Reiki: Healing energy for the body and mind. What is it and how can it help your well-being?

In a world where stress and anxiety seem to be the order of the day, finding methods to balance the body and mind becomes a constant quest. Among the various practices that have gained popularity in this context is Reiki, an ancient technique of Japanese origin that promises to restore the flow of vital energy and promote physical and emotional healing.

The term Reiki is composed of two Japanese words: “Rei,” meaning “universal energy,” and “Ki,” which translates to “individual life energy.” The practice was developed in the late 19th century by Mikao Usui, a Japanese Buddhist monk who sought to understand and harness the power of energy for healing. Usui claimed to have discovered the method during an experience of spiritual enlightenment after years of study and meditation.

Reiki is based on the belief that we all possess a vital energy that flows through us, and when this flow is hindered, physical illnesses or emotional imbalances can arise. The technique consists of channeling this universal energy through the practitioner's hands towards the recipient, in order to harmonize and revitalize their energy system.

Reiki followers claim that this practice can offer a wide range of health benefits, both physically and emotionally. Among the most notable benefits are:

• Stress and anxiety reduction: Reiki promotes a state of deep relaxation, which helps reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol and calm the mind, thus relieving anxiety and improving mood.
• Pain Relief: Reiki has been shown to help relieve physical pain, whether chronic or acute, by releasing muscle tension and stimulating the nervous system to activate natural pain relief mechanisms.
• Strengthening the immune system: By restoring the body's energy balance, Reiki can strengthen the immune system, helping to prevent illness and promoting faster recovery.
• Improved sleep: Many people experience an improvement in the quality of sleep after receiving Reiki sessions, which contributes to a greater sense of overall well-being.
• Support in healing processes: Reiki can complement conventional medical treatments, speeding up the recovery process after illness or surgery, as well as providing relief in cases of chronic diseases.

Reiki is usually practiced in individual sessions, where the recipient remains fully clothed and lies on a comfortable table or chair. The previously trained and certified practitioner places his or her hands gently on different areas of the recipient's body, following a specific protocol or sensing the points where more energy is needed.

During the session, the recipient may experience sensations of heat, cold, tingling or deep relaxation, depending on how their body responds to the Reiki energy. It is important to note that Reiki is not associated with any specific religion or belief, so it can be practiced by people from different cultural and spiritual backgrounds.