What is healing?

When we cut our finger, albeit superficially, we bandage it up and get on with our day. That’s because we trust that our body will take care of it for us. Even if we don’t think about it, we understand on every level that our body has an extraordinary ability to heal itself. 

Our body is working to heal us every minute of the day, not only when something goes wrong, though, it’s at those times that we notice the body’s efforts most profoundly.

In Reiki, we believe that the body always has the ability to heal, though “life” experiences get in the way: traumas we hold onto, foods that aren’t right for our body, environment, etc. 

Most of us understand that our health is important: We “need” to be in good health. However, many aren’t reared to realize that if our body is allowed to consistently heal itself the way it was meant to, we would always be in optimum health. 

Moreover, Reiki isn’t like the “healing” we see in movies, where lightening bolts shoot out of someone’s hands and (poof!) they’re instantly cured. Miracles do happen, but Reiki is a treatment just any other treatment. Think of it the same way you would physical therapy. You wouldn’t go to physical therapy once and expect to be all better after one session. That would be unrealistic. Listen to your body, and know that you may need as many sessions as it takes to get your body where you want it to be.

Many seek out Reiki at desperate times. Reiki will always do its job to heal where needed, but that will mean different things for different circumstances.

If you have pain, and feel better after Reiki, don’t run around and undo all the good work your body just did through your session. Rest and allow your body to do its job to heal. Consider more sessions, and get on a schedule. Think of you and your Reiki practitioner as a powerful team against what ails you.

If you or a loved one are seeking Reiki after a catastrophic illness or event, know that as always, Reiki is working on your behalf, but the most powerful benefit might actually be comfort and relaxation. 

Reiki really does work amazingly well with stress and mental issues. Many people claim to feel lighter and happier after their Reiki session. Just like therapy, get on a Reiki schedule. Go see your practitioner before you need them to maintain optimum mental health. 

If you have a pet, especially an end of life pet, that seems better after Reiki, consider honoring your pet with more sessions. Not only does the Reiki provide comfort for your animal, but the practitioner serves as a communicator—a source of comfort for the owner. 

If you take away one thing from all this, just know that Reiki is a treatment. Every person is different and has different needs. One treatment may not be enough for you. Try and stay ahead of your issues, to allow your body to do its job to consistently heal you, like its meant to.