Reiki is an ancient healing technique that makes use of energy to heal and regain balance within the body, mind, and spirit. Some say it is the basis of that used by Jesus and other spiritual healers throughout the ages. What is commonly called Reiki today was discovered, or rediscovered as the case may be, by Mikao Usui in the beginning decades of the 20^th century. Over the course of the last century, his techniques have been adapted and added to make up dozens of Reiki variations. Many of these variations are interpretations made to better suit particular belief systems. Reiki in and of itself is not connected to any particular faith.

 

To gain a better understanding of what Reiki is, we need to take a deeper look at into the philosophy of illness. Contemporary medicine sees the body as a machine. When a part of the system breaks down, it needs to be either fixed or replaced. Thus, drugs or surgery are often used to treat illness. Essentially, one problem equals one solution. Have a headache take a pain reliever.

 

Holistic medicine takes a different approach to health. Practitioners see the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of a person as part of a whole. In this way, when one part of the body isn’t working properly, it tends to affect other parts of a person’s life as well. Thus, chronic back pain may increase pressure on the hips or shoulder as the individual tries to compensate for the pain. He or she might also suffer mentally and emotionally as activities they used to love have to be put aside or when money becomes tight because the injury results in job loss. All of these issues need to be addressed.

 

To do so, the root cause of the problem has to be located. Fortunately, the body leaves a bread crumb trail of symptoms that leads the way. We all know that our bodies are built to survive. If we are in danger from a bully or a wild animal, our brain automatically sends out the message to fight or flee (or tend and befriend for women) as appropriate. What we don’t often realize is that our body also sends out other little warning signs. If we are stressing ourselves beyond what it can handle, we might feel tired, overwhelmed, or moody. If we don’t pay attention to these signals, we may eventually get a cold, have chest pains, or even suffer a heart attack.

 

Reiki practitioners follow these clues. Then, use Reiki energy to release or heal that issue. Finally, once that symptom has been cleared, practitioners encourage the individual to make changes that will assure balance and health in the system as a whole. In this way, the problem won’t simply return or reappear after a time.