So what is Reiki? Reiki is a hands-on healing modality performed by a practitioner.  The client is clothed during the treatment and no massage lotion or oils are used in the treatment, so it is not considered massage therapy.  It is one of the leading modalities in the emerging field of Energy Medicine that has gained popularity through the work of experts such as Carolyn Myss, PhD and Dr. Andrew Weil.  The practitioner works with healing energies that are beneficial for the well-being of the client.

       Reiki is an ancient form of healing that was re-discovered by Dr. Mikao Usui in Japan.  It was brought to the West by a woman named Hawayo Takata in 1938.  The word Reiki translated means “universal life force energy.”  This is the vital life force that permeates all living things including plants, animals and humans.  Ki or Chi is something that has been known to many cultures for thousands of years, and is the basis of traditional Chinese medicine.

       What is Reiki good for?  It is excellent for treating pain from accidents or injuries.  It also has been shown to be very effective for stress-reduction and in alleviating anxiety and depression.  It is also excellent for healing and detoxing the body on a deep level.  I have seen many people in my practice over the years heal long-standing health and emotional issues in a series of sessions.  Most everyone can benefit from Reiki therapy from babies to seniors. It is also effective in treating animals.

       Reiki is not a religion. Though it is spiritual in nature, practitioners and teachers of Reiki come from all walks of life and religious backgrounds.  You do not have to have a particular belief for Reiki to be effective.

       Reiki is not a cure-all.  Though it is a powerful treatment modality, like all alternative therapies, its effectiveness varies from person to person.  Some conditions respond to Reiki more favorably than others.

       Like many alternative therapies, do not discontinue the advice and care of your doctor if you are in treatment for a current medical condition.  Reiki is an excellent adjunct therapy to add to your healing regimen.

      Okay, I’m ready to give it a try.  How do I find a practitioner?

     Many massage therapists are now trained in Reiki.  You can also locate a local practitioner by searching a Reiki Internet directory.  A good one to visit is: http://www.iarp.org.

     Feel free to contact me with any questions that you may have about Reiki.  I am happy to answer them for you.

Rev. Irma K. Sawyer has been a Reiki Master teacher since 1993.  She is director of the High Touch Healing Arts Academy, a healing arts school in Southern California.
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Rev. Irma K. Sawyer
High Touch Healing Arts
http://spiritnetwork.com/hightouch
hitouch@gte.net
(949) 225-9855


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