Healing Series: Reiki, Hands-on Healing
In this issue, we invite Ambika Menon, the co-founder of Sanctum Singapore and an experienced Reiki Master/Teacher, to explain what the popular hands-on healing is all about.
Reiki is popularly translated as “Universal Life Force Energy”. It is a form of energy healing which is channeled via a healer to the client. It is believed to have been discovered in the early 1900’s and rapidly gained in popularity due to its efficacy. There are many forms of Reiki being practiced today but all forms hark back to the original now known as Usui Reiki, in honor of its founder or more accurately, its discoverer. Usui Reiki as is taught today follows the structure stipulated by Dr Usui and all Reiki Masters trace their lineage back to the founder. A knowledge and understanding of the history of Reiki is a necessary and integral part of Reiki teachings.
Diseases, whether physical, mental, or emotional are believed to be caused by imbalances within the body’s energy systems. Reiki works by stimulating our inherent life force to address and correct these imbalances at the core level. Reiki has been used to effectively combat cancer among other life-threatening diseases, especially when used in combination with effective diet and life-style choices. Reiki can be used to enhance the quality of food, cleanse and empower living quarters, as well as in the treatment of children, pets and plants. Some other forms of Reiki which have gained popularity and acceptance are Karuna Reiki, Seichim Reiki, Sekhem Reiki, Isis Seichim Reiki and Green Tara Reiki, to name a few.
Reiki works by stimulating our inherent life force to address and correct these imbalances at the core level.
While Reiki energy does not have its origins in any specific religious or spiritual tradition, some of the variations work with specific aspects of a higher spiritual power. Reiki works with a set of symbols which students are taught to work with. The founders of different modalities have discovered unique symbols which are believed to channel different levels of vibrational healing energy. The use of these symbols exponentially increases the power of the energy being conveyed. This is a classic instance of “the proof of the pudding being in the eating”!
In order to be able to practice Reiki, the practitioner needs to undergo a process known as attunement. Usui Reiki is the foundation for all other forms of Reiki. Many alternative Reiki modalities are only taught to students who have completed the 3 levels of Usui Reiki. Reiki does not have a single governing body so fees are at the discretion of the practitioners. Historically, fees for Reiki attunements used to be in the thousands. The decision to charge a fee for the attunement was taken by Dr Usui when he realized that a gift freely given seldom commands the respect of a service which has been paid for. It is important to realize, however, that a more expensive session does not necessarily mean the practitioner is superior to someone who chooses to charge a lower fee. The choice of Reiki instructor aside, the basic structure of the workshops will not differ very much, as this part of the teachings. Reiki can be said to be a life-style choice; how well it works for you very much on the level of commitment and discipline you bring to the practice.
Reiki healing has no affiliation to any religion and contains no dogma. Medical science now accepts that the state of mind of a patient has very important consequences on the effectiveness of any allopathic treatment. Reiki is fast gaining acceptance and is now widely used in many hospices and cancer centers in the US, to not only alleviate pain but to provide a turn-around in the psychological makeup of patients. The time frame of this turn-around or more tangible healing effects would vary from individual to individual.
Under what circumstances should a person go for a Reiki healing session versus other healing modalities?
Individuals who have never experienced any form of energy healing may find that Reiki would be a good introduction. Fundamentally, all forms of energy healing work in correcting the imbalances perceived in our etheric bodies; one important distinction with Reiki is that the practitioner is simply a channel or conduit for a pre-existing form of energy whereas many other healing modalities utilize the practitioner's energy resources.
What should one expect during a Reiki healing session?
It is quite common for clients to fall into a deep, relaxing sleep, unlike what they may have ever experienced. Sensations of heat, tingling, vivid colors or surrealistic imagery are also common occurences during a reiki session. Clients are free to discuss their experiences during the session or may choose to simply enjoy the quiet and serenity of the healing session.
What are some considerations in choosing a Reiki teacher if a person is interesting in learning and attunement?
Perhaps the most practical consideration should be the fees! Wherever possible, attend Reiki workshops personally; while distance attunements do provide you with the tools, Reiki is not simply about the attunement process. The knowledge of history and sharing of experiences during a Reiki workshop also contribute tremendously to the understanding and practice of Reiki.
The practice of Reiki is intimately linked with one's intuitive ability. The first step in developing this ability woud be in allowing one's resonance with a teacher to guide us in the choice of Reiki guide.
There are some teachers who attune students in levels 1 and 2 together in a short time while some other teachers advise against such practices. What is your opinion on this?
I personally believe that practitioners should allow a time lapse betweent the different levels. Primarily, it is to allow the practitioner to develop his own understanding and synthesis of Reiki, especially after the 1st level attunement. Regardless of a student's background in energy healing, allowing this particular vibrational form to settle in the student's consciousness can only benefit both the healer and his clients. The time lapse also helps the student further their commitment to this path. The subsequent levels not only provide a doorway to more intensive healing sessions but stimulate the student to also explore his/her own issues towards a more developed awareness and intution. As such, combining levels can prove to be overwhelming for many people.
In your years of teaching Reiki, can you share some special or interesting moments that you have encountered?
Every Reiki attunement has been a humbling experience; it has been my privilege to share in such intense and intimate revelations as experienced by my students. Many of my students find that critical issues or areas of conflict resolve themselves or they are able to approach the problem with a new found awareness filled with dispassionate compassion and sensivity. My favorite would be an individual in an unhappy relationship who immediately after the attunement was provided with an opportunity to resolve the issue without undue recrimination and heartache!
Ambika is conducting Reiki courses on Usui Reiki, Sekhem Reiki and Isis Seichim at Sanctum Singapore in April 2008. For details on individual workshop, please visit www.sanctumsg.com or call 62254381 during office hours. Courses are conducted on both individual and group basis. Workshops are also available by appointment.
About the Writer & Interviewee
 |
Ambika Menon Through a series of synchronistic life changes, Ambika was brought into contact with healers and psychics who encouraged and helped her hone and develop her innate talents and abilities. As a writer, intuitive reader and healer with an interest in comparative theology and world mythologies, she has investigated a wide range of of avenues for spiritual expression. She believes by exploring and reclaiming her feminine wisdom she is able to open her mind, heart and soul to help in constructive ways. She encourages people to embrace change and nurture themselves, helping them to re-discover fun, creativity and abundance in their lives. Ambika has trained in modalities such as Reiki, Tibetan Yoga, Astrology as well as completed a Certificate course in Counselling. She offers workshops which provide tried and tested methods of empowerment such as Tarot, Runes as well as more esoteric teachings centred on pagan and earth religions. |