Reiki has become extremely popular because of its effectiveness and accessibility. Those who've experienced Reiki, as practitioners or clients, have expressed a variety of opinions about what Reiki is, what it does, and if it really works. I have danced on the spectrum, going from skeptical, to being in awe, to knowing that this system of energy work can be life changing. What I've also realized is that there are ways to support energetic alchemy, where it can be an ongoing act of supporting wellbeing and awakening, versus being used as a quick fix or band-aid.
Understanding the Basics of Reiki
Reiki is often referred to as a practice of energy healing, and has become known as a technique to support alleviation of pain, to help release tension and anxiety, and to support the effectiveness of traditional/modern healing practices. This is why it's also considered complimentary to Western medicine, and is now offered in many hospitals, clinics, and hospice care facilities.
The foundation of Reiki is based on an unseen life force energy that expresses through us and all living things. The belief, which is commonly accepted in Eastern traditions, is that if one's life force energy is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and function from a state of imbalance and distortion. If our life force is high, we are more capable of being resilient, balanced and healthy. Reiki helps restore our own life force energy, promoting a sense of wellbeing, harmony, and encourage optimal function. It's meant to support the body's natural state and ability to self-regulate, self-correct/heal, and function in the best way possible.
As a practitioner, student, and teacher, what I've learned over the years is that there are even more benefits of this incredible system of energy healing. Personally, and what I've witnessed in some of my students and clients, is what I would describe as an awakening to one's self. In addition to the exposure of energy in higher frequencies supporting physical restoration, ongoing practice and sessions can support clarity of mind, opportunities to heal various expressions of emotions, and help restore heart-intelligence back into the allowance of compassion and forgiveness.
While sessions are great and may be all that a person wants or needs to support their personal focus, there is so much value in learning Reiki, accessing the additional tools within the system to support self-regulation and ongoing personal development.
Exploring the Science Behind Reiki
Scientific research on Reiki is still limited, yet some studies suggest that it may help reduce stress and improve mental clarity. By engaging the parasympathetic nervous system, many believe that Reiki can support the body's natural healing processes. However, there are some people who feel more research is needed to fully understand these effects from a scientific lens.
It's common to hear from clients and practitioners, people who have direct experience with Reiki, that it reduces stress and help t create a feeling of peace and calm in mind and body. This matters because heightened stress is known to exacerbate health issues. By supporting a state of relaxation, Reiki might help improve overall wellbeing, enhance quality of life, and teach us how to live peacefully with more consistency. Again, although more scientific validation is required for many, the descriptions from first hand accounts that highlight its calming effects and alleviation of physical pain continues to attract interest, globally.
How Reiki Balances Energy and the Nervous System
Reiki practitioners often speak of balancing the body's energy field, chakras, and energy channels, which can have a calming effect on the nervous system. By creating space and environments (internally and externally) for deep relaxation, Reiki is said to restore balance and clarity within your mind, body, and energy.
According to practitioners, the restoration and flow of life force through Reiki sessions and practice can help us feel grounded, focused and relaxed in body. This balance may be linked to the reduction of stress hormones and the promotion of a parasympathetic state, which is when the body is at rest and digest. These effects might contribute to a healthier, more balanced lifestyle, potentially enhancing all areas of our health and function.
This always reminds me of one of my Teachers, Raven Keyes, who had opportunities to support clients with Reiki during surgeries, as well as before and after operations. She had the rare chance to work alongside medical professionals who allowed and understood how Reiki can be complimentary to Western medicine. In fact, before she passed away, she was working with a Doctor and other medical professionals to support funding for ongoing Reiki studies, in hopes of gathering more evidence to reflect what they already suspected as true - Reiki is effective.
Practice Being Observant and Power of Conscious Breathing
When I think about the question, Does Reiki really work?, I think we also have to consider the expectations and desired outcomes from the person making the inquiry. In my experiences, the scale of effectiveness varies. Some people experience feeling a deep sense of relaxation, while others experience a wild ride of energetic sensations and visuals that get them excited...and some have emotions arise, or profound clarity around a personal situation.
I think a better question would be, How can we sustain or support ongoing effects after Reiki sessions?
Practices within the system of Reiki are meditative and teach us how to direct and manage our own minds and energy, and can support regulation of emotional expression. It has also helped me learn the power of observation, noticing my perceptions and feelings instead of acting or reacting mindlessly. These simple teachings and practices promote access to inner-wisdom and higher understanding.
I personally believe the best aspect of Reiki is how it can help us become familiar with the most magical parts of human nature and design. I started realizing the nature of my thoughts, beliefs, and where my perceptions stemmed from. This allowed me to question what I truly believe vs what I took on as belief, by default. Reiki also helped me identify and understand what I felt energetically within myself, around other people, and in various environments. It has, and continues to, expand my understanding of myself and the world around me.
Conscious breathing has also become a game-changer, teaching me how to self-regulate and how to access different states of consciousness. Breathing exercises, when combined with mindfulness, can also amplify the mind and body's ability to remain calm in what could also be perceived or processed as a stressful situation. Clarity is invaluable. Peace is a blessing. Reiki is life-nurturing.
Again, for me, asking if Reiki works is too simple. I think we can all benefit from the teachings and practices within the system, allowing Reiki to meet us where we are as individuals, and working with life-force energy as we feel called to do so.
How Changes in Behavior Support Healing
It's common for people to seek out Reiki sessions or practices when they feel in need, and then they may experience temporary support or change. The key to Reiki's effectiveness is in ongoing practice and/or sessions, which can also support behavioral changes.
Consider this - if you burned your hand, had the wound treated, and went through a process of healing, would you intentionally stick your hand in a fire after that experience? Hopefully not.
When it comes to energy-healing, people often miss out on a key component, acknowledging what caused the imbalance in the first place.
Adopting positive lifestyle changes, such as healthier diets, regular exercise, allowing change in patterns and behaviors, compliments the effects of Reiki. Behavioral shifts can support your energy healing journey, creating an environment that nurtures health and healing on all levels.
Another critical aspect of behavioral change involves conscious engagement with mindset. Yes, affirmations and a focus on gratitude can further elevate the energy levels, aligning them with a more harmonious state of being, but truly understanding our choice in thoughts and behaviors, along with the ability to change thoughts and behaviors, takes healing to the next level. These practices, along with Reiki, support a path towards greater personal growth and emotional healing, revealing how intertwined our behaviors and beliefs are with our health outcomes.
Finding Balance and Harmony Through Reiki
While the scientific evidence on Reiki's efficacy is still evolving, many people find value in its practice as a complimentary therapy and as support in becoming more actively engaged in the quality of our own lives. By learning how to balance life-force energy, observing your body's responses, and making supportive lifestyle changes, you can enhance the benefits of Reiki beyond sessions and classes.
In gassho and gratitude,
Yolanda