The warm, golden rays of the setting sun streamed through the window as I sat in my cozy bedroom room, sipping on a cup of ginger tea. I was lost in thought, my mind swirling with the chaos of daily life—work deadlines, family responsibilities, and an ever-growing to-do list which was never depleting. It was in this moment of quiet overwhelm that my Shifu (not only of this lifetime but of many) Mr. Ajay Kumar Parakkal called. He with his serene demeanor and a glow that seemed to radiate peace, has always been my go-to person in times of distress.
I went to meet him and his piercing yet gentle gaze scanned through me and he said “You seem tired, Neha,” in a gentle tone, taking a seat across from me. After a moment of Silence he simply asked “. Do you want to learn Reiki? Am thinking of doing a workshop if you are keen you are most welcome to join?” The question hung in the air for a moment. I was furrowing my brow and pondering over his question. “Reiki?
Does he think I can do it as well as him?
Am I the one for it? Will I be able to do it?
Am I responsible enough to learn and heal others, should I and so on….
I was in doubt.
He smiled knowingly what was going inside me and said, “It’s a form of energy healing that changed my life, it’s gentle and non invasive. It will help you. You can always try, you will heal within. He softly mentioned and left it at that for me to think and revert.
The Origins of Reiki
Days went by and the question still remain unanswered. It was constantly at the back of my mind contemplating the offer made by Shifu. One such moment I picked up my laptop to research and know more before plunging in to say a “yes” to him. I began to read the fascinating tale of Reiki’s origins. “Reiki,” as explained, “is a Japanese word that combines two concepts: ‘Rei,’ meaning universal, and ‘Ki,’ meaning life force energy. It’s an ancient practice, but the system we know today was developed by a man named Dr. Mikao Usui in the early 20th century.”
I had just read a few blogs here and there and it caught my fancy, and I instantly picked up my phone to confirm to Shifu that I shall be joining his class. And from then onwards with his guidance and perseverance I never looked back. Today by the grace of my masters am a Reiki Master. His class was full of the loving Energy, knowledge and wisdom which he as a teacher passed on to his students. Am ever so grateful that I have had one of the finest teachers to learn from. Detail, experience and wisdom all were combined in that class. And there I learnt as the wisdom was imparted to us on the
origin of Reiki – how Dr. Usui, a scholar and spiritual seeker, embarked on a 21-day meditation and fasting retreat on Mount Kurama in Japan. During this
intense period of introspection and prayer, he experienced a profound spiritual awakening. It was said that he felt a surge of universal energy flowing through him, accompanied by a deep understanding of how to channel this energy to heal himself and others. This marked the birth of Reiki as a healing modality.
Dr. Usui dedicated his life to sharing this gift, teaching others how to harness this universal energy for physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. His teachings eventually spread across the world, evolving and adapting to different cultures while staying true to the core principle of using energy to restore balance and harmony.
What is Reiki?
My eyes are sparkling with enthusiasm and love as I share what I learnt and practice- “Reiki” is a gentle yet powerful practice. It’s based on the idea that an unseen ‘life force energy’ flows through all living beings. When this energy is low or blocked, it can lead to physical illness, emotional distress, and spiritual disconnection. Reiki practitioners act as conduits/ mediums for this energy, channeling it through their hands to help balance and restore the recipient’s energy field. Reiki is not tied to any specific religion or belief system. “It’s universal and accessible to everyone.
All it requires is an open heart and a willingness to receive.
How Reiki became a part of My Life?
“So how does Reiki help?” if one asks?
I can say. “Oh, in so many ways! Let me break it down for you.”
Physical Benefits
Reiki is known for its ability to promote physical healing and relaxation. “Think of it as a natural reset button for your body.”
It helps reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve sleep quality. People often use Reiki to complement traditional medical treatments for chronic pain, migraines, and other physical ailments like
- Chronic pain and inflammation
- Migraines and headaches
- Fatigue and low energy
- Digestive disorders
- Insomnia and sleep disturbances
- Post-surgery recovery
- Immune system strengthening
One of my clients who suffered from severe back pain and was bedridden was cured after a few Reiki sessions, he reported significant relief. While it didn’t replace his physical therapy, it enhanced his overall healing process.
Mental and Emotional Benefits
Reiki is a powerful tool for emotional well-being as well. It helps release pent-up emotions, reduces anxiety, and brings a sense of inner peace. Aids with allieviating
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression
- Grief and emotional trauma
- Overthinking and mental fog
- Low self-esteem
- Emotional imbalance
Sharing with you another client’s experience who came to me feeling overwhelmed by grief after losing a loved one. Through Reiki, she was able to process her emotions and find a sense of closure. It’s not magic, but it works in subtle, deep ways to help you heal from the inside out.
Spiritual Benefits
On a spiritual level Reiki helps you connect with your higher self and the universal energy that flows through all things. It’s a deeply meditative practice that aids spiritual growth, intuition, and a sense of purpose like
- Aids connection with self or purpose
- Clears Blockages in spiritual growth
- Lack of clarity in life direction
- Heightens intuition or spiritual awareness
Reiki has helped deepen my own spiritual journey. “It’s like having a direct line to the universe,”
It’s helped me trust my intuition and live in alignment with myself.
Daily Life Benefits
Reiki isn’t limited to extraordinary moments; it can be integrated into daily life.
From starting your morning with a self-Reiki session to helping loved ones relax after a long day, Reiki brings balance and harmony to everyday situations like
- Increased focus and productivity
- Improved relationships through emotional balance
- Stress management in work and personal life
- Infusing positive energy into food, spaces, and interactions
Reiki had helped me handle stressful work meetings and I even infuse my cooking with positive energy. “It’s like having a secret superpower,” Reiki allows you to approach life’s challenges with calm and clarity.
But how to use Reiki in ever day Life
Reiki is incredibly versatile,” You can use it for self-care, for others, and even for situations.
I start each day with a short self-Reiki session for my Self-care. It’s like tuning my energy for the day ahead. I place my hands on different parts of my body, focusing on areas that feel tense or blocked. It’s a simple practice that leaves me feeling refreshed and balanced.
I also use Reiki to help friends, family, plants or even pets. “It’s a beautiful way to share love and compassion.” I often perform Reiki for my family. “Even though if I can’t cure the condition, Reiki provides with relief and comfort.
But Reiki isn’t limited to people, You can use it to clear the energy of your home, charge your food with positive vibes, or even send healing energy to a stressful situation. (can be past or future as well). The possibilities are endless.
How to Invoke Reiki
So how does someone start practicing Reiki?
Reiki begins with intention. Whether you’re receiving or practicing it, the key is to set a clear intention for healing and balance. Learning Reiki typically involves receiving an attunement from a Reiki Master. This process opens up your energy channels, allowing you to access and channel Reiki energy. Once attuned, you can practice Reiki on yourself, others, and even situations.
The beauty of Reiki is that it’s a lifelong journey. The more you practice, the more intuitive and effective you become.
Why everyone should try Reiki
When my clients ask me “Is it something I could learn?”
My answer is “Absolutely! Reiki is for everyone. You don’t need any special skills or prior experience. All you need is a desire to learn.
Reiki is typically taught in three levels, each building on the last.
In Level 1, you learn how to channel Reiki energy for yourself and others.
Level 2 introduces symbols that enhance the practice and allow for distance healing.
And in Level 3, you become a Reiki Master, capable of teaching and attuning others.
The Ripple effect of Reiki
Reiki isn’t just a healing practice;
it’s a way of life. It teaches you to live with intention, compassion, and gratitude. When you align yourself with the universal flow of energy, you create a ripple effect that touches everyone around you.
Would you like to try it? I will be sharing some information about a workshop I will be hosting soon. It’s a perfect place to begin.
And so, the story of Reiki continues, passed down from teacher to student, from one heart to another, spreading its healing light across the world. If you’re ready to embark on your own Reiki journey, now is the perfect time to start. Whether you’re seeking physical relief, emotional balance, or spiritual growth, Reiki offers a pathway to healing and transformation. Join a workshop, find a trusted teacher, or book your first session today. The energy of the universe is waiting for you to embrace it
