It has only been in recent times that Western science has caught up with ancient wisdom. Utilizing infrared technology, micro-pressure detection, wavelength measurements, acoustical technology, polycontrast interference photography, and even a ‘qi’ measuring device, we can finally scientifically validate the life force energy that ancient masters have talked about for centuries.
This is great news for those who practice energetically-based healing modalities like Reiki and even more confirmation that we can not only heal others by helping them tap into the Universal Life Force, but use it to heal ourselves.
When we consider the many tools available to help improve our lives, Reiki is just as powerful as meditation, getting adequate rest, eating better food, or practicing yoga, or Thai Qi.
Even more importantly, if every molecule in the human body is replaced annually, and there is a 100% turnover of every atom in the body every five to seven years, we have further proof that energy medicine like Reiki works on a level beyond the physical. Should we ever doubt the mindful use of Reiki for self-healing, we have these facts to rest upon.
Reiki’s energy comes from the highest spiritual source, so it will always know how best to serve us. Even if we practice as a novice, we can gain benefit. As Hawayo Takata, the woman who single-handedly brought Reiki practice to the West from Japan said, “a little Reiki practice is better than none.”
When life imposes on our time or energy – these are the times when we most likely need Reiki even more. Another of Takata’s guiding principles was to treat both the cause and effect. She once said, “If you treat only the afflicted area of the body, you may alleviate the symptoms temporarily, but permanent healing will not take place unless you treat the cause.”
What she meant was that Reiki is not just meant to heal illness, but to prevent it from happening. Moreover, there are many ‘symptoms’ in our daily lives that we don’t define as such, even though they can be just as damaging as physical symptoms like pain or cellular degradation.
For example, we may experience any of the following, as indications that we might benefit from a self-healing Reiki session:
- Loss of Sleep, or Poor Quality Sleep
- Pains (Both Physical and Emotional)
- Stress and Anxiety
- A Scattered Mind / Lack of Focus / Feeling Ungrounded
- Lack of Self Esteem
Reiki can connect the mind, body and soul, so that all of these ‘symptoms’ of imbalance can be restored to a more harmonious state.
When developing our own personal Reiki protocol, we can use different techniques, and make use only of the ones that seem to work specifically for us. Just as with meditation or yoga, not all methods will work for all people, and we can feel empowered to use the techniques that give us the best results.
For example, we can use Byosen scanning and treat the areas that we are guided to treat, allowing our own personal vibration to rise, and the Divine Life Force to be Directed with its own innate intelligence. The same way that we might apply this to someone else’ energy field, we can apply it to our own.
The most important thing to do when we practice our own Reiki session is to contemplate on the feelings and thoughts that arise during the practice. To keep track of any insights that arise, we can write things down in a notebook and refer to these writings as needed.
Reiki works with all other forms of self-healing including the use of herbs, homeopathic remedies, acupuncture, massage, etc. Our own personal Reiki practice promotes quick, and efficient healing by working with the higher vibration we create overall.
Takata also welcomed “healing reactions” as a sign that the body was healing itself. If we experience flu-like symptoms, fatigue, or even an exacerbation of the original issue this is likely just toxins being released form the body as its energetic frequency shifts to accommodate health.
Knowing this, we can be observant of these types of healing ‘crises’ and honor the flow of energy throughout bodies, giving ourselves extra time to rest or relax when a disharmony is being rectified.
We can always check in with a Reiki teacher as well, to benefit from their knowledge of the practice and energetic mastery.
Following is one reiki self-healing protocol to try:
Find a comfortable place to lie down, where you will not be disturbed. Turn off your cell phone, and take a few deep abdominal breaths, allowing the belly to rise toward the ceiling as you inhale, and fall back in toward the spine as you exhale. Place your hands on each of the following areas of the body, and silently say to yourself, I am healing my body, mind and spirit with the energy of the Universal Life Force.
- Crown of the Head
- Face
- Throat
- Back of the Head
- Upper Chest
- Lower Ribs
- Navel
- Lower Abdomen
These areas coordinate with the chakras, or energy centers of the body that are known for transmuting and purifying qi, or Life Force.
Linger at any area that seems to need extra attention and be mindful of emotions that arise. Observe your breath as well as any physical sensations that arise.
Try to give yourself at least 30 minutes for the practice, and see if you can maintain it seven days a week. It may be most beneficial to do it when you are first waking up in the morning, and you are already in a supine position, relaxing on your back. Before even opening your eyes, you can take deep breaths, and begin at the lower abdomen, raising your hands to each place in the body as you feel called to do so.
The benefits of a personal Reiki practice will make your every-day life more balanced and less stressed. You will likely notice that your reactions to things change after a short time, and you feel more energetic and centered.
If sensations or emotions arise which you are not prepared to deal with, you can contact a Reiki master to help you decipher their meaning.