Reiki relies on the ancient meridian system first understood by the Chinese thousands of years ago but we do not have to understand this highly complex system to become Reiki healers
Basically there is a network of energy highways throughout the body
These meridians allow the circulation of subtle energy often known as Qi / Chi, Ki or Prana around the body
When we are healthy this energy flows quite easily, creating balance, harmony & protection from ill health
When the meridians become blocked we become ill.
Reiki stimulates the flow of subtle energy to restore balance & boost the body’s own healing ability
In Chinese & Ayurvedic medicine, health is the fluent harmonious movement of energies at a subtle level
In the east these energies have various names Prana to Indian Yogis, Lung to the Tibetans, Ki to the Japanese, Qi or Chi to the Chinese, in Hebrew it is Ruach & in the west it is loosely translated as ‘vital energy’, ‘vital force’ or ‘life-force’
This energy has clearly distinct & established pathways as well as definite direction of flow & characteristic behaviour just like any other circulatory system (e.g. the blood / vascular system)
The efficiency of Reiki healing lies in stimulating & revitalizing this energy flow
In order to do this Dr Usui worked mostly on the head & torso of the clients
Western Reiki practitioners also use the legs & feet to balance the energies further