Reiki- Usui and Lathoif
Rei: universal/spiritual/sacred
Ki: life energy
This powerful ancient healing art was rediscovered and developed in Japan by Dr. Usui Mikao in the early 1900s. Dr. Usui was a Tendai Buddhist monk who devoted his life to practising and studying oriental methods for healing and spiritual development. In 1922 he performed a 21 day fast and meditation on Mount Kurama, Kyoto that took his system to a very high level.

Reiki is often referenced as 'source' energy, it feeds the Ki energy surrounding and permeating all things - e.g. all people have a distinctive aura. Man has practised energy healing for thousands of years and Dr. Usui developed a system for enhancing people's ability to tune into this energy. The therapist can then channel this energy (through the hands) to the client, improving both the flow and level of energy.

Reiki is a gentle and loving energy that complements any form of health system, e.g. kinesiology, Tibb, traditional Chinese, western allopathic, homeopathy, reflexology, massage or aromatherapy and has been trialled with great effect, in hospitals.

The popularity of Reiki in hospitals has been largely driven by requests from patients and by nurses and doctors who have experienced its value.
They report that Reiki reduces stress, decreases the amount of pain medication required, improves sleep and appetite, and accelerates the healing process. It has also been reported to reduce many of the unwanted side effects of radiotherapy and drugs, including chemotherapy.

What does the treatment involve?
During a consultation the client lies on a therapy couch (fully-clothed) and the therapist places their hands on or just above specific points on the body. Particular attention is paid to the head to help relax the mind as this helps prepare the body for receiving the energy. Various chakras and acupuncture points and other areas are also treated.

Reiki boosts energy levels, raises spirits and makes you feel more positive about things. It can be used to help with virtually any disease by allowing the body's energies to flow better. It works at all levels - physical, mental, emotional and spiritual - depending on your needs. It is particularly effective for stress, tension, anxiety, depression, sleeplessness and emotional problems.

Other conditions where it can be helpful are:
sports injuries
long term pain, e.g. back pain
rheumatism, arthritis, sciatica, scoliosis
M.E.