children from a young age will teach your children about the importance of self-care, to take responsibility for their emotional, physical and mental health. It raises their self-awareness and their vibration, aiding a positive attitude. On a deeper level, it heals negative family patterns that are carried from one generation to another. It educates children from a young age to be and stay authentic, helping them to trust themselves and the world that they live in.

There ya have it...I am here when you need me, and ready to work with you when you feel drawn to it. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me during my regular business hours!

Thank you & Happy healing, Sending Love & Light Beck Wilson @ Beck's Zen Den Your Holistic Healing Practitioner beckszenden.squarespace.com @beckszenden (Insta) 250-469-1541 Zen Life

Reiki for Children: What & Why