|
ReikiReiki is a form of Japanese spiritual healing, and has its foundations in ancient Tibetan buddhism. Its practice and application was however largely unknown in the West until Dr Mikao Usui rediscovered and reinterpreted the practice of reiki, and brought it to wider attention in the late 19th century. Practitioners draw on reiki energy, channeling it to areas of need in their patients. It is claimed that reiki acts at a mollecular level, causing the body's cells to vibrate at a higher intensity and thereby dissolve energy blockages causing disease or disharmony. The Japanese word reiki is derived from rei (universal) and ki (life energy). Reiki aims to promote health, maintain well-being and help people to attain a higher consciousness. Channeling reiki energy also helps the practitioner's spiritual growth, but before being able to act as a channel, practitioners need to be 'attuned' to ancient and secret symbols, revealed to initiates in three stages over several years. During a reiki treatment, you will be asked to formulate your intent, i.e. to state what you want the practitioner to treat, but since reiki works for the highest good, the results may not always be what you expect. Patients lie fully clothed whilst the practitioner holds his or her hands on or over the body in 12 basic positions for about five minutes each.
ShiatsuShiatsu massage was developed in Japan in the early 20th century. It has its basis in traditional Chinese medicine, and uses the same principles of energy and meridians as acupuncture or acupressure. Shiatsu translates literally as 'finger pressure'. Anma was a traditional Japanese finger massage, and a forerunner of shiatsu. Shiatus itself was developed by Tamai Tempaku by combining traditional Eastern techniques with what he knew of physiology and anatomy derived from Western medicine. Shiatsu is used by professional therapists to diagnose and treat ailments including muscoloskeletal problems, arthritis, stress, fatigue and digestive disorders. A related version of shiatsu, called do-in, is practised as a form of self-help. Shiatsu is based on the movement of life energy ki along meridians or channels in the body which can be influenced at specific points on the body. Stimulating these points externally by finger pressure or massage is said to reduce excessive ki where its flow is blocked and to restore it where it is underactive. As well as finger pressure, practitioners may use elbows, knees and even feet to apply pressure or massage to the correct points. To allow the practitioner to use his or her body weight, the patient usually lies on mats on the floor during treatment. For more information, visit our Reiki Videos and Gifts section in the new age shop.
|
© elysian.co.uk 2002 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
