Becca Ellis
REIKI
Reiki is a subtle healing practice that supports overall balance.
The name combines Rei and Ki, and translates as Universal Healing Energy.
When I first came to Barcelona I saw an advert for a technique which promised results like "feeling relaxed and confident in social situations", and that sold me! It certainly made me feel relaxed and confident on my own, tho to be honest, it's tapping that got me those results in social situations. Nonetheless, it's Reiki I practice for an instant connection with myself, with LOVE, with a sense of belonging. Back then it took me a lot of research to find an affordable teacher (aka Reiki Master ) or even a practitioner, but nowadays it has gained such popularity it can be found in the least esoteric of places!
Unlike therapeutic massage, you lie fully clothed on a treatment bed, and I place my hands on your head and body in different positions, allowing the energy in your body to come into resonance with the energy I am channelling. This elicits a profound self-healing response from within you.
It is a deeply relaxing experience, where you may feel different pleasant sensations, you may drift off, you may even yawn, giggle or cry - all signs of moving into parasympathetic nervous system dominance, that is, from flight/fight/freeze into rest and digest. You may feel nothing different, but find yourself enjoyably relaxed and refreshed afterwards and notice positive changes in yourself in the coming days and weeks. There are no goals set, or expected results, in the world of Reiki we understand that the energy works for your highest good and healing as the whole neuroendocrine system is rebalanced.
Whereas EFT is very focussed on the issue you would like to transform, Reiki is not directed to any specific area of your body or life, but will help you achieve a more global state of harmony and balance.
Using Reiki as a bridge to a meditative state, where your subconscious is particularly open to suggestion, can make a session of EFT even more powerful.
The transmitting of energy via the hands is an ancient healing practice from different cultures, the word "ki" also known as "chi" and "prana" or even "the Force" if you know Star Wars.
Today, Reiki healing is practiced all over the world although it was initially brought to the west from Japan in the 1930s and popularised in the 1980s. It is passed down through different lineages, and now has many variations in the way it is taught and used, but essentially all use this same universal energy. Doing self-reiki is a wonderful meditative practice, and in fact, what it was originally intended for.
No faith or spiritual inclination is required to feel the benefits, though be warned, Reiki may set you off down that path, so if you are willing to open your mind and have a go, you have nothing to lose!