By Tony Cardo

TC115

Reiki has been taught, practiced and enjoyed by millions since it was first brought to the U.S. in the 1940's. As an "Energy System", there are many reasons why it works for people, and actually, there are a few reasons why, without practice, it can seem ineffective. After teaching and assisting hundreds of people with this discipline, here are the top 5 reasons we believe it is something to consider seriously:

1.) Vibrational Awareness

There comes a time in a person's life when the understanding of themselves and the world around them enters the realm of "Vibrational Awareness". It is at this time, that they consider themselves energetic/vibrational beings in an energetic/vibrational universe. When you discover this identity about yourself, you realize that you are both a transmitter and a receiver of energy. This can be one of the greatest challenges as a human being -- learning how to live as a vibrational being in a vibrational universe.

For people who consider themselves vibrational beings, it takes a daily and an hourly focus upon their inner world as they set about the tasks of living a "normal life". Yes, we have to go to work, walk the dog, buy the groceries, prepare the food, clean the dishes, attend to our loved ones, watch TV and go to sleep. But in the midst of it all, as these everyday activities are taking place - we have to remember something else. Something needs to be woven into the fabric of our lives that will assist us in remembering this subtle essence of ourselves. And we need tools and a few simple ways to accomplish this.

2.) Connection with Higher Realms

It is said that when we are inspired, we "light up", and it is evident on our faces, in the activities we perform, and in the pleasant interactions we have with others when we are in this state. Light and Love are prevalent characteristics when we share and when we are "connected" to this understanding. Some describe this as connection with a higher, or divine self. Inspiration and connection to the higher realms comes in many forms, and there are several techniques and disciplines that can help us. One of these is Reiki.

Reiki is a healing method that is both hands on (Reiki 1) and also can be sent to distant situations and people (Reiki 2). It is unique among healing methods today as it involves learning symbols to augment healing; an attunement process between someone who is trained to initiate others (Reiki Master) and a student; and, finally, it does not involve any personal energy from the healer for the healing to occur.

Reiki is a Japanese name which is pronounced 'RAY key'. It translates to universal life force energy. 'Rei' signifies the universal source energy flowing through everything. This source energy is seen as innately intelligent. 'Ki' signifies the personal life force energy and is analogous to Chi in Chinese and prana in Indian systems. Thus, Reiki implies that the universal source channel is directly connecting to our personal life force and thus intelligent healing energy surges forth.

3.) It Works on Many Levels

Reiki is a vibrational healing practice that returns us to balanced functioning on all levels: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Reiki can be helpful to people who are addressing a wide range of health conditions such as headaches, insomnia, back pain, cancer, heart disease, chronic pain, depression and anxiety. It may even be used to help recovery of injuries and surgery. Reiki safely combines with and supports any medical intervention including surgery, medications, radiation or chemotherapy and physical therapy.

Reiki practice doesn’t address the symptom or the condition directly in the way conventional medicine does  - you will find that it balances the whole system and brings us back to a greater sense of balance and ease, and with that there is symptomatic relief.

4.) Documented Benefits

Research-documented benefits of Reiki:
• reduced anxiety
• reduced pain
• enhanced well-being

Commonly reported benefits:
• improved digestion
• improved sleep
• improved focus and memory

Of course, connection with our source is a benefit all by itself, but isn't it nice to know that there are many other reasons to learn and practice Reiki?

5.) A Foundation for Lightworker Training

As mentioned, Reiki 1 is the first degree and first level of training, and it can serve as a foundation for more advanced studies.  Students who begin with Reiki 1 can progress to Reiki 2, Reiki Master, Karuna Reiki, Language of Light and Spectrum Energetics.  These are powerful components of a comprehensive Lightworker training program.

When you incorporate Reiki into your life, you are sending a message to yourself, to others and to the universe that you are ready and willing to join the ranks of those who are connected to their source and work with light for the highest and greatest good for all.   

Welcome, Lightworker!