We all know that practicing a regular mindfulness routine promotes good health and reduces stress. However, one practice that doesn’t get much discussion within the Black community is Reiki. This type of holistic treatment involves utilizing energy to treat stored pain, stress, anxiety, and more. Though Reiki is an ancient practice, many of us are just hearing of it or trying it for the first time as new-age healing techniques grow in popularity. Let’s take a deep dive into how Reiki actually works. Who knows, it may be your new favorite way to release and de-stress!
What is Reiki?
Reiki is a healing technique that originated in Japan from Buddhist monk Mikao Usui. Its purpose is to bring balance to the body using life force energy. Rei is translated as universal, and Ki is translated as life force energy. Reiki practitioners place their hands over certain areas of the client’s body and move energy through their body’s energy centers, also known as “chakras”. Imagine chakras as spinning wheels of energy stored all over the body. Tension can be held in the body, which blocks these energy centers. These blockages can cause pain, stiffness, and even sickness. A Reiki healing session facilitates a strong release of blocked energy in the body. This release can feel relaxing, warm and tingly, and even emotional.
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What can Reiki do for you?
Just as herbs and minerals can work wonders for the human body, Reiki can drastically improve one’s health. Here are a few of the things that a Reiki session can help with:
- Pain- When a Reiki practitioner places their hands over a portion of the body that has experienced pain or injury, it promotes the body’s natural ability to heal and helps to relieve the pain.
- Stress- Those who have received Reiki healings will often go into a deep state of relaxation, which helps to reduce stress.
- Coping with emotional pain- Not only can Reiki remove pain, but its focus on unblocking energy can also help the body to release emotional trauma that has also been trapped in the body.
- Enlightenment- Reiki can be deeply meditative. It is believed that the deep relaxation felt during a healing session can help you communicate with a higher power.
*Please note, though many individuals find Reiki to be a helpful part of their wellness practice, it is not a recommended replacement for necessary medical care.
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How is Reiki being embraced by the Black community?
Even though the Black community has a rich history of practicing alternative healing methods, especially due to racial biases in the healthcare system, there is little representation of Black Reiki practitioners. There are many theories surrounding this, for instance, they may not have as much access to Reiki certifications as other communities do. Additionally, some members of the community may feel that it conflicts with their Christian beliefs, similar to their feelings about working with mental health professionals. There’s this long-held belief in “taking things to God” with no other sort of intervention.
The good news is that Reiki’s growing popularity is gaining the attention of more people of color, and we are beginning to see a rise in Black Reiki practitioners. With the help of these practitioners, more members of the Black community will have access to this healing methodology and be able to experience some of its tremendous health benefits.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to transform your wellness routine, Reiki may be just what you’re looking for. It offers a little something for everyone: spirituality, pain relief, and trauma release. As we gain more access to Reiki healers and certifications, we allow ourselves more access to alternative forms of healing and stress relief, which can lead to our overall well-being.
