by Gary M. Spolansky Reiki Master/Teacher Reiki is a Japanese word and literally means universal life force. It's the same life force energy that gives each of us and all living things our life force - including the animals, birds, plants,trees,insects,etc. Reiki is an energetic healing modality that has its origins in Tibet, while the modern version is of Japanese descent. It is a gentle, non-invasive way of releasing old hurts, pains and disappointments that underlie our physical and emotional ills. It accomplishes this by gently soothing those areas of blocked, nonmoving energy so that proper flow can be reestablished. As a result, a Reiki session leaves an individual feeling lighter, more confident and secure with themselves and more able to handle whatever comes their way. In addition to stress, tension and anxiety, Reiki can also assist an individual to let go of the physical discomfort and pain related to old ailments or recent afflictions. When we experience stress, it often appears that it's the situation causing tension. When one looks deeper however, it's most often not the situation but how we react to the situation - which is based on our experiences of the past. In some cases, an illness will manifest physically due to the combination of mental and/or emotional stresses that arise from the triggering of these old issues. The use of Reiki assists the releasing of these old issues and ailments even if one is not aware of the source. This is because Reiki works on the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual levels all at the same time. You may be wondering what do I have to do to recieve these benefits. "Surely, there must be more to it than just recieving the treatment? It can't be that easy can it? Most people who ask these questions and are surprised when I tell them that the only effort required of the recipient of this energy is to relax and keep an open mind to the benefits that Reiki can provide. Yes, it really is that simple. Over the 11 years I have worked with this modality, I have seen the healing of many afflictions resultant from anxiety, tension and stress. The following list is a small sample of the many ailments Reiki has been effective in treating - ADD, ADHD, Anxiety, Arthritis, Asthma, Back Pain, Cancer, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Chronic Pain, Emotional Depression, Indigestion, Insomnia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Knee Pain, Menstrual Cramps, Muscular Aches, Nausea, Post Surgical Trauma, TMJ, Toothaches and many other conditions too numerous to list. Another aspect of Reiki is that it is complimentary to all other healing modalities including Standard Medicine, Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Reflexology, Massage, Cranial Sacral, et al, - assisting healing to occur more quickly and on deeper, more profound levels. In fact, many doctors and nurses are trained in Reiki and it is used in hospitals across the nation. How does Reiki Work? During the course of a treatment, Reiki energy is brought in through the practitioner's hands - which are placed above the body in the area of the blockage. It's not necessary to touch the person receiving treatment to affect healing, although some practitioners do. The recipient of this energy often experiences varying sensations of warmth, tingling, vibration, inner peace, safety and relaxation. Additional benefits that come from a Reiki session include a greater sense of self confidence and poise which continue after the session has concluded. Additionally, many find that they sleep more fully and soundly after a Reiki session. How is Reiki Healing Taught? Although quite profound in its healing ability, Reiki is easily learned and simple to apply. The basics are taught in the form of a workshop that usually spans 4-5 hours and is taught by a Reiki Master. Naturally, proficiency comes from subsequent practice and attending classes designed to enhance knowledge and experience helping to provide a deeper understanding. In the first level of training, the student learns the basic principles of Reiki and gains an understanding of how and why it works. In order for you to be able to access Reiki energy you will be led through a process called attunement. The purpose of this attunement is to open a channel through which the Reiki can travel. Just as a radio cannot receive signals for a particular broadcast unless tuned to the specific station, so too does an individual need to be attuned to this energy. Remember, Reiki is not your energy. It is universal life force energy and this is the reason for the attunement process. Afterwards, you will learn specific hand positions that facilitate the application of this healing energy for yourself and others. Yes, it's true! Reiki can be used on yourself as well as another. Although there are many benefits in learning this art, perhaps the most unique is once attuned to Reiki it will always be available to you for the rest of your life, whenever you desire it. Even if you took the workshop and never went to another class, the healing energy of Reiki would always be with you. Hard to believe? Perhaps, but its true!!!! The Levels of Reiki There are three levels of Reiki, although some teachers will offer four. They are 1st level practitioner, 2nd level practitioner and Master/Teacher. Each level represents a different aspect of the art. The first level is focused on learning to assist the healing of yourself or an individual in person. The second level allows healing to be done from a distance as well as in person. On this level, distance is not a consideration. It is just as effective whether the person is right in front of you or on the other side of the world. The third level is the Master/Teacher level which incorporates and expands the two earlier levels allowing an individual to teach and attune others into Reiki. Whether your interest in Reiki is to become a practitioner, a recipient of Reiki healing sessions or to use it just for yourself, it offers many benefits as we have discussed. Why not give yourself the opportunity to see what Reiki can do for you!!! If you would like to participate in a Reiki workshop to learn how to use this gentle healing energy for yourself or to schedule a private Reiki session please call me at 516-333-7404 during normal business hours or e-mail me at greikimaster@aol.com For a listing of upcoming workshops and classes please visit my website at www.myreikicenter.com