What is Reiki therapy?

Answer 1

Reiki (sounds like ray-key) is a method of natural healing based on the application of Chi (Universal Life Force Energy). It is thought to be the complete healing system when used correctly & effectively to prevent and cure illness, disease, anxiety and crisis.
Link to one of the many Reiki pages below.
Personally, coming from a medical background, consult your physician first before embarking on any Reiki therapy for any major illness.

Answer 2

Reiki means "universal life energy" and is an ancient healing method that manipulates energy flows in the body. Reiki practitioners believe there is an energy force in and around the body. They believe that reiki is a flow of energy between the reiki practitioner and the receiver of the treatment. It is thought that reiki releases energy flows and allows the body's own natural healing ability to work.

In reiki, there are seven main energy centers called chakras in your body. The energy should flow freely through your chakras in order for you to be spiritually, physically, and mentally healthy. Practitioners believe that if energy paths are blocked, you may feel ill or weak or have pain.

A reiki treatment session usually lasts an hour. The reiki practitioner puts his or her hands over or on your body at certain chakras. Most reiki practitioners recommend more than one session.

What is reiki used for?
People use reiki to decrease pain, ease muscle tension, speed healing, and improve sleep.

Reiki is sometimes used to help people who suffer from pain or discomfort from cancer or other diseases. However, reiki is not used as a treatment for cancer or any other disease. Some people who have undergone chemotherapy treatment said they felt better and had less nausea after undergoing a reiki session. Research is ongoing to determine any benefits of reiki.

Is reiki safe?
Many people who receive reiki say they experience a refreshed spirit, better healing, and an increase in general well-being.

No scientific studies have proven whether reiki is effective for treating any type of disease. However, some health professionals believe it may be useful in helping reduce stress and anxiety.

Always tell your doctor if you are using an alternative therapy or if you are thinking about combining an alternative therapy with your conventional medical treatment. It may not be safe to forgo your conventional medical treatment and rely only on an alternative therapy.

Answer 3

If there is something in it I am alarmed at how easily and quickly it seems to be able to qualify to become a Reiki master. Correct me if I'm wrong but I thought it took years to become very good at something and potentially a life time to become a master.

Answer 4

It's a Japanese healing art, which is supposed to be spiritual and involves the laying of hands. I once went to a reiki healer, not realizing what it was, and found it quite freaky. The healer holds his hands above your body to balance your chakras and energy levels.

The healer told me that he wasn't the one who did it, that he was only the instrument through which 'higher powers' worked. I'm a Christian and didn't exactly trust those 'higher powers', so never went back to him!