Protect Yourself and Recover Quickly from Winter Ailments with Reiki

By Alice Langholt, Reiki Master Teacher

If you’re like most people, you probably get a cold, flu, or respiratory infection during the winter. These ailments are most common during the change of seasons, and during the long-seeming stretch of winter. I used to get sick too. It was just one of those things that came with the long winters in Ohio, where I lived. Considering that I have four kids who regularly brought germs home from school, I actually expected it, with some resignation. That was the case until I learned Reiki.

What is Reiki?

The word Reiki is from the Japanese language, meaning “Guided Life Force Energy.” Life force energy makes up our thoughts, consciousness, and emotions. It exists in every living thing – plant, animal, and human. In Japanese, Ki is the word for this energy, as you may have heard of Chi or Prana in other languages. Our own Ki can become imbalanced due to stress, pain, illness, or negative emotions such as anger, frustration, anxiety, sorrow, hopelessness, or others. These conditions deplete or cause blockages in our natural state of flowing Ki. When our Ki is in balance, our immune system functions better (as it can receive all that it needs to function optimally). When our ki is blocked or depleted, it can adversely affect our body’s resources for keeping us healthy. We are integrated beings; our emotions and bodies are intimately connected and affect each other. So, it stands to reason that keeping our energy in balance can have positive effects on the state of our body’s health.

Ki isn’t just inside all living things, but it’s also between us, connecting us all. The Ki that exists around us is of a higher “frequency,” much like the water in the air is in a lighter state than that in our bodies, although it’s all made of the same basic H₂O. While our own personal ki can be off balance, that which is between us isn’t polluted or weighed down by our personal issues. So, just as pure water can cleanse our system, receiving some of this “pure” ki can replenish and clear blockages in our energy. We can receive this replenishing energy by receiving Reiki.

Rei means “guided”. When we receive Reiki, the pure ki from outside our systems is being guided to us, for us to receive where we are off-balance, to help us heal ourselves back into balance. Imagine a driveway with potholes. A person could throw a bucket of water onto that driveway, and the water would naturally gather into each hole, filling one, flowing out, and filling the next, until it had filled all of the holes. The person doesn’t have to go and individually pour water into each hole one at a time. Similarly, the energy received during a Reiki session flows to naturally correct each imbalance, and replenish each place in which our energy is exhausted. As a result, stress is released, pain is relieved, and positivity restored.

How is the energy guided?

Reiki is guided by intention. Intention means “directive thought.” In other words, telling it what to do! A person can give himself Reiki, or give Reiki to another person. Reiki can also be used to cleanse the energy in a room, to energize food or drink, to soothe pets, help plants grow, or open opportunities for new directions in one’s life. Intention is the process of telling the energy what to focus on. For example, for self-healing, a Reiki practitioner first intends “Reiki on” and then intends “self healing.” He then may place his hands on his body where he wants the energy to focus, or anywhere that is comfortable. The energy flows where it’s needed. Reiki feels soothing, relaxing, and brings a sense of well-being. Once I started giving myself Reiki each night, while falling asleep, I stopped getting sick in the winter altogether. It’s been six years, and I haven’t even had a cold since then. Having made no other changes in my lifestyle, I credit Reiki.

How can Reiki help me stay healthy this winter?

• Schedule a Reiki session with a practitioner. Don’t wait until you’re sick! The energy will bring you into balance, and that will affect your immune system’s ability to keep you well. A Reiki session takes about an hour. You will relax, fully clothed, on a massage table. Often, soft music and dim lights help enhance the relaxing atmosphere. The practitioner may place her hands gently on or over various parts of your body. The energy will flow, feeling soothing, and you’ll leave feeling as good as a full night’s sleep, or as you might feel after a massage. Try weekly or every other week for best maintenance.
• Learn Reiki for yourself! There are classes available in person, as well as online. There are plenty of books available with more information. For a simple, “unplugged” explanation, try my book, Practical Reiki: for balance, well-being, and vibrant health. (Available on Amazon.com). The ability to do Reiki for oneself and others is transferred energetically via an attunement from a Reiki Master.

What can I do in the mean time?

Become aware of your own energetic health, and take steps to bring it into balance by trying these:

• Take several times daily to take three slow, deep breaths and clear your mind. This brings you into the present moment, and eases any negative emotions you are carrying around. The oxygen is good for your brain, breathing fully releases stress, and it helps circulate more oxygen into your bloodstream.
• Tune in and ask yourself how you are feeling at key times during the day. Being aware is the first step toward changing what you don’t like. Choose an activity to release stress and nurture yourself to bring yourself back into balance.
• Make quiet time for yourself. Do something for yourself every day. Take a walk outside. Take a soothing bath. Meditate. Exercise. Get enough rest. Drink plenty of water. Eat a healthy, nutritional balance of foods. Treating yourself with loving care will improve your mood, and your health.

 

Alice Langholt is the Executive Director of Reiki Awakening Academy, (ReikiAwakeningAcademy.com), and practices locally in Gaithersburg, MD at Feja’s Hair Design & Wellness Spa (www.fejas.com). She offers Reiki training locally as well as online. Contact her via ReikiAwakeningAcademy.com, or call 216-469-2499. 

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