Reiki (pronounced ray-key) is an ancient Japanese Healing Art that facilitates stress reduction and relaxation, which in turn, also promotes healing. The term ‘Rei’ means God-Consciousness and ‘Ki’ is Life Force Energy, based on the Eastern Medicine and the Quantum Physics concepts of everything in the Universe being made up of energy or ‘Ki’. In essence, Reiki can be defined as “Spiritually Guided Healing Energy” or “Spiritually Guided Life Force Energy”. From a Christian perspective*, it is supported by Jesus’ teachings and the examples He set for us by ‘laying on hands’. As Reiki comes from God/Higher Power, it is safe and beneficial to every living thing. Reiki is spiritual in nature, but is not a religion nor does one need to 'believe in' it in order to receive Reiki. On a personal level, Reiki helps individuals to become more in touch with the 'deeper experience of their religion' in additional to their intellectual relationship with it.
The existence of life force energy, and the necessity for it to flow freely in and around one’s body to maintain health, has been studied and acknowledged by health care practitioners and scientists. Reiki is considered a ‘hands-on healing technique’ that balances the energies of the body, thus harmonizing the body, emotions, and spirit.
Reiki is currently being used in hospitals and hospices by both allied health professionals and lay people to decrease pain, improve immune function, lower blood pressure, speed recovery and provide a general sense of well being. Reiki is a non-toxic, non-harmful adjunct used by many in their healthcare practices. There are no known contraindications. Reiki enhances and supports any medical or supplemental healing method. It can be used simultaneously with other conventional, alternative, and complementary therapies without adverse effects. It assists you to connect with your body’s innate wisdom and allows your body’s natural tendency toward wellness to flourish.
*See http://www.christianreiki.org for a more in depth Christian perspective on Reiki. 