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Discovering Reiki – Using Healing Energy to Boost Your Mind, Body and Self

Discovering Reiki – Using Healing Energy to Boost Your Mind, Body and Self

An increasingly popular contender for aiding in mental and physical stressors is the Japanese-born ritual of Reiki symbols. These symbols correlate to movements that help the mind and body with understanding healing energy and redefining self-attunement.

The entire basis revolves around alternative medicine to help people in relieving pain, accepting anxieties and gaining a new ‘energetic’ perspective through the release of brain chemicals such as endorphins that allow you to feel ‘warmth’ and ‘at peace’ with certain aspects of your life. 

Interestingly, Reiki has a very rich history that is confused by many over the world yet still provides the same care and attention to everyone despite the different Reiki symbols that might be used or the understanding of the Reiki guide to self-attunement. So, in this series of holistic self-care and remedies for both the mind and body, we simply couldn’t miss the opportunity to delve into the remedies of Reiki hand positions.

Reiki is a form of healing that helps to remove clouds, brighten the mind and answer questions in the form of stressors and anxieties. 

With that, we thought we’d do the same in this article, by removing the clouds and answering questions about the wonderful world of Reiki. Here’s what The Hobby Kraze team will be uncovering today:

  1. What is the Meaning of Reiki and Reiki Symbols?
  2. What is the History of the Reiki Guide of Self-Attunement?
  3. What are the 7 Major Chakras of the Body Allowing Passage for the Guide to Reiki?
  4. What Does a Reiki Energy Transfer Feel Like?
  5. What Can be Expected in a Reiki Session?
  6. What are the Benefits of Understanding Healing Energy?
  7. What are the Core Types of Reiki?

There is no need to familiarise yourself with a dictionary of jargon entitled ‘The Guide to Reiki Meanings’. In fact, there’s no need to be familiar with any of the terms or phrases shared around the world at all (apart from the names of the different types).

This is because practitioners (including on a traditional and historical level) will always value the act and service over the spoken language. As well as this, whether you’re looking to experience a new form, understanding healing energy through physical therapy or if you want to discover the practices to help others, there’s no need to have qualifications or a background. While each country has regulations about working with individuals who are young, the only thing you need is a positive energy to help heal others.

What is the Meaning of Reiki and Reiki Symbols

The Japanese word Reiki (pronounced “ray-key”) derives from a conjunction of two words that define the practice; The first, “Rei” means ‘Universal Life’, while the second, “Ki”, means ‘energy’ and is known in other countries by other names such as “Chi” for the Chinese.

Reiki, despite popular assumptions, is not a religious practice. In fact, it is a symbolic practice that has been linked to many cultures, religions, regions and holistic sessions around the world. 

The meaning behind the Reiki guide of self-attunement is to be able to allow the flow of energy between you, your practitioner and your affinity in which you believe or draw energy from. For example: God, Buddha, Ki, family, Earth, the Sun and so on. 

With this, it’s important to remember that Reiki symbols and energy do not flow from the practitioner, but rather uses the practitioner as a vessel for flow.

There are many types of Reiki out there, thousands, in fact. Yet, there are around 10 core types used throughout modern Western and Eastern cultures that we’ll touch on in this article. 

The balance that derives from these positive energy Reiki sessions stay with a person forever. Reiki never leaves the body unless it is used for negative or destructive purposes such as extreme alcohol consumption.

What is the History of the Reiki Guide of Self-Attunement?

What is the History of the Reiki Guide of Self-Attunement

There are many theories behind the history of Reiki, as it can’t exactly be pinpointed. 

Yet, there is the key recognition that modern day Reiki stems from a Japanese spiritual aspirant and monk named Dr. Usui in the early 1900s. However, one day, when lecturing at Doshisha University in Kyoto, Japan, he was asked a question about Christian origin tales of Jesus healing people by touch. 

Unable to answer, Dr. Usui reportedly quit his job and began practising the monk ways in order to find out. And, it was during this period, Dr. Usui re-discovered the Ki (Chi) energy throughout all of us and how it could be channelled to help heal like Jesus through Reiki hand positions and movements.

Despite this, many believe forms of Reiki have always been used throughout human history in order to reduce pain, create calm and ensure the flow of positive energy between communities. For example: the historical cultures of Wu or Atlantis and the all-powerful beings such as Buddha or Jesus are each said to incorporate the Reiki guide of self-attunement for understanding healing energy.

What are the 7 Major Chakras of the Body Allowing Passage for the Guide to Reiki?

What are the 7 Major Chakras of the Body Allowing Passage for the Guide to Reiki

The guide to Reiki focuses on 7 channels of the body named Chakras. These Chakras are used throughout many other spiritual and self-healing practices such as yoga, meditation, acupuncture and pranayama.

These Chakras are said to be the core ‘wheels’ and energy centres of the body. Some say there are over 100 Chakras in the body, yet there are 7 main Chakras that focus on physical and emotional well-being when opened or unblocked.

In order to unblock these Chakras, a Reiki practitioner will either apply their hands with soft connection or levitate close to the body surrounding the area of the Chakra while envisioning the movement of positive energy through themselves as a vessel.

However, while there are 7 core Chakras (as listed below), there are other Reiki hand positions to note such as the Debris which is more of a movement that focuses on residual energies around the body such as in the palms, feet, knees, temples, shoulders, etc.

  • The Crown Chakra 

The Crown Chakra is also known, in Sanskrit, as Sahasrara and is situated at the top of the head.

This Chakra represents the spiritual connection between the self, others and the universe as a geist from the mind. When the energy is unblocked from the Crown Chakra, there is a heightened sense of understanding, perception and control between ID, ego and alter-ego functions.

  • The Third Eye Chakra

The Third Eye Chakra is also known, in Sanskrit, as Ajna and is situated on the brow between both eyes.

The Third Eye Chakra represents intuition and the ‘gut feeling’ that lets the mind be aware of things not necessarily visible to the naked eye. These thoughts and feelings can lead to safer judgement. And, while the Third Eye Chakra is most commonly associated with a ‘woman’s intuition’, there are many men who can easily unblock this Chakra with Reiki sessions.

  • The Throat Chakra

The Throat Chakra is also known, in Sanskrit, as Vishuddha and is situated on the neck at the front between chin and collar.

The Throat Chakra represents communication due to the energies stored around our voice-box. Releasing this energy enhances voice possibilities as well as the ability to efficiently communicate and self-express to one-another.

  • The Heart Chakra

The Heart Chakra is also known, in Sanskrit, as Anahata and is situated on the chest closest to the heart.

Unsurprisingly, the Heart Chakra denotes our abilities to show love and passion to both ourselves and to other people around us. Therefore, while unblocking all the 7 core Chakras is important to live a long and healthy life, the Heart Chakra leads to a happy life, making it one of the most important of all.

  • The Solar Plexus Chakra

The Solar Plexus Chakra is also known, in Sanskrit, as Manipura and is situated on the belly around the stomach, liver and large intestines.

Responsible for the confidence, control and self-esteem carried in life, the Solar Plexus Chakra should be released in order to improve life events that require strength such as a job interview.

  • The Sacral Chakra

The Sacral Chakra is also known, in Sanskrit, as Svadhisthana and is situated at the naval.

As it is located around and below the belly button, the Sacral Chakra is responsible for the sexual desire and the creative freedom each person expresses. As well as this, releasing stresses around this area can help to form non-sexual and strong emotional relationships with those around us.

  • The Root Chakra 

The Root Chakra is also known, in Sanskrit, as Muladhara and is situated at the base of the spine and in the pelvis region.

Related to the origins of life, the Root Chakra is a source of great importance in order to help ground and stabilize the mind and body to the Earth. Releasing and unblocking this Chakra is noticeable by the reduced sluggishness and decreased lower back problems.

What Does a Reiki Energy Transfer Feel Like?

What Does a Reiki Energy Transfer Feel Like

The guide to Reiki is the sensations that are felt by both recipient and practitioner in a session. The flow of energy guides the following Reiki hand positions and movements for the session in order to achieve release in the Debris Reiki hand positions.

There are many people who report an instant ‘sinking’ feeling into the bed that resembles a warmth and comfort often felt in a full-contact hug, yet all done without the same level of contact needed.

It’s quite common to feel the following sensations when taking the Reiki guide to self-attunement while beginning the journey of understanding healing energy:

  • Warmth
  • Tingling
  • Relaxation
  • Sleepiness
  • Cold
  • Heat
  • Vibrations
  • Buzzing
  • Electric Pulsing
  • Itchiness
  • Numbness
  • Pins and Needles
  • Release
  • New Energy

What Can be Expected in a Reiki Session?

What Can be Expected in a Reiki Session

It is said that four consecutive sessions across four days should allow the body to regain the true healing energy. Within these four sessions, each ailment the mind and body might possess will be addressed using a tailored approach; meaning, there is no typical or same Reiki symbols session. 

As well as this, a guide to Reiki session should be completed with someone that brings an air of comfortability; whether it’s a trained professional, a healthcare provider, a family member or a friend. This level of comfortability is what helps the mind and body open the Chakra’s and allow the Reiki hand positions to do their job with moving energy in and around the body.

The Reiki session will generally last between 20 and 90 minutes in order to provide the right time to help release stresses, pains and anxieties. The session will be guided by the body and the current energies. 

The recipient begins by lying down (fully clothed) on a treatment chair or table and the practitioner may begin by envisioning the Crown, Throat or Heart Chakras using specific Reiki hand positions. Understanding healing energy requires a light and non-invasive touch, often not even requiring contact, at all.

What are the Benefits of Understanding Healing Energy?

What are the Benefits of Understanding Healing Energy

Reiki, as a practice, is a highly beneficial activity for both the practitioner and the recipient. It is becoming increasingly popular over the recent years and is even being adopted in many therapy rooms by psychology and medical professionals to help the mind and body heal. 

There are many benefits to receiving Reiki treatment and will often vary from person to person depending on the Reiki hand positions and Reiki symbols used during the treatment atop the mental and physical barriers being experienced. 

Here are some of the most common benefits to understanding healing energy through the guide to Reiki:

  • A calming sensation
  • Reduced anxiety
  • Decreased stress
  • Support for pregnancy progress
  • Clearing the mental air
  • Better air flow in the lungs
  • Removal of negative energy
  • Increased positive energy
  • Improved communication
  • Promoted sleep patterns
  • Healthy sleep/wake cycle
  • Reduced depression
  • No need to remove clothes
  • No need for massage oils
  • Minimal physical contact
  • Tailored treatment
  • Centring and alignment of the body
  • Raking the aura
  • Removed pain
  • Sped-up healing
  • Spiritual growth
  • Emotional progress
  • Does away with fatigue
  • Improves symptoms of headache, nausea, tension, insomnia, etc.
  • No negative side effects
  • Done with those who make you feel comfortable
  • Can be quiet, musical, soft spoken or whispered
  • Increased self-confidence
  • Sense of inner peace

What are the 10 Core Types of Reiki?

What are the 10 Core Types of Reiki?

Now we’ve covered everything about the Reiki guide to self-attunement from the history down to the finger-tip sensations, it’s time to fully understand the Reiki symbols (AKA the types of Reiki).

This is because Reiki is a gentle energy practice that holds four qualities. Any other practice holding these four qualities can also, technically, be a Reiki, hence the many types. 

To be in the guide to Reiki, the practice needs to derive from a self-attunement, be a part of a lineage passed from teacher to student, hold osmotic energy as it flows from the energy source before passing through the practitioner to heal the recipient and, finally, the practice should do no harm.

Here are the 10 core types of Reiki:

  • Usui Reiki

Usui reiki is the most commonly used Reiki known to the Eastern and Western cultures simply dues to its origins and overall health benefits. This type of reiki was introduced in the early 20th century by Dr. Usui, himself. 

After his excursion to search for healing energy such as Jesus’, Dr. Usui returned to Japan founding the Usui Reiki we know today. He practiced for many years to become a sensei in the art form before being able to introduce it to cultures outside of Japan, in 1937, through a woman named Hawayo Takata.

This type of Reiki follows four aspects of its own: healing power, mystic order, personal development and spiritual guide. As well as this, there developed five principles that were to be stated during the session of Reiki hand positions in the Usui style. 

These five principles are daily mantras allowing the mind to remember that commitments are a daily promise rather than a lifelong task to enable a manageable plate for the mind and body. Originally in Japanese, these five key commitments are as follows (note that these translations are by meaning rather than direct):

  • Kyo dake wa ikaru na – Just for today, I will let go of anger.
  • Kyo dake wa shin pai suna – Just for today, I will let go of worry.
  • Kyo dake wa kan sha shi te – Just for today, I will give thanks for my blessings.
  • Kyo dake wa gyo-o hage me – Just for today, I will take responsibility and do my work honestly.
  • Kyo dake wa hito ni shin setsu ni – Just for today, I will be kind to my neighbour and every little thing.

The role of this type of Reiki is to allow a full-body and encompassed energy flow from source, through practitioner and to the recipient. The aim is to allow the recipient to experience growth, healing and spiritual awakening in order to lead a healthier life.

  • Tibetan Reiki

Many practitioners of Reiki will choose to adopt the Tibetan method which evolved from the traditional sense of Usui Reiki after an American Reiki master named William Rand incorporated Tibetan symbols. 

The Tibetan Reiki symbols represent a more seamless and facilitated self-attunement. And, unlike Usui Reiki, Tibetan-styles incorporate 6 symbols rather than 4. While the team here at The Hobby Kraze would love to share these Reiki symbols, they can only be passed from practitioner to student by memory only; nothing is to be written and saved. 

That said, the Tibetan methods focus more on emotional healing and channelling due to the adoption of the Tibetan Buddhism deity named Sangye Menla (Medicine Buddha).

  • Karuna Reiki

Karuna Reiki is a method of modern Reiki that incorporates enlightenment onto the recipient and their surrounding others through the combination of positive love and wisdom energies. 

These practices are brought about with the Reiki hand positions that elevate across the Crown Chakra, Throat Chakra, Heart Chakra and Root Chakra to ensure that the vessels for forethought, communication, love and grounding are unblocked to help healing on a radiating level throughout a community. 

  • Gendai Reiki

Gendai Reiki refers to a system of reiki practices derived from the Usui Reiki symbols but founded by Hiroshi Doi and is claimed to be an accumulation of the Usui Reiki methods that were lost in the translations to the Western world. 

However, this particular practice sometimes has its legitimacy questioned. As Reiki practice must come from the teachings of a master, they can only be adapted from knowledge of other existing and taught Reiki methods. Yet, Hiroshi Doi, himself, has admitted to never practicing any Reiki other than his own which is claimed to be a derivative of the traditional methods (which he was never taught). 

Despite this, the Gendai Reiki has been a very popular choice for recipients and practitioners in Japanese and Western cultures due to the focus on healing ailments and pain such as placing the Reiki hand positions over broken skin in order to relieve the surrounding area of immediate pain and promote health re-growth.

  • Rainbow Reiki

Launched by a Reiki teacher named Walter Lubeck, the Rainbow Reiki practices take a higher focus on meditation and spiritual connection between the deity providing the energy flow and the recipient. 

It also involves other healing paths such as karma cleaning, feng shui, shamanism, astral travelling and crystal healing in order to enhance the personal healing and development that occurs throughout a Reiki session.

Given the colourful name of this guide to Reiki, it’s no surprise that this method is commonly seen as more holistic. This is because it allows time with all 7 Chakras in order to heighten overall energy and psychic abilities for clairvoyant living.

  • Shamballa Reiki

First developed by a man named John Armitage, Shamballa Reiki symbols are all about remembering that the body has always been exposed to the Reiki guide of self-attunement but has sometimes got lost to negative practices or lack of awareness. 

Therefore, this method of Reiki will always promote self-treatment and meditation in order to allow a re-awakening of the attunement to Reiki and Ki (Chi) energy. 

  • Kundalini Reiki

This guide to Reiki was formed on the basis of the synthesis between two Reiki philosophies: Earth energy and Sky energy. They were created by Danish master, Ole Gabrielsen, to aid in the process of personal development through healing the body of stresses. Given this, it is also known as the practice of “healing light”.

In Sanskrit, Kundalini means ‘serpent’ in the transformative, flexible and creative manner unlike any other negative connotations. With this, they focus on both the Crown Chakra and Root Chakras that are formed in the womb in order to restore the body and soul’s divine blueprint.

  • Imara Reiki

Imara Reiki is a popular method of Reiki energy channelling on a distant level for a modern world. It focuses on positive intentions through unique Reiki hand positions.

By meaning, Imara Reiki simply means ‘more Reiki’ and is said to be more intense as a form of generating a connection between the recipient in the session and the deity or ‘Angel’ part to the practice. The sessions have been said to have helped with past life problems and repressed memories in order to cleanse the mind and soul and look toward a healthy future.

  • Seichem Reiki

This Egyptian-based healing energy method considers the 7 Chakras as an aggregate to form an energy field and frequency around the body when combined with internal organs. 

In essence, it raises awareness for the aura in a heightened sense than any other Reiki symbols or hand positions do. With this, it also features more of a vibrational energy and completion effect to help the recipient feel whole and more positive after the first session while lasting for around 4 or 5 days.

  • Jikiden Reiki

The final of the 10 types of Reiki that aid in understanding healing energy is also seen as one of the most traditional, authentic and purest forms simply because it derives down the line of Dr. Usui and his teachings of Usui Reiki. 

Just three displaces and a further three lineage movement takes us to Tadao Yamaguchi. Tadao believed that Usui was missing features of beauty, depth, realness and simplicity. 

It is valued throughout the Eastern world due to the Jikiden Reiki hand positions that aid in cleansing the mind, body and soul of bad habits and addictions.

Conclusion 

Now, you can begin understanding healing energy through Reiki. The best way to learn about the Reiki hand positions, movements and the transfer of energy is to experience it yourself. Whether you’re looking to share the positive energy you have or in need of a stress-relieving physical therapy session, you know that Reiki provides a safe space to relax, melt into the table and regain strength with the Reiki guide to self-attunement.

If you’re looking for other ways to explore Ki (or, Chi) energy, movement and replenishment, then you should also consider reading the following:

  • Finding the Purpose of Incense with the Ultimate Guide to Incense Types 
  • The Pranayama Yoga and Learning Breath Control
  • The Ultimate Guide to Yoga for Daily Stretching and Stillness

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Lisa Hayden-Matthews

Lisa Hayden-Matthews

An avid Skier, bike rider, triathlon enthusiast, amateurish beach volleyball player and nature lover who has never lost a dare! I manage the overall Editorial section for the magazine here and occasionally chip in with my own nature photographs, when required.

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