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What does a Reiki Practitioner do?

A. Preble
A. Preble

A reiki practitioner performs stress relief, relaxation and healing techniques by channeling positive energy through his hands and into the body of the patient. The reiki practitioner puts his hands on the patient's body and concentrates on increasing the patient's life flow energy in an effort to heal the patient. The word "reiki" translates to mean spiritual or universal life force energy, and a reiki practitioner believes he is able to manipulate that energy in a positive way. There are several forms of reiki, and practitioners say any kind of ailment can be effectively treated, and often cured, by using its methods.

A reiki practitioner is not a doctor and cannot write prescriptions. Anyone can become a practitioner if he is open to the idea of tapping into life force energy for the purpose of healing others. Many reiki masters and practitioners subscribe to a natural lifestyle, but there are no restrictions on what type of person can become a practitioner.

Reiki treatments can last anywhere from a few minutes to more than an hour.
Reiki treatments can last anywhere from a few minutes to more than an hour.

The ability to be a reiki practitioner is "transferred" to the prospective practitioner by a reiki master. Only a reiki master can perform a transference, and the ritual is usually kept private. During a session or sessions with a reiki master, would-be practitioners become attuned to the life force and are, henceforth, able to raise and channel that energy for healing.

Reiki involves a hands-on healing approach intended to help an individual feel better emotionally and physically.
Reiki involves a hands-on healing approach intended to help an individual feel better emotionally and physically.

The two main types of reiki, traditional and Western, have three levels — first degree, second degree, and a master level. A second-degree practitioner is deemed capable of healing others from a distance, while a first-degree practitioner must be in close proximity to a patient to attempt healing. The second-degree transference can be given by a master once the practitioner has mastered the first degree, but it typically takes years of practice and most never reach the master level.

When a reiki practitioner "gives" reiki, he will gently put his hands on or above certain points of the body, depending on the region he feels needs adjusting, or over the entire body for a general wellness treatment. Sensations of heat or cold in the affected area are common, but most treatments are soothing. The practitioner will work on a patient for as long as he feels necessary, and treatments can last anywhere from a few minutes to more than an hour. During treatment, old emotions sometimes surface and are released, and the patient may have a strong reaction or begin to cry. This type of release is cathartic and healthy, and usually assists in the healing process.

Discussion Comments

anon966063

Humans can effectively channel God Love/Light and healing energy, if they can surrender their own will. Reiki is just a word for that process.

anon966062

Reiki is more about treating the subtle energy fields than relieving pain. The practitioner does nothing but allow energy to flow. The patient and highest self thereof in accordance with the greatest good allows the highest frequency for the highest good to be passed to the recipient.

Creating energetic balance within can have a drastic effect on the way one's body feels.

Wisedly33

@Scrbblchick -- Even though I can see the usefulness behind alternative therapies like acupuncture/pressure, frankly, I think reiki is a bunch of hooey. It sounds really good. But the fact that you didn't get any pain relief kind of proves my point. You were open to it and nothing happened.

I believe in God and I believe in divine healing, as a divine act of God. But I don't believe humans can manipulate "energy fields" with their bare hands. I believe God can, but not humans.

Scrbblchick

I'm open minded about alternative therapies, and certainly, reiki isn't going to hurt anyone. I have a friend who is a certified reiki master and a certified massage therapist. I had a painful shoulder and she offered to do some reiki on me. I said sure, and she did. I didn't get any relief. My shoulder was still killing me. I took some pain reliever and that took care of it, but the reiki was just not effective for me. And she's supposed to know what she's doing.

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    • Reiki treatments can last anywhere from a few minutes to more than an hour.
      By: Monika Wisniewska
      Reiki treatments can last anywhere from a few minutes to more than an hour.
    • Reiki involves a hands-on healing approach intended to help an individual feel better emotionally and physically.
      By: nyul
      Reiki involves a hands-on healing approach intended to help an individual feel better emotionally and physically.