Bringing Yourself Back to Balance with Reiki

You’ve probably heard of the word “Reiki” before, maybe in passing from a friend who is into wellness or perhaps scrolling on social media.

But, what is it?

Reiki is an energy practice that is rooted in the belief that energy underlies all life and healing. While this sounds spiritual and maybe a little woo woo, it's also something that science supports in its own way. Everything, from the chair on which you are seated, to the device you are reading this on, are all made of atoms. And these atoms are mostly empty space, made up of subatomic particles all vibrating at different frequencies. So what feels solid to us, at its core, is energy in motion.

Our physical bodies, while appearing and feeling physically solid, are constantly in motion too, cells firing, blood circulating and energy transferring. The nervous system communicates via electrical impulses. More importantly, our own heart generates the body's largest electromagnetic field and what’s fascinating is that it can be measured from several feet away.

Reiki comes from the Japanese words “Rei” meaning Universal, and “Ki” meaning life force energy. This life force energy is also known as Chi, Qi or Prana in other traditions. Universal life force energy is the thing, the essence that lives within all living beings that give us life and vitality. A Reiki Practitioner will channel this energy through their palms which they then place on the body. Life force energy exists beyond the limits of time and space. It moves through intention, not proximity. Because of this, Reiki can be sent through distance, allowing healing energy to flow wherever it’s needed.

Reiki is a gentle, complimentary practice that can help manage stress and support, overall wellness and emotional balance. Many people find it helps reduce stress and anxiety, and even helps with pain management, and clearing energetic blocks.

Within our physical bodies, we have seven main energy centres, or chakras, Sanskrit for “wheel”. When healthy and vibrant, energy flows easily through these centres. We move through life confidently, securely with a healthy sense of self expression, trusting in the flow of life and with an open heart. However, a build up of physical or emotional factors, including trauma, stress or poor self care can cause blockages, or imbalances in how we think, feel or even in our physical health.

For example, if someone doesn’t properly grieve after losing someone they love, this can cause a blockage in their heart space. Over time, this can make it harder to move on or connect deeply with others. This energy block can continue to manifest into physical issues with the heart later on in life.

I like to use the analogy of a house. Within our homes, energy circuits run through the entire house, powering our appliances, lights and outlets. Reiki is this electricity. It is always there. Your chakras are the light fixtures in the home. Some are on, some are dim and some need replacing. A Reiki Practitioner is the one who turns on the lights and helps replace the bulbs as needed. 

We are here to live a human experience, one that is far from perfect. We have good days and bad days. We experience loss, trauma and stress looms everywhere we turn. 

Reiki can be such a beautiful ally. It’s not about “perfection” or “fixing yourself”, it is about returning to balance. By finding the right Practitioner that you trust, Reiki can help you reconnect with your true essence. 

Reiki is a gentle, nourishing self-care practice. It meets you where you are, heals what is ready to heal and releases what is ready to be released. I encourage you to explore if you feel called, and I am ready to meet you on my table.

Written by Korinna Brockman (Reiki Master, Human Design Guide, and Cacao Facilitator)