Understanding 'Energy' 

To uncover the truth about energy is to understand ourselves as dynamic, complex beings. We are beings that have vibrations happening in each of our cells at all times. Waves of electricity transitioning from one part of our body to the next. Energy is ever present and constantly flowing.

The energy in our physical body is also imprinted into an energetic or spiritual realm. This energy system has been established by ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine, the same system used by acupuncturists and massage therapists worldwide. The energy, or qi, flows along the meridians and is purported to be made up of molecules with quantum properties that possess both negative and positive electrical charges.

These invisible meridians, or channels for energy, can also receive information from outside of the body. Our energy is not separate from any part of ourselves and it is not separate from the world at large. 

Indeed, understanding our own energy acknowledges that there is a larger, Universal Energy which is an infinite web of information connecting all things through what some would call 'collective consciousness' or 'quantum consciousness.'

This energy can come through to us as sound waves, electromagnetic waves, thought waves, and many other forms, perhaps yet to be defined. In energy medicine, it is believed that energy can be manipulated through conscious intention, which can directly impact our personal experience.

What is 'Reiki'?

Reiki, translated as "Universal Life Energy," is a form of energy healing originating from Japan, rediscovered and made accessible by Mikao Usui, who passed on his traditions to many other Reiki Masters. 

Reiki is the life energy that exists in all living things. When the energy, or ki (qi, chi) is blocked, stagnant, or overactive, a person will often experience dis-ease: physically, emotionally, or mentally.

Reiki treatment allows for intentional and conscious energy to be sent directly into the energy system of the client. It is a tool that allows a trained and attuned Reiki practitioner to channel Universal Life Energy back into your body, allowing your body to be naturally restored to a healthy flow of energy.

Reiki works within the meridian system, more specifically delivered to the 7 major Chakras (energy vortex's) that exists along the center of the body. When Reiki energy healing takes place, it clears any energy blocks in the Chakras, balances the flow of energy, and helps to provide deep relaxation and ease.

During a Reiki session, a practitioner directs the client to lay comfortably, fully clothed, on a massage table (or in their own home if Distance session), while they lightly touch or hover their hands over the Chakras with certain hand positions. This process generally lasts 40-60 minutes beginning at the top of the head, working their way down to the feet.

After a Reiki session, the client typically feels relaxed, restored, and experiences a shift in their energy, resulting in changes to their perception, emotions, and vitality. 

How can Reiki help me?

How can I work with Reiki energy?

Our body's natural state is balance. While Reiki restores the body's natural healing mechanism, it's important to understand how Reiki can be useful and what limitations may be present.

Reiki can be likened to a gentle exfoliant. Sweeping away unwanted, dull energy, clearing out what is stuck. Reiki can buff away the energy associated with stress, anxiety, despair, helplessness, weariness, or confusion. It can also clear away stuck energy that results in pain, inflammation, and other physical manifestations.

Reiki can also be viewed as a healing ointment to a wound. Much like applying the antibiotic ointment before sticking on a band-aid, Reiki offers a nourishing restoration to help replenish and allow the body to do what it does best: heal itself.

Similar to a physical wound, treatment depends on the severity. The energy exfoliation and balm may be needed to help aid in healing. A deep laceration requires more acute attention; perhaps it will take longer to heal and needs more intense treatments. Whereas a surface wound might only need minimal care. While some Reiki treatments last 1-3 session, some require more time and deeper work to resolve the issue.

Reiki is an intelligent and intuitive form of energy healing: it goes where it needs to go within the body to help heal on all levels. While the energy healing is gentle and effective, Reiki has no side effects and has no known risk of harm. 

Reiki can benefit many different issues, though it is primarily used for the purpose of stress reduction and relaxation. It is important to note, Reiki ought not to be considered a "cure" for any significant health issues. As a complimentary alternative, Reiki works in tandem with traditional medicine. It is always recommended that you seek medical and/or mental health treatment when appropriate. 

Now that you understand more about energy and Reiki, how can you access and benefit from this healing energy?

Reiki energy, like all forms of energy, is Universal. However, only those that have be trained and attuned to Reiki energy can effectively transfer and channel to another person. Therefore, it is recommended that if you are interested in seeking out Reiki, that you choose a practitioner that is certified at least of a Level II practitioner and has been trained by a Reiki Master Teacher.

There are 3 ways that you could experience Reiki with a practitioner: 

1. Individual private session in-person in their office, home, or other dedicated space
2. Distance Reiki sessions can be conducted over the phone or via video chat
3. Group Reiki healing, often in the form of a Circle or group meditation

There are other ways, however, that you can learn more about influencing your own personal energy. For instance, you can access a free downloadable brochure about the Chakra's and learn how to improve your flow of energy.

You may also choose to become trained as a Reiki practitioner at the Level I, which allows you to channel Reiki energy for self-administered healing and share with friends and family. If you wish to be attuned to channel Reiki, you can find a Reiki Master Teacher here. 

Finally, Reiki can be an excellent tool to aid in self-care, spiritual development, and general wellbeing. Therefore you may choose to incorporate regular Reiki sessions into your existing wellness routine. To reach out with any questions or to book a Reiki session, please contact at elizabeth@elizabethannejenkins.com or schedule below.

1. Lo, S. Y. (2002). Meridians in acupuncture and infrared imaging. Medical hypotheses, 58(1), 72-76.
2. https://iarp.org/what-is-reiki/