What is Reiki and How Can it Help You?

For many people, the idea of energy being involved in our overall health and well-being is a bit far-fetched. We tend to think of ourselves as purely physical beings, governed solely by the laws of physics. However, the Eastern belief that vital energy flows through our bodies is gaining traction in the Western world. Reiki therapy is based on this belief, and the idea is that a Reiki practitioner uses gentle touch -- or places their hands just above your body -- to help guide this energy in a way that promotes balance and healing.

So, what exactly is this vital energy? According to the National Institutes of Health, it's "an unseen life force." And while there's no scientific evidence to support the idea that this vital energy exists, proponents of Reiki therapy say that it does. They also say that if your vital energy is low or unbalanced, you're more likely to experience physical or mental health problems. Conversely, if your vital energy is high and balanced, you're more likely to be healthy and happy.

Now that we've run through a brief overview of what Reiki is and how it works, let's take a look at some of the ways it can specifically help you.

Relieve stress and anxiety: One of the most common reasons people try Reiki is to help relieve stress and anxiety. In today's fast-paced world, it's all too easy to get caught up in the rat race and feel like we're constantly running on empty. Over time, this can lead to physical symptoms like headaches and muscle tension, as well as mental symptoms like anxiety and difficulty sleeping. If you're looking for a way to slow down and relax, Reiki might be worth a try.

Promote healing: If you're dealing with an injury or illness, Reiki therapy can potentially help with your recovery. While there's no scientific evidence that Reiki can cure diseases or heal injuries overnight, some proponents believe that it can speed up the healing process by helping to balance your vital energy. If you're interested in using Reiki for healing purposes, be sure to consult with your doctor first -- especially if you have cancer or another serious condition.

Increase self-awareness: One of the goals of Reiki therapy is to help you become more aware of yourself -- both physically and mentally. During a session, you may become more aware of your thoughts and emotions, as well as any physical sensations you're experiencing. This increased awareness can help you learn more about what makes you tick and could potentially lead to positive changes in your life (like eating healthier or exercising more).

Reiki therapy is based on an Eastern belief that vital energy flows through our bodies. The idea is that by using gentle touch -- or placing their hands just above your body -- a practitioner can help guide this energy in a way that promotes balance and healing.

If you're interested in trying out Reiki for yourself, sign up for Reiki 1 + 2 starting on September 18th!