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REIKI, CHAKRAS AND THE HORMONE SYSTEM
by Maralyn Wilson, RT-CRA, RSW Reiki is a Japanese word meaning Universal Life Force Energy. Reiki therapy is a relaxation technique that promotes self-healing. Reiki energy moves through and around the practitioner and client, such that the Universal Energy going to the client is enhanced. The innate wisdom of each person's body uses the energy where it is needed most. Reiki sessions are done with the client fully clothed, and lying on a table or sitting in a chair. There is a gentle laying on of hands on a number of areas of the body. An incredibly deep sense of relaxation and peace melts away tension, allowing the Life Force to flow more freely throughout the body. Chakras Chakras are energy centres that serve as gateways for the flow of energy and life into the physical body. Each chakra is associated with the glands and organs in that part of the body. They react and respond to energy and vibration. These life force energy centres also relate to the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual consciousness. The chakras are the network through which body, mind and spirit interact as one holistic system. Although there are hundreds of locations in our body where there is focused and concentrated energy, there are only seven major energy centres, commonly referred to as “chakras”. (Chakra is a Sanskrit word that means “wheel”). They are similar to wheels in that they are spinning vortexes of energy. These centers are located within our energy body, through which we receive, transmit and process life energies. The seven major chakras correspond to specific aspects of our consciousness and have their own individual characteristics and functions. People have often asked me why we use specific hand positions when giving Reiki treatments. The reason for this is because the hand positions correspond to the location of the major hormone (endocrine) glands in the physical body and the chakras in the energy body. Hand placement in these areas brings harmony to the hormone system and balances the chakras, thus allowing us to experience total peace and relaxation and, in many cases, physical relief from dis-ease. Hormone/Endocrine System The endocrine glands each work independently. They are: the adrenals, testes in males or ovaries in females, the thymus, the thyroid and four parathyroids, the pituitary and the hypothalamus. Each of these glands produces hormones. The hormones produced by the glands flow into the bloodstream and circulate to stimulate or inhibit activity of other organs and tissues. Overactivity or underactivity of one glands will affect the entire system. Hormones regulate important processes of the body, such as metabolism, growth, ageing, homeostasis (balance of bodily functions), the body’s ability to heal itself, resistance to stress and reproduction. See how hand positions can affect both the physical body and our consciousness. By placing our hands in one position, we can influence all at the same time.
In closing, the hand positions in a Reiki treatment have the ability to influence our energetic and physical body by bringing harmony to the endocrine system and balance to the chakras. Anyone who has had the opportunity to experience a treatment can attest to its benefits. Light and Love to all. Maralyn Wilson, RT-CRA, RSW |