Reiki:
Reiki Classes For Kids Click Here
Read A Response to the Catholic Bishops Doctrine on Reiki Click Here

About Reiki & Learning To Do Reiki:

Reiki is believed to have begun in Tibet several thousand years ago. Seers in the Orient studied energies and developed a system of sounds and symbols for universal healing energies. Various healing systems, which crossed many different cultures, emerged from this single root system. Unfortunately, the original source itself was forgotten.

Reiki practitioners channel energy in a particular pattern to heal and harmonize. Unlike other healing therapies based on the premise of a human energy field, reiki seeks to restore order to the body whose vital energy has become unbalanced.

Reiki energy has several basic effects: it brings about deep relaxation, destroys energy blockages, detoxifies the system, provides new vitality in the form of healing universal life energy, and increases the vibrational frequency of the body.

The laying of hands is used in Reiki therapy also as in spiritual healing. There is a difference though. In spiritual healing, a person with a strong energy field places his or her hands above a particular part of the recipient's body in order to release energy into it. So, here the healer is the one who is sending out the energy. In Reiki, however, the healer places the hands above the recipient; however, it is the recipient that draws the energy as needed. Thus, in this case, the individual being healed takes an active part in the healing process as opposed to having a passive part in spiritual healing. The individual takes responsibility for his or her healing. The recipient identifies the needs and caters to them by drawing energy as needed.

Although there are a few positions in which the practitioner is in contact with the patient (such as cradling the head), most Reiki treatments do not involve actual touching. The practitioner holds his or her hands a few inches or farther away from the patient's body and manipulates the energy field from there.

Walk-ins welcome or to book appointments call 908-722-8600. (Scroll down for more info)

What does Reiki do?

Reiki helps to harmonize body, mind and spirit for yourself or anyone you want to help.

Is Reiki a religion or any other belief system?

No Reiki is not a religion and you do not have to believe in anything special. Reiki is suitable whatever faith or beliefs you  have.
The only thing you need to have is a sincere wish to help yourself (or others). Most healing systems are based on intent and so is Reiki.

What is the difference between healing and curing?

If you look up the two words in a dictionary you will probably find that they mean more or less the same. In real life we seem to have given the two words slightly different interpretations. Healing is when you go to the root of the problem and restore the body's balance. Curing is what is normally considered done when you actually remove the problem (but maybe not the cause). When you have surgery you can remove the "sick" organ or tissue but this might not solve the problem as the procedure often does not solve the underlying problem. One can also be healed but not cured, i.e. your body is in balance but you still have a medical problem.  

Can Reiki heal me?

No promises can be made about the outcome of the use of Reiki (or any other healing system). It all depends on you, your intent, your background and the nature of your problem. Healing is a different experience and has different effects on every individual.
A big step towards healing yourself is to actually realize your need for healing.

Here are some important questions to think about, reflect and answer them truthfully:

• Do you want to become whole or do you simply want to have your problem go away?
• Are you willing to make changes in your life that are necessary for your healing process?
• Do you recognize any patterns in your life that block the flow of energy in your body?
• Have you taken a serious look at your habits and patterns?
• What are your eating habits?
• Do you drink enough water?
• If you are physically capable of doing so, do you exercise, even if it is no more than a walk around the block?
• Do you blame others for your illness?
• Are you holding old grudges?
• Have you had this illness for a long time? Does it define who you are? Who would you be without it? Do you want to be without it?

OK now you have taken a first step, the next step could be to receive Reiki or even better do a Reiki course so you can help yourself.   

Can Reiki be used on any illness?

Yes, Reiki can be used on any illness but this does not mean everyone will be healed using Reiki. Reiki will help restore the balance in the body and can relieve or even remove symptoms. Reiki has successfully been used on conditions such as reducing stress, relieving pain, headaches, stomach upsets, back problems, asthma - respiratory problems, PMT, menstrual problems, sinus, anxiety and many many more. Remember that you as an individual have to have the firm intention of getting well before any real healing can take place.

(Please observe that Reiki should never be used instead of medical treatment, it should be used as a compliment and a way to become and remain healthy.)

What does a Reiki treatment consist of?

You relax, fully dressed, while the healer holds his hands on or above you. A treatment can last about 30 minutes depending on the treatment required. In the western world many practitioners use the standard hand positions and commonly a full treatment is given covering all the important organs of the body.
There is no pressure on the body making it ideal for treating all ages and conditions, sometimes hands are even held away from the body.

What will I feel or experience during a treatment?

It differs from person to person and possibly also between different sessions.
The energy flows wherever it is required (spiritually guided) and can normally be felt as a warm sensation or tingling in the body. Receiving Reiki is a very relaxing and soothing experience!
Usually when receiving Reiki you will feel very relaxed and you may have a "floating" feeling. You may feel heat, a tingling or cold under the practitioners hands. These and other feelings come from what the Reiki energy is actually doing in and around your body i.e. adding energy, removing excess energy, balancing, removing blockages etc. It is also possible that you experience different emotions or thoughts you had forgotten might pop up. If they do you are probably supposed to learn something and release them. Some people receive insights on how to solve problems.

Remember that all healing starts a process of release, this could be emotions or even toxins in your body that you need to get rid of. You might initially even feel worse than before but this is soon passing. You can help your body by drinking lots of water.

Can children receive Reiki?

Yes, anyone can receive Reiki. It is also possible to attune children to Reiki. The first level, Reiki I, can be given even to small children. Older children can be given Reiki II and learn the use of the Reiki symbols.  Call to Find out About our Reiki Attunement course for kids. Don't hesitate to bring a kid of any age in for a free Reiki healing session.    

I feel better, can I stop using medications?

NO! Reiki should never be seen as a substitute for medical care. Reiki is a complementary therapy that can help your healing process and in many cases improve both your physical and mental health. Many doctors do not believe in alternative therapies and are very skeptical about their patients use of alternatives.

Remember, Reiki cannot hurt you!

Click on the colored text to read Teaching Reiki to Children an article by Barbara McKell RT CRA, KRM, Intuitive Healer & Transformation Sound Therapist

Reiki Class For Kids
 for ages 5 to 8 or ages 9 to 13  to find out when the classes are held call Suzen at 908-722-8600
Bring some magazines you can cut up as the kids will learn how to make a vision board to manifest thier hopes and dreams and what makes them happy. “Reiki Kids” A Creative Exploration of Energy is a workshop for children. Students get in touch with their subtle energy and learn simple Reiki methods. This course is designed to be fun and interesting for children who have an awareness of their energetic being and would like to spend time in a nurturing, supportive atmosphere which allows them to explore their unique potential.

This program is designed for children that march to their own beat and hear the sounds and feelings of all. Students receive the ability to channel Reiki through an energetic process of attunement. The emphasis is placed on experiencing Reiki, putting words and feelings to this experience through art, movement and sound. The workshop is conducted in a child friendly environment. The class includes: energy exercises, sensing the energy field, Reiki attunement, healing with plants, animals and people, Reiki art, stories and meditation. Kids will also learn to send healing energy to thier friends. And learn to deal with the negative energies from thier peers and Adults as well

Successful Technique:
By using energy sensing techniques children will easily understand that they are electromagnetic beings as well as a physical being. Have them create an energy ball between their hands. First help make your hands sensitive by rubbing them together quickly like you would to warm your hands up if they were cold. Put the palms of your hands facing each other about 6 inches apart. Just leave them there for a minute, noticing what you feel between your hands.

Slowly move your hands closer together. Then move them farther apart until you begin to feel something gently resisting the push and pull of your hands. This is the energy ball and with practice you might even be able to see it.

Even if you don’t see it doesn’t mean it isn’t there. We can’t see radio waves, but if we turn on a radio we can hear them. We can’t see the satellite transmission to your TV, but when we turn on the TV we can see the picture. All energy works the same way. We need a transmitter and a receiver in order to sense how the energy is working.

Something to do at home:
After you have guided the child to feel the energy ball between their hands, have the child lie down on a large sheet of paper and trace an outline of their body. Give them paints, markers, sparkles, glitter, paper and glue. It is amazing to see what they create. Sparkling auras, flower like chakras, spirit guides and angels will appear on the paper as they freely express what they are seeing, sensing and feeling.

Cost: $55
For more information or to register call SuZen at 908-722-8600

On March 25, 2009, U.S. Catholic bishops issued a statement advising Catholic hospitals, health care facilities, and Catholic chaplains not to support the use of Reiki sessions. The statement was issued by The Committee on Doctrine, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and titled: “Guidelines for Evaluating Reiki as Alternative Therapy.”

The statement was based on research the committee had done over a period of several months involving information found on the Internet and in Reiki books. Based on these sources, they concluded that Reiki came from Buddhist texts and has a religious basis; that Reiki healing energy is directed by human thought and will; that Reiki is not validated by scientific studies and has no scientific explanation, and that Reiki is not accepted by the medical community.

When considering the value of the bishops’ statement, it’s important to note the sources they accessed. Much of their research came from information published on Internet Web sites. Overall, the Internet isn’t a good source of factual information because there is no requirement that information published there be checked or approved for accuracy. Anyone can set up a Web site and publish anything they wish. What often happens is that authors of sites copy from each other, so if inaccurate information is published on one site, it can easily spread to many sites across the Internet. If one makes use of the Internet for research, one must use a developed set of selection criteria that limits one to only the most respected and reputable Web sites. Otherwise, one runs the risk of accepting rumor and misinformation as fact.

This is especially true for Reiki Web sites. Reiki information has been riddled with inaccurate ideas from the beginning of its practice in the West. Many Reiki practitioners, teachers and authors fail to check the accuracy of the information they base their teaching and writing on, and this has had a detrimental effect on the quality of information published both on the Internet and in Reiki books.

The best information on Reiki comes from those who have researched the history and practice of Reiki professionally by conducting research in Japan, reading original documents, and interviewing members of the founding Reiki organization in Japan. If the bishops who wrote the statement on Reiki had interviewed several of these experts, they would have realized that much of the published information on Reiki is inaccurate, and they would have had accurate, verifiable information on which to base their conclusions.

Origin of Reiki
One of the stories told by Mrs. Takata about the origin of Reiki indicates that the founder, Mikao Usui discovered the secret of Reiki n Buddhist texts.1 This story has been repeated over and over in Reiki classes, on Internet Web sites and in many Reiki books. Yet we know this isn’t true. For many years, Mrs. Takata was the only source of information about Reiki for those in the West, and most practitioners accepted her statements without question. Language, cultural, and organizational barriers in Japan made research difficult for those who wanted to learn more about the origins and practice of Reiki. It wasn’t until the end of the 90’s that a few researchers were able to make breakthroughs.

Researchers, including Toshitaka Mochizuki, Hiroshi Doi and Frank Arjava Petter, made contact with the original Reiki organization, discovered Mikao Usui’s grave, translated the story of Reiki inscribed on his memorial stone, and uncovered an original document written by Mikao Usui about the nature of Reiki. These sources indicate that Mikao Usui wasn’t seeking to discover a method of healing, but that the ability to heal came to him spontaneously during a spiritual experience on a sacred mountain. Furthermore, in his Reiki Ryoho Hikkei (Reiki Healing Art Handbook), Mikao Usui states: “My Usui Reiki Ryoho (healing art) is original, never before explored, and incomparable in the world.” These facts indicate that Reiki couldn’t have come from Buddhist texts, nor could it be connected to any religion or belief system. In addition, Japanese Reiki Masters who have knowledge of Buddhism have indicated that they can find nothing from Buddhism in the practice of Reiki and that Reiki is religiously neutral.2

The Nature of Reiki Healing
One of the first things I noticed after I took my first Reiki class and began to practice Reiki is that Reiki healing energy directs itself. I was unable to direct it with my mind or will and realized this wasn’t necessary as Reiki had its own form of guidance that was superior to my own. This experience has been verified by other professional Reiki practitioners and forms the basis of one of the important keys to using Reiki: If you want Reiki to provide the best healing experience, it’s necessary for the practitioner to set their own desire, will and ego aside, and allow the Reiki energy to guide itself.

Scientific Explanation for Reiki
There is a scientific explanation for Reiki that is based on scientific studies and factual information. This explanation has been presented as a testable hypothesis by James Oschman, Ph.D.

Dr. Oschman is a scientist with a conventional background who became interested in the practice of energy medicine. Through research, he discovered a number of important scientific studies that point to a scientific basis for energy medicine based on the laws of physics and biology. These findings are discussed in an interview, “Science and the Human Energy Field,” published in the Winter 2002 issue of Reiki News Magazine.

The electrical currents that run through every part of the human body provide the basis for Dr. Oschman’s hypothesis. These currents are present in the nervous system, organs, and cells of the body. For instance, the electrical signals that trigger the heartbeat travel throughout all the tissues of the body and can be detected anywhere on the body.

Ampere’s law indicates that when an electrical current flows through a conductor, an electromagnetic field is produced that reflects the nature of the current that created it. Tests with scientific instruments indicate that electromagnetic fields exist around the body and around each of the organs of the body, including the brain, heart, kidneys, liver, stomach, etc. The heart has the strongest field, which has been measured at a distance of 15 feet from the body.

The fields around each of the organs pulse at different frequencies and stay within a specific frequency range when they are healthy, but move out of this range when they are unhealthy. The hands of healers produce pulsing electromagnetic fields when they are in the process of healing, whereas the hands of non-healer do not produce these fields. When a healer places his or her hands on or near a person in need of healing, the electromagnetic field of the healer’s hands sweeps through a range of frequencies based on the needs of the part of the body being treated. Faraday’s law indicates that one electromagnetic field can induce currents into a nearby conductor and through this process, induce a similar field around it. In this way, a healer induces a healthy electromagnetic field around an unhealthy organ, thus inducing a healthy state in the organ. A detailed explanation of this hypothesis, including descriptions of the scientific studies, diagrams, and references is presented in the interview mentioned above.

Acceptance by the Medical Community
Although Reiki is not universally accepted within the medical community, many medical professionals, hospitals, and healthcare facilities recognize its benefits and accept it as an adjunct therapy. In Holistic Nursing, A Handbook for Practice, Chapter 2 “Scope and Standards of Practice,” the American Holistic Nursing Association (AHNA) lists Reiki as an accepted form of treatment.3 In addition, according to the American Hospital Association, in 2007 Reiki was offered as a standard part of patient care in 15% or over 800 hospitals across the US.4 Doctors have recommended Reiki to their patients for amelioration of various health-related conditions. Surgeons make use of Reiki practitioners prior to, during, and following surgery. As an example, Dr. Mehmet Oz, one of the most respected cardiovascular surgeons in the US, uses Reiki during open-heart surgeries and heart transplants. According to Dr. Oz, “Reiki has become a sought-after healing art among patients and mainstream medical professionals.”5

Ethical Implications
To refuse Reiki treatment to patients that request it creates an ethical issue. According to the AHNA statement in response to the bishops’ statement, the practice of holistic nursing is not subject to regulation by the Catholic church and it would be an ethical violation for a member of the AHNA to withhold Reiki treatment from a patient who requests it; this includes those working in Catholic hospitals.

Scientific Studies
There are a number of reputable scientific studies that provide evidence that Reiki is therapeutic. These studies can be found by using one of the professional medical databases such as PubMed or Cochrane Collection.6 Studies meeting medical and scientific standards are usually published in peer-reviewed journals. There are over 20 such studies on the therapeutic value of Reiki. A review of some of these studies, “An Integrative Review of Reiki Touch Therapy Research” by Anne Vitale, Ph. D., can be found at http://www.nursingcenter.com/pdf.asp?AID=732068. While the Reiki studies conducted to date are preliminary in nature, they do provide support for additional studies.

One well-designed Reiki study is “Autonomic Nervous-System-Changes During Reiki Treatment: A Preliminary Study.”7 Forty-five subjects were assigned randomly to three groups. One group received no treatment, another received Reiki treatment by experienced Reiki practitioners, and the third group received sham treatment by a person with no Reiki training who used the same hand positions as those receiving real Reiki.

Measurements were made of heart rate, cardiac vagal tone, blood pressure, cardiac sensitivity to baroreflex, and breathing. Heart rate and diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly for those receiving Reiki, but not for those receiving sham Reiki, or no treatment. This study indicates that the body does respond to Reiki energy and that this response isn’t purely psychological. It also indicates a potential therapeutic effect for Reiki.

“Reiki Improves Heart Rate Homeostasis in Laboratory Rats”8 is another valuable study. The value of using animals in this type of study is that they are not affected by belief or skepticism regarding Reiki. In addition, highly accurate telemetric implants were used to transmit the biometric data. White noise was used to increase the heart rate of three implanted laboratory rats. The rats were treated by a Reiki practitioner and by a sham Reiki practitioner prior to being exposed to white noise and after exposure. The procedure involved the practitioner directing their hands toward the caged rat at a distance of four feet. The rats that received Reiki experienced a significant reduction in heart rate, both before having their heart rates elevated by white noise and after, whereas those treated with sham Reiki did not. This is one of the most rigorous Reiki studies to date and demonstrates that Reiki reduces the heart rate in both stressed and unstressed animals and promotes homeostasis, both of which promote healthy heart function.

Reiki is practiced by followers of many religious traditions. Although some practitioners integrate Reiki into their existing religious beliefs, Reiki is not a religion, doctrine, or dogma. Reiki is grounded in the principle of compassionate action, which is common to all religious traditions. While each religion has the right to create its own rules, it’s within the nature of human dignity and free will for each person to decide which path to follow and what activities are appropriate for them.

¹ Paul David Mitchell, The Blue Book, revised edition for The Reiki Alliance (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho: 1985), page 13.

² Personal communication with Japanese Reiki practitioners Hiroshi Doi and Hyakuten Inamoto.

³ page 56.

⁴ http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2008-09-14-alternative-therapies_N.htm and www.reikiinhospitals.org

⁵ http://healthcare-research.suite101.com/article.cfm/reiki_in_hospitals

⁶ http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/ PubMed is the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) free digital archive of biomedical and life sciences journal literature. http://www.lib.umb.edu/node/1353 The Cochrane Collection provides access to a collection of databases, which focus on the effects of health care and evidence based medical practice.

⁷ Nicola Makay, M.Sc., Stig Hansen, Ph.D., and Oona McFarlane, M.A., The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Volume 10, Number 6, 2004, pp. 1077–1081. This study is also discussed in “The Science of Reiki” by Nicole Mackay, Reiki News Magazine (Summer 2005).

⁸ Ann Linda Baldwin, Ph.D, Christina Wagers, and Gary E. Schwartz, Ph.D., The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Volume 14, Number 4, 2008, pp. 417–422.

William Lee Rand is president of the International Center for Reiki Training and executive editor of the Reiki News Magazine. He has studied with five Reiki teachers, including two from Japan, and has made three trips to Japan to research the history and nature of Reiki. Rand has practiced Reiki since 1981 and has taught full time for 20 years.

**NOTE: All of the therapies offered by The Life Coaching Center LLC are non-diagnostic holistic health systems, supplementing and supporting medical treatment. Your physician is your primary resource for health care.