Have you ever walked into a crowded room and gotten a feeling about the emotional climate of the people without a word being said? Perhaps you’ve spent time with a close friend or significant other and been able to sense their mood and needs without a verbal explanation.
When we interact with others we subconsciously assess many nonverbal cues from their body language, facial expressions, and gestures that gives us a sense of how they are feeling. However, many of us can experience the feelings and emotions of others on an even deeper level - their energy.
What we think of as our “energy” is a combination of our brain chemistry, nervous system, circulatory system, and subconscious physical expression of our emotions.
When we are stressed, anxious, worried, or frustrated, these emotions can become tangible to those around us. These kinds of feelings when prolonged can cause us actual physical pain and manifest in our bodies - through tightening of muscles, upset stomach, headaches, and much more.
These are not injuries in the sense of a sprain or illness, but rather an energetic drain on our nervous system and well being. We naturally seek out things that comfort and calm us to help alleviate these emotions. There are so many methods that have been proven to help including physical touch, meditation, aromatherapy, affirmations, sound & music, and even just the ability to vent freely to a listening ear.
Reiki, at its core, combines these elements to assist you with achieving a state of relaxation and feeling of well being. A Reiki session is conducted fully clothed in a darkened room, with the addition of soothing music, aromatherapy, and crystals/stones. The practitioner places their hands either on your body or just above your body at your energetic centers, known as chakras, in order to share positivity and calming energy with you. There are specific words and hand symbols that are used in the practice of Reiki, which are intended to assist in your meditation and help you feel more at ease.
The practice of Reiki originated in the 1800’s by Dr. Mikao Usui who aspired to create a modality of “healing” that was essentially a secular laying on of hands. He developed a codified system of symbols and “attunements” that purportedly facilitate a practitioner’s ability to help an individual work through their emotional and energetic unease by channelling “universal energy”. The claim to any kind of “healing” is a controversial one, and Reiki should not be sought as an alternative to medicine of any kind. Reiki is completely safe for everyone and because it does not involve manipulation of your muscles or limbs, it is not a form of massage or yoga.
We at Bodhi Tree view the practice of Reiki explicitly as a form of relaxation & meditation. Your session is intended to provide you with a safe space to let your guard down and be supported energetically while you experience the positive effects of personal attention, relaxing sounds, scents, and empathetic care for your emotional needs. If you have any questions about Reiki, or what a session entails, please contact us for more information at contact@dentonbodhitree.com.