Let us say for the sake of postulation, humankind has always been aware instinctively of its own capability to heal. Even in such a short time span as the beginning of the 20th century, our ancestors were quite familiar with the various forms of holistic healing (roots, leaves, compounds, magic remedies, etc.) and used them frequently to heal such simple things as boils to complicated life-threatening illnesses. Sometimes these concoctions worked; sometimes they did not. Nothing new there not even in this new century where we have the most exotic blend of artificial chemical compounds to help us heal. We need only to watch as our gardens renew themselves each year to know that there exists an ethereal presence, otherwise how could a plant consistently renew itself over again. It has to do with its chemical makeup and the energy field that is attracted to it. We know this exists because photography has been able to capture it. We can see it with our own eyes. Why, then must human beings be any different? I believe we are reminded by this phenomenon that there exists a connection between the ethereal body and the physical body. If the physical body is not aware of having the ability to communicate with its counterpart, is it not reasonable to assume then, that the physical body can exhaust itself in the process of trying to heal? One feeds off the other.
The term "etheric body" has evolved in this past century, and is now more commonly described as an adjective derived from the word "ether." One of the best explanations of bio-etheric healing comes from Trudy Lanitis' book Bio-Etheric Healing (New Falcon Publications; June 25, 1999). Trudy believes this communication is possible because of the energy field that surrounds our bodies and everything on this planet; that we are capable of using a set of communication skills based on thought processes alone to direct our Etheric Body to use this energy field to help us. Therefore, the Etheric Body is our own individual envelope of energy. Healing begins at this level. It is, "in a sense, the supervisor of the process. The more information provided to the Etheric Body, the greater the accuracy of the information and the better it can accomplish its healing role."
According to Barbara Brennan in her book, Hands of Light (Bantam; Reissue edition May 1, 1988), "The Etheric Body is the subtle life-force body, which sustains the life of the physical body, and serves as the mould or matrix for physical metabolic functions." Scientifically, the field of Physics defines it as, "An all-pervading, infinitely elastic, massless medium formerly postulated as the medium of propagation of electromagnetic waves."
The "Healing Touch," "Reiki" and the "Brennan Healing Science®" methods of healing are good examples of this. All three modalities combine (as Brennan describes on her site) "high-sense perception skills and hands-on energy healing techniques to assist individuals with their personal process of healing."
Probably the lesser known of the three, Reiki is an ancient Japanese method of stress relief that significantly promotes healing. The word "Reiki" is comprised of two syllables: "Rei" which means spirit, aura or subtle energy, and "Ki" which means energy, power or life force, also known as chi, qi, shakti or prana in other cultures.
Reiki provides the ability to communicate (plug in) with one's own energy field (our life force) enabling the etheric level to be connected to the physical level. It is like being "plugged in." We accept, without question, that if we plug a radio into an outlet, it will work. Without plugging it in, it will not. It might run on its back-up batteries for a while, but eventually those batteries will run out of energy. The same can be said for our physical bodies. We need to plug in now and again to re-generate. This is what the Reiki practitioner does.
However, Reiki is not just another therapy, although it is, without doubt, highly therapeutic. Reiki energy is an intelligent force unto itself because it goes where the body needs it the most, not just to the area under the practitioner's hands. Reiki energy will never provide more than the client needs. Therefore, it can be said that it is a benign energy force, in tune with nature and knows exactly how to align the physical body according to its requirements.
One evidence of this is that we have now discovered that our physical bodies possess cellular memory. Each individual cell has a memory of what it is supposed to do and how it is supposed to act. Therefore, is it preposterous to believe that when the very first cell was brought to life, it evolved because it knew what it was supposed to do? The energy surrounding us is as ancient as that one first cell. Reiki provides the opportunity to tap into this ancient energy because it is all one and the same.
The cells that make up our physical bodies have been reborn an infinite amount of times through our genetic makeup. Whether we mean to or not, our physical bodies are getting beaten up in today's society. Through emotional stress, a poor diet, an accidental injury, and a myriad of other ills that can affect the mind, body and spirit our cells begin to shut down one by one. They lose their memories and get confused as to their original mission. Once our cells forget what they are supposed to do, they start falling asleep and lie dormant. This is when we become particularly vulnerable.
Once the Reiki intelligent energy is re-introduced to someone's physical body those ancient cells that have been born and reborn a billion times, recognize this ancient energy and begin to wake up. Once awakened and rejuvenated, they can then go about accomplishing the work for which they were predisposed.
For this reason, Reiki is an amazing tool and especially because it is a particularly gentle technique. It is non-invasive and non-manipulative. Treatments can be used to facilitate physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well being. It is also effective for treating injuries: bruises, cuts, etc., and can help to alleviate pain and speed healing. It is extremely effective for stress relief and can be used for nearly all conditions, with little or no side effects.
Reiki energy will penetrate clothes, blankets and even plaster casts, so there is no need for the client to be undressed. Generally, full Reiki treatments involve the practitioner moving his/her hands through a series of positions on the face and torso. Although both practitioner and client usually prefer the direct approach, etheric energy is infinite and can travel from one place to the other without needing direct touch. This is why absent healing can be just as effective. Reiki treatments usually take an hour to an hour and one-half, but mini-treatments may be given with the client seated in a chair instead of the usual treatment table.
Reiki's tradition and history is oral and generally passed from Reiki Master to student during training. Dr. Mikao Usui, a Japanese Christian educator, discovered the ancient healing art in Japan in the late 1800's. His revelations paved the way for its emergence in the United States and the rest of the world. Recommended readings for the history of Reiki and the work of Dr. Usui or "sensei"(teacher) as he is affectionately called, include: "Reiki Fire" by Frank Arjava Petter; Lotus Press; 1 edition (April 1998), and "Reiki, The Healing Touch" by William Rand; Vision Publications (November 13, 2000).
There are four levels of certification: Reiki I, II, Advanced and Master. Reiki I may provide friends and family the benefit of Reiki. Reiki II and Advanced provides techniques that are can be used for the purposes of practicing on a professional level. Masters, after years of learning and practice, provides the ability to teach others who qualify. The process is very similar to a college degree program.
Reiki Practitioners base their belief on these spiritual principles:
Just for today do not worry.
Just for today do not anger.
Honor your parents, teachers and elders.
Earn your living honestly.
