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What is Reiki and What Does it Do?
The Japanese word "Reiki" is usually translated as "universal life energy." It is a holistic healing system, meaning that is treats the whole being, addressing problems and healing at all levels: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Along with other therapies, such as acupuncture, homeopathy, Qi Gong, and flower essence therapy, Reiki is part of the emerging field of energetic healing, rediscovered from the wisdom and knowledge of ancient cultures for use in modern times.
Since everything in the universe is made up of and connected by energy, it is around us and available to us at all times. This pure, fundamental energy of the universe is by its very nature healing. The Reiki practitioner learns to allow the healing energy of the universe to flow along energetic pathways and through her hands to the client. In this way Reiki heals as deeply as needed to create a shift toward health within a being. A Reiki treatment can be given in person, with the hands of the practitioner placed on or at a short distance from the client; or, since Reiki is energetic in essence and energy pathways are all around us, it can be sent across a distance - across a room or to another geographic location. Some people feel the Reiki energy in their hands or other parts of their bodies immediately after receiving the attunements in a Reiki class. Others need some time and practice to begin to feel the subtle physical sensations of energy.
At the beginning of our basic classes we often ask people to list the challenges that animals can face, including particularly those that are of the most concern to the students themselves. We always hear about a wide array of concerns, from abused animals in rescue situation to animals recovering from surgery to wild animals trying to live on the edges of urban or suburban areas. The we discuss how Reiki can assist with each of these challenges.
Reiki an used to maintain health and energetic balance in a healthy being, to heal illness, injuries, emotional and spiritual problems, and to ease the transition between life and death. Reiki goes directly to the source of the problem, even if this is unknown to practitioner and client, and heals at the level and intensity that a being is open to receive. If the healing that is most necessary for a being involves some aspect of his situation, Reiki will go beyond the being's physical and emotional body and bring the healing that is needed to the situation.
Reiki will benefit not only the animals who are treated, but also the practitioner's own health. Every time a Reiki practitioner gives a treatment, the Reiki flows through the practitioner, healing her and the client simultaneously. The feeling of receiving a Reiki treatment is generally one of deep relaxation.
Over time Reiki deepens the intuition of both the practitioner and client, so that a deeper level of communication becomes possible. As you practice Reiki and receive Reiki treatments, it brings out who you are at the most authentic level, enhancing your innate gifts, talents, and potential. In practicing Reiki with animals, you will find that the more animals you treat, the more you will encounter animals who need healing. Animals understand Reiki's benefits and will begin to seek you out when they need healing. The beauty of Reiki as a healing system is its simple, gentle nature combined with its powerful and transformational results.
