Body Wise*

Csilla Toth is
a Usui/Tibetan Reiki Master Practitioner and member of Northwest Reiki Association. Toth lives and works in Portland, OR.

reikiflow.csilla@gmail.com
www.thereikiflow.blogspot.com

*The information contained herein is not intended to diagnose or treat ANY medical condition. Always consult your physician before beginning any new exercise or treatment.

Reiki: Physical Healing, Spiritual Healing, and Self-Improvement

Csilla Toth

Reiki (pronounce ray-key) is a Japanese hands-on stress reduction and healing technique. It is made of two words — Rei which means “higher power,” and Ki which means “life force energy.” In other words, Reiki can be defined as spiritually guided life force energy. It guides itself with its own wisdom rather than requiring the practitioner’s guidance. Reiki can never do harm as it is coming from the creator. Reiki is a simple, natural, and safe method of physical and spiritual healing and self-improvement for everyone. It works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery.

Reiki was first discovered by Dr. Mikao Usui in Japan in 1922. He received the gift of Reiki during a meditative experience on Kurama yama, a sacred mountain north of Kyoto. At the time he received the healing energy of Reiki and through practice he developed many methods to facilitate its use. He trained 16 masters who brought Reiki to us. Dr. Usui died in 1926.

Anyone can practice or receive Reiki as it is not a religion. You don’t need to believe in it to receive the benefits of the treatment. To practice Reiki you have to receive an attunement from a Reiki Master, who transfers the ability of channeling Reiki during the process.

There are two different ways to receive a Reiki treatment. One of them is a hands-on, in-person treatment, and the other is distant healing. I prefer the hands-on, in-person method because I can connect on a deeper level with my client and with Reiki, and it seems that the clients have a more profound experience with it, too. But if you are not able to visit, distant Reiki healing is very effective and powerful, too. The difference between the two is that the client and the practitioner don’t have to be in the same room, town, or continent for the client to receive a distance healing treatment. However, it is still strongly recommended that the client lie down during the distant treatment in order to be more relaxed and receptive to Reiki energy.

Reiki can heal physical, mental, and emotional problems. It shows instant results in pain reduction, stress management, and relaxation. It can help release unwanted lifestyle patterns, strengthen goals, and support positive thinking.

Hospitals are starting to incorporate Reiki treatments in their work with cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. The patients are reporting immediate relief from pain, nausea, and other side effects of chemotherapy. For more information about work in hospitals in Portland, visit www.nwreikiassociation.org.

Reiki is beneficial for those who lead physically active lifestyles. Active people are more prone to minor or major physical injuries, and Reiki can help by speeding up the healing process and alleviating the pain that comes with injuries.

I have a friend who is an avid runner, and as she was preparing for a marathon her knees started bothering her so much that she feared she would have to give up on her dream. But then she remembered me, and two days before the marathon she asked me if I could help her. I said “yes,” and started sending her distant Reiki. The next day she reported that the pain in her knees was mostly gone, and she was so excited that she could participate in the run. She also asked me if I could send her Reiki while she was running her routes. I was happy to. She had an amazing experience that day!

Reiki can provide help during the winter months by fighting the colds and flu more effectively. It is much easier to exercise when one feels well.

If you are just starting with your walking or running plan, picking up yoga, Pilates, or aerobics, Reiki can help you stay on track to regain your strength, balance, and health. Reiki can also empower your goals and help you clarify them and understand what you exactly need for your personal growth.

Maintenance of good health is important not just for those who are active but for everyone, and Reiki provides excellent support. As it balances the chakras, resolves energetic blocks, and improves the flow of energy in the body and the aura, Reiki provides the basic building blocks for good health. Reiki works not just on our bodies but on our minds, too. It makes us feel good, relaxed, and happy — perfect for transforming gloomy winter days into peaceful celebration.