How does Reiki Work?

So how does it work? Every student asks me this question and I invariably answer in a different way every time, even though the basic concept remains the same. Reiki works in the same way that EVERYTHING works, that is, consistent with the laws of nature. No, not the laws of science that we learned at school, but the laws of nature that transcend classical scientific theories. The truth is that orthodox conceptions of human nature and the human being are terribly reductionist and narrow. Through material empiricism, our species has somehow been reduced to atomistic electro-mechanical machines consisting of nothing more than elements and chemicals simmering inside of our bodies. When we expand our awareness and deepen our consciousness, the concept of Reiki becomes quite simple. Reiki is supremely simple to experience, but extremely difficult to explain. Sure, the procedures, techniques and history of Reiki are straightforward and easy to understand, but the question of how Reiki works can be mysterious and beyond the comprehension of rational, scientific thought. A powerful observation by Sir James Jeans back in the 1920s explains that the universe looks more like a great thought than like a great machine. In the last 80 years, physicists have proven this to be the case with one experiment after another. From this world view, universal interconnectedness and the power of consciousness become exponentially more important: Thoughts of healing a person bring forth healing; thought influences thought, and we are all thought, so we all influence everything! Presto!

Reiki heals at the spiritual, emotional, intellectual and physical levels of being by transforming blocked or negative patterns into positive, flowing energy. Remember, everything is energy: Mass is energy. Fire is energy. Atoms and particles are energy. Healthy and unhealthy thoughts are energy. Love and hate are energy. The physical human body is an energy vibrating at a low frequency. The conscious and spiritual aspects of humans vibrate at higher frequencies. The difference between these phenomena is the frequency of vibration. To claim that some realms do not exist because we cannot see them is sort of like claiming that a high frequency beyond 20,000 Hertz does not exist because we cannot hear it. Bear in mind, human intellect is hardly the ultimate measure of the universe. More likely, human intellect may be one of our greatest barriers to knowing the universe.

Thought influences matter just as mind influences body. High frequency mental and spiritual energy may not be directly perceptible to our physical sense organs, but the effects of mental activity manifest in numerous physical conditions. Many ailments such as headaches and ulcers are a physical response to mental energies. Similarly, smiles and laughter are physical responses to positive emotional energy. When you understand yourself in this way, it makes sense that Reiki can stimulate physical improvements to your health. Reiki is a compassionate energy similar to the positive energy generated by meditation, love or prayer that vibrate on higher frequencies, bringing forth changes in physical being. Studies have shown that communities around meditation centers experience lower levels of crime. So, the influence of positive energy extends from self, to community to humanity as a whole.

It’s no surprise that when a student comes for a Reiki healing after years of stomach problems, back pain or headaches, one Reiki treatment can help us realize that they were unconsciously holding negative energy such as fear, anger or guilt. Negativity gets locked up in the digestive organs, trapped in the muscles or embedded in the brain, blocking the natural flow of energy. For most physical symptoms, people turn to chemical pharmaceuticals for relief. When the cause of a headache or an ulcer is mental/emotional, all the drugs in the world will not heal it. Drugs may provide temporary relief by masking or suppressing symptoms, but rarely get to the roots of disease. Why has modern society reduced its concept of the human body to mere chemical equations? Why don’t we perceive ourselves in our totality and address our health in terms of our total being? This is what Reiki and other holistic healing modes aim to accomplish. The amazing thing is that classical science perceives the world in terms of cause and effect because of the scientific method that it applies, not because of the nature of reality! Similarly, the things we observe in a healing situation, be it allopathic or energetic, depend on our method of observation. When a chemist sets up an experiment, chemical reactions are observed. Conversely, when a Reiki healer arranges a healing, energetic responses are observed. So, which one is real? Maybe nothing is real until you try it and experience it yourself. This conception is consistent with post-modern notions of multiple truths and scientific notions of quantum physics.

Reiki healers open their minds and hearts to channel healing energy. By placing hands on another student, Reiki is channeled through consciousness to remove or transform unhealthy or blocked energies that cause illness. Reiki increases harmony with the universe, generating sensations of lightness, brightness and compassion. As Gena said when she received her first healing, I feel like I’m spirit. I gently reminded her that she was, indeed, spirit. Reiki confirmed for her through a very concrete, sensory experience of lightness and calm that humans are first and foremost spiritual beings.