"How does Reiki work? Where does it come from?"
These two questions are some of the most common I get asked - well, after "Reiki? What the hell is that?".
The latter question - Where does Reiki come from - is a more straightforward question to answer, and one that I addressed briefly in my post on Power, Control and Choice , but I wanted to expound on it a little.
Where does Reiki come from
Despite differences and disagreements in interpretation and translation (see here), the most common interpretation of Reiki is as a compound words. The "Rei" for Universal or Divine and the "Ki" for Life Energy. That is to say, while Reiki practitioners serve as facilitators for the energy, the energy doesn't come from within, but from a higher, infinite source.
Some will say "But, that's not what the words really mean! Where does it REALLY come from?"
In my personal experience, the experience of others whom have experienced Reiki (both on the receiving and giving side), and empirical research, Reiki DOES, without a doubt, work – if one is ready and willing for it do so. In the end, I know it works and I have seen it work - where it comes from is, for me, a moot point.
How Does It Work?
A discussion on how it works requires a brief discussion on chakras and bodies. We are more than our physical bodies; we have spiritual bodies as well as energetic ones.
There are 7 main chakras, or energy centers, which govern a variety of aspects of living the human experience. Physical pain is often a manifestation of deficiencies, weaknesses, or closing of any of the chakras. Like any system, a deficiency or closing of just one of these chakras tends to throw our whole system out of balance. You wouldn’t want to drive a car with a part missing (tire, headlights, oil, gas, et al); it’s just one part of the system, but it’s best for all parts to be in working order for optimal function of the overall system. Similarly, it’s dangerous to walk around with any of your chakras weak or closed. This is a very basic explanation of chakras; if you want to know more, I suggest checking out Your Auras & Your Chakras by Karla McLaren for indepth elaborations on the chakras and technqiues for empowering and protecting them; alternatively, while I am no chakra expert, you may feel free to contact me with questions, and I will do my best to answer, or direct you to resources if I cannot
Our chakras are also sensitive to thoughts and feelings, both from internal sources (ourselves, our conditioning and experiences) and external sources (environments, situations, interactions with others, et al). It's not uncommon for a given chakra to close down when a threat from within or outside is too hazardous for our overall health and being.
Reiki, then, works in a variety of ways; it sends positive energy throughout your system, revitalizing your chakras and your bodies. It brings to awareness old issues that needs to be addressed, and offers a way to work directly with things which our preventing our own progress.
My favorite analogy of Reiki is by author and Reiki Master Christopher Penczak, who describes Reiki as a clear glass of water. "The recipient is like a glass of water with mud at the bottom. The mud is the blocked energy...Reiki is like a stream of pure, clean water being poured into the glass. The water may agitate the mud, causing the glass of water to become cloudy. That is the processing and clearing of the energy. Eventually, the pure water flushes out the mud and sands...We may clear one layer of mud that is ready to leave, but other layers of mud may be more resistant. They will only clear when they are ready to clear."
Through working with client, by offering Reiki, we provide an opportunity to clear away barriers and obstacles that block growth and progress. Notice that I said with the client, and not on; this subtle, but important distinction emphasizes an important point: I am not responsible for the healing. When I offer Reiki, I am offering an opportunity to make a positive change.
More on that in my next post, where I’ll be elaborating more on what makes a Reiki a team practice.
