As a Reiki Nurse, I have enjoyed benefits like stress reduction, a greater sense of calm, and less reactivity to volatile situations. I started my Reiki training in January of 2011 and have been on a voyage of self-discovery ever since. In Pamela Miles’ book, ‘Reiki: A Comprehensive Guide,’ she highlights in every single chapter the significance of daily self-practice.

Let me back up a bit… some of you may be wondering “What is Reiki? What does that mean? Where do you practice? How did you learn?” Let’s take a pause to examine some of these concepts and then I will share with you how Reiki has been an all-encompassing self-care tool for me.

A Bit of Background

Reiki (pronounced ray-kee) was developed in 1922 by Japanese Buddhist Mikao Usui. It was taught and passed on primarily in Japan and then brought over to the United State by Mrs. Hawayo Takata in 1938. Reiki is a spiritually guided life energy. It is a simple, non-invasive, method of balancing what needs to be balanced. Reiki balances our most subtle energy, creating a healing, relaxing, and refreshing experience.

What it looks like

A Reiki treatment can be done on oneself or on another. The recipient can be lying down or sitting in a chair. Clothing is kept on and there is no invasion in this technique. The hands can be placed above or lightly touching the body. A Reiki treatment can vary in length, ranging from a few minutes to a few hours.

What it is/is not

Reiki is not a religion. You don’t have to believe in Reiki for it to work. Reiki is not a treatment, cure, or medication. It is not to be used instead of conventional treatments. The practitioner is not “doing” or “giving” the Reiki to the recipient. Reiki can never cause any harm.

We are all made up of energy and it is flowing through, around, and within us. When our energy flow is blocked, disrupted, or diminished we usually don’t feel well- whether mentally, emotionally, or physically. Reiki balances this energy on a very subtle level. Reiki goes where the recipient requires it. It enhances and supports healing on all levels.

What we feel/experience

As a Reiki Nurse, I practice self-Reiki daily. For me, I feel very relaxed and refreshed after giving myself Reiki. During my self-treatment, in certain places my hands and body get very hot. At other times I can feel a slight vibrational pulse or tingling sensation. I’ve even noticed a small smile form across my face at times when I do self-practice.

I’ve experienced less anger, an improved ability to handle and cope with stress, and the ability to let go of tension more easily. I feel more confident and comfortable being myself. I enjoy great physical health and haven’t been sick in a long, long time. Reiki even helped my foot feel better so that I could successfully complete my first half marathon.

Those I have shared Reiki with have told me things like:

• I wasn’t aware of my pain during the treatment and now it has greatly subsided;
• I was able to shed some gentle tears and let go of tension in my mind and body;
• I’ve been feeling much more relaxed, even days after the Reiki session with you;
• My back has been hurting less at work and my anxiety is less.

Now mind you, for the purposes of this article this is a very shortened account of Reiki. There are books upon books upon books out there on Reiki. There are websites, research articles, and an extensive amount of teachers out there. But what is the most important thing you need to know about Reiki?

Daily self-practice is mandatory.

The best way you can learn about, feel, and experience Reiki is by committing to and doing daily self-treatment. This is how Reiki is an inner wisdom, a guide to self. Reiki truly is an all-encompassing self-care tool. It balances on every level. The way to get to know, understand, and enjoy ourselves even a little bit more each day- starts with a daily self-Reiki practice.

Who is trained in and practices Reiki? What have you learned from self-practice? How has Reiki benefited you? Please share a comment or observation below. I love hearing from you all!

If you are not yet trained in Reiki, or have never experienced a treatment, email me at coachscala@livingsublimewellness.com. I use distance and in person Reiki in my one-on-one coaching sessions and am able to teach small groups to learn and practice this beautiful self-discovery technique.