Reiki has changed my life in a number of ways and it will change yours, too! I literally recommend it to everyone I know who has an open mind and open heart. Here’s the Reiki basics and 6 ways Reiki has made a positive difference in my life since becoming attuned 3 years ago.

First, The Reiki Basics

What is Reiki? Reiki is a Japanese energy technique that relieves stress and promotes healing. The Reiki practitioner typically lays hands on a person or thing to give Reiki OR the practitioner sends Reiki energy using a special technique if the person or object needing Reiki is long distance. There are two ways in which to receive Reiki: 1. Get Reiki-attuned so that you can give Reiki to yourself and others OR 2. See a certified Reiki practitioner to receive Reiki from him/her. If you can, I highly recommend becoming Reiki attuned so that you may give and receive Reiki any time!

Mikao Usui’s Discovery/Gift

It was discovered by a Japanese man named Mikao Usui in the late eighteen hundreds. The story goes Mikao was praying and fasting on Mount Kurama, when he accidentally stubbed his toe. Immediately he placed his hand over his toe and felt a palpable, healing energy flowing. He realized the energy was Divine. It was called Reiki. Mikao Usui took this new-found divine energy and used it to heal many people.

Reiki Basics Today and Attunement

Today it’s used all over the world by many different people and in many different places. Some hospitals in the U.S. are supporting staff members in learning Reiki basics as evidence suggests it calms patients’ anxiety and promotes the healing process. Reiki can do all of this and more! To become attuned with Reiki means to take a class with a certified Reiki Master and be gifted the Reiki energy. This is the process of Reiki flowing from the Reiki master to you so that you may use it daily for yourself and others. If you’d like to become attuned, visit the International Center for Reiki Training and find a local Reiki attunement class.

6 Benefits of Practicing Reiki

1. Reiki Relieves Anxiety

While it may not completely erase your anxiety or prevent anxiety from occurring, it relieves anxiety in the moment. Are you nervous before a test? Anxious in a busy public place? By placing just one hand on yourself and letting the Reiki flow, your anxiety will lessen. I’ve used this method many times, particularly when I’m feeling overwhelmed or scattered.

2. Fall Asleep Easier

I don’t typically have problems with sleep. But when I find my mind is racing and my body is restless, all I have to do is put my hands on my stomach. Within minutes, I’m falling asleep. Reiki is incredibly relaxing and soothing so those with insomnia should consider being attuned.

3. Spiritual Protection With Reiki

Reiki can be used in so many ways. It is simply Divine Energy – energy from the Source. And Source’s energy is limitless. Before leaving evacuating our house prior to a hurricane, I sealed the house with Reiki symbols and prayed protection over it. I also bless airplanes and long car rides with Reiki for spiritual protection. It’s worked so far!

4. Relieve Aches and Pains

While Reiki is not said to “cure” illnesses, it indeed will relieve everyday aches and pains. I’ve been at the beach with a group of friends when a gnarly set of cramps hit me. I sat down and quietly laid my hands on my stomach. Within ten minutes, I was up swimming and talking like nothing had ever happened. Reiki is great for relieving headaches, stomachaches and the like. I’ve used it on my children to relieve their aches and pains, too.

5. Increase Ritual Power

I also practice magick. You might wonder how does Reiki work with magick. Magick comes from the same Source Energy as Reiki. In fact, I would venture to say they are nearly the same thing, just in different forms with different labels. Instead of casting a circle in the traditional sense, I’ve developed my own circle-casting custom in which I use Reiki to clear and bless my sacred space. This energy brought into every ritual increases the power of my intention and the end-results. When I perform a candle ritual, I don’t have to call on a spirit or use my own energy to charge the candle. I simply place my hands over or on the candle and let the Reiki flow.

6. Increase Intuition and Psychic Abilities

Many Reiki practitioners claimed once they became attuned that they acquired new-found psychic abilities. OR their intuition was drastically increased. Some say they hear their guides’ voices clearly and have prophetic dreams. Once Reiki is given to you by a Reiki Master, the flow of universal energy sparks something within. I’ve found I have clairaudient abilities that I never knew before. I’m also easily able to connect with my ancestors and acquire signs and messages since I’ve been Reiki-attuned.

Reiki Costs, Authentic Classes and Conclusion

Keep in mind it costs money to become attuned through a legitimate Reiki master. Some people say you can take the class online or that everyone has this energy inside without taking a class. While I agree that everyone has divine energy running through them naturally, it is my experience that becoming attuned is an important process and sparks something inside of us. This particular energy can only be sparked or given to you by someone who has been passed along this energy. Don’t fall for the classes online that say they can give you Reiki attunement through the internet.

If I could give the gift of Reiki to people everywhere, I would! At this point in time, I am a Reiki II practitioner under the Usui tradition. I can trace my Reiki lineage all the way back to Mikao Usui. Today there are many different kinds of Reiki, but I recommend becoming attuned to Usui Reiki first. It’s the original form of Reiki and you’ll be able to trace your lineage from you to your teacher to his/her teacher and all the way back to Mikao Usui.