What is Reiki?

Reiki (pronounced ray-key) is a Japanese word representing universal life energy, the energy which is all around us. It is derived from rei, meaning "free passage" or "transcendental spirit" and ki, meaning "vital life force energy" or " universal life energy".  Called "Chi" or "Chi Kung" by the Chinese " or for you Star Wars Fans who will remember this line from Obi Wan Kenobi - "The Force is what gives a Jedi his power. It's an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us. It binds the galaxy together."  I don't know about it giving a Jedi his power, but George Lucus certainly hit the nail on the head when defining this "Life Force", however we practitioners just know it as Reiki!

Reiki practitioners channel energy in a particular pattern to heal and harmonize. Unlike other healing therapies based on the premise of a human energy field, Reiki seeks to restore order to the body whose vital energy has become unbalanced.

The laying of hands is used in Reiki therapy also as in spiritual healing. There is a difference though. In spiritual healing, a person with a strong energy field places his or her hands above a particular part of the recipient's body in order to release energy into it. So, here the healer is the one who is sending out the energy. In Reiki, however, the healer places the hands above the recipient; however, it is the recipient that draws the energy as needed. Thus, in this case, the individual being healed takes an active part in the healing process as opposed to having a passive part in spiritual healing. The individual takes responsibility for his or her healing. The recipient identifies the needs and cater to them by drawing energy as needed.

Although there are a few positions in which the practitioner is in contact with the patient (such as cradling the head), most Reiki treatments do not involve actual touching. The practitioner holds his or her hands a few inches or farther away from the patient's body and manipulates the energy field from there.

More and more cancer patients are giving Reiki a try, in addition to noted experts in cancer treatment, including organizations like the American Cancer Society. Oncologists are now recommending the treatment for pain relief, to hasten recovery after surgery, and to reduce the side effects of certain medications, including chemotherapy. Hospitals are including Reiki practitioners on their staff. For example, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, known for its holistic approach to cancer care, offers Reiki therapy at its facilities as do many other major cancer centers in the United States.