By Pure Imagination

Reiki

What is Reiki?

Reiki, pronounced "ray-key", is a Japanese word meaning "universal life force energy". From a Christian perspective, we understand that God is the source of this life energy. Reiki is a gentle healing treatment administered by the laying on of hands that assists in opening and integrating the major energy centers (chakras) of a person. When these are in harmony, a person's potential is less obstructed. It is understood that Reiki serves one's highest good, and because it integrates body, mind and spirit, a Reiki session can affect the physical, psychological, social and spiritual issues of the client. Reiki also complements other forms of treatment, therapy or spiritual direction and can be a spiritual practice for those interested in growing deeper in their spiritual lives.

Lasting about one hour, a session is done with the client on a Reiki/massage table, fully clothed, removing only shoes, heavy jewelry and watch. The Reiki practitioner gently places their hands slightly above (or on) the client with each position held for several minuties. The client may feel deeply relaxed and spiritually centered or highly energized.

As the popularity of Reiki grows, many Christians are becoming interested in this healing art and have begun to practice it. They have found that Reiki is a useful technique that helps them express compassion toward others and relieve suffering at the same time that it creates a closer connection for them to God. Because Reiki is a laying on hands healing technique similar to what Jesus practiced, it is especially appealing.

Reiki provides a very wonderful way for Christians to act on God's call. When giving or receiving Reiki attunements or treatments, we can call on God to work directly through us. I like to begin Reiki sessions with a prayer asking for God's healing presence. Prayer before Reiki sessions is important to strenthen our awareness of God's love.

Is Reiki a religion or cult? No, Reiki is a simple healing technique. It does not require one give up ones religion or changes ones religious beliefs in any way to practice it. Reiki cannot be used to gain a personal benefit at the expense of others or gain power over others.
Most Christians who practice Reiki state that Reiki brings them closer to God, to Christ and to the Holy Spirit. Because it is a method of healing, it helps to fulfill the Christian calling to serve others.

How do we know that healing is appropriate for Christians to do? Scripturally, we know that Jesus practiced laying-on-of-hands type healing. Jesus sent out disciples who were able to heal. In First Corinthians, Paul names healing as a gift of God. In Luke 6:44, Jesus says, "Each tree is known by its own fruit." Reiki is beneficial and helps people, with long-lasting results. It natural and good, and we recognize it as coming from God.

Christian churches have a long tradition of adopting practices that enhance the spiritual life of its members based on examples of Jesus' actions described in the Bible. Even within just the Catholic Church, the number of different valid spiritual practices is widely varied and pluralistic. All of these practices, although they are different, can be fruitful. Those Christians who practice Reiki do so within the guidance and protection of God secure in the belief that they have been guided to follow Jesus' example to be a healer.

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God's Healing Energy

"But Jesus said, 'Someone has touched me; for I know that power has gone out of me.' " —Luke 8:46

Reiki

Chakra means 'spinning wheel' and refers to the energy centers of the body. The chakra colors are in the same color order as a rainbow—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. Reiki is a gentle, hands-on healing session that assists in balancing the major energy centers of the body. When these are balanced and in harmony, there is the potential for the body to self-heal, the mind to be calmed, the spirit to be renewed. Then, God can work in and through one's life more fully.

Image & post-image text © Jan Atwood, Reiki Master/Teacher