What is Reiki and How Does it Work?
Reiki is an alternative healing practice that originated in Japan in the early 20th century. The word Reiki means universal life energy in Japanese.
In Reiki practice, practitioners place their hands lightly on or just above a persons body, with the goal of facilitating the persons own healing response. The fundamental belief behind Reiki is that a life force energy flows through everyones body. This life force is known as qi or chi in traditional Chinese medicine.
During a Reiki session, Reiki masters claim to channel energy into the recipient through touch, activating their natural healing processes. The light touch involved promotes deep relaxation, allowing the body to access its curative abilities.
The Origins and History of Reiki
Reiki was developed by Japanese Buddhist Mikao Usui in 1922. As the story goes, Usui spent several weeks meditating and fasting on Japans Mount Kurama. At the end of this retreat, he claimed to have received the ability of healing without energy depletion through a metaphysical experience.
Usui then passed on his understanding of transmitting life force energy to Dr. Chujiro Hayashi and Ms. Hawayo Takata. These two brought Reiki practice outside of Japan starting in the mid-1900s. It eventually reached a global audience by the 1980s.
Today, an estimated 1.2 million adults receive Reiki treatments annually for various health-related purposes, including weight loss.
Can Reiki Help With Weight Loss?
There is currently limited scientific research examining if Reiki has any direct physiological effects that could aid weight loss specifically. However, some holistic health practitioners and recipients believe Reiki can contribute to weight loss in a few different ways:
Stress Reduction
Reiki is perhaps most strongly connected to stress reduction. The gentle touch and meditative qualities can lower blood pressure, heart rate, and activate the bodys relaxation response.
Since stress is linked to overeating behaviors and cravings, as well as higher cortisol levels that can increase belly fat storage, reducing stress is key for weight loss for some people.
Mindfulness
The present-moment focus emphasized in Reiki practice fosters mindfulness. Increased mindfulness around eating habits can support healthier food choices and appetite awareness.
Mindful eating helps people tune into signals of fullness and hunger rather than overindulge due to emotions, exhaustion, or other external triggers that can lead to weight gain.
Improved Sleep
Reikis effects on the central nervous system also encourage restful sleep. Getting enough quality sleep allows organs like the pancreas and thyroid to properly regulate hormones.
Imbalances in hormones like insulin, cortisol, leptin, and ghrelin that manage appetite, fat storage, and energy levels can all contribute to weight gain and difficulty losing weight over time.
Increased Motivation and Energy
Some Reiki recipients also report effects like increased motivation, focus, and vibrancy after sessions. This renewed sense of positivity can empower people to implement lifestyle changes that support reaching a healthier weight.
Having steady energy levels also empowers consistent adherence to nutrition plans and exercise regimens critical for sustainable weight management.
Typical Elements of a Reiki Session
While exact practices can vary between Reiki masters, sessions generally have common components and flow.
Undergoing professional therapeutic Reiki focused on your physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual needs related to weight could potentially aid your journey. Key parts of a session may include:
Intention Setting
At the start, clients make their wellness intentions known to the practitioner so they can direct energy accordingly. Stating your goals like I want help releasing excess weight or I intend my metabolism to balance can set the tone.
Hand Placements
Clients remain fully clothed except for shoes while lying down or seated comfortably. Practitioners use anywhere from 5 up to 40 standard hand positions on areas like the abdomen, thyroid, chest, and adrenals.
Whole Body Scans
Light sweeping movements over the entire body may identify stagnant energy related to weight gain. Addressing these blockages can allow smoother movement long-term.
Grounding
Gentle tapping along the spine at the end helps clients feel embodied, refreshed, and emotionally centered before transitioning back to daily life.
Sessions typically last 45 to 90 minutes depending on personal needs. Many clients experience enhanced mental clarity and renewed motivation to pursue weight loss holistically after receiving Reiki.
Additional Lifestyle Changes That Support Weight Loss
While therapeutic Reiki sessions can complement wellness objectives like reaching a healthier body weight through reduced stress and increased mindfulness, additional lifestyle efforts remain essential for meeting weight loss goals.
Lasting weight loss relies on consistent lifestyle modifications. If losing excess body weight is your aim, also focus on making choices like:
- Following an overall balanced, nutrient-dense diet
- Increasing intake of satiating high fiber foods
- Staying adequately hydrated each day
- Managing portion sizes at meals & snacks
- Engaging in regular physical activity
- Getting enough quality sleep each night
- Practicing mindful eating habits
- Identifying and adjusting eating triggers
Using multiple strategies in tandem with professional support tends to help people lose weight safely and sustainably long-term compared to quick fixes.
The Weight Loss Effects of Reiki Are Highly Individual
Every persons weight loss journey is unique. How and why people gain excess weight differs based on genetic makeup lifestyle choices, health status, medications, and much more.
As such, Reikis effects will likely vary between recipients. Documenting changes in areas like body weight measurements, eating patterns, body composition, mood, energy levels, and more can help clarify results.
Some may experience rapid progress towards weight loss goals with the help of Reiki while others note more gradual, subtle positive shifts. Having realistic expectations along with patience and consistency serves you best.
Safety Considerations Around Reiki and Weight Loss
Reiki itself is generally considered very safe with little likelihood of harm. However, some important notes for those exploring Reiki for weight loss include:
- Drink lots of water before and after treatment to stay hydrated
- Notify your Reiki practitioner of any injuries, sensitivities, or medical issues
- See your doctor if you have any concerning side effects after
- Dont stop prescribed medications without medical guidance
- Use other proven weight loss methods concurrently
Reiki can be part of a healthy, supportive approach to reaching your ideal weight when combined with overall balanced nutrition, physical activity, and positivity. But it should not replace medical or professional advice.
Trying Reiki for Your Weight Loss Goals
Having a qualified Reiki master to collaborate with makes reaching your optimal weight more accessible for some. Locating an experienced professional you trust and align with can help you determine if and how Reiki aids your personal path.
Where to Find Reiki
The International Association of Reiki Providers has a directory for locating credentialed Reiki masters globally and virtually. Wellness centers like yoga studios, acupuncture clinics, chiropractic offices, or massage establishments may also have practitioners on staff.
What to Expect
Plan for your first appointment to involve intake questions on your goals, experiences, and health background. Costs range from $30 to $150+ per session depending on elements like session length, one-on-one or group format, and provider qualifications.
Come with an open mind without rigid expectations. Consistency enhances outcomes so consider multiple appointments if interested in cumulative effects. And check in regularly with your primary doctor as part of a collaborative care approach.
The Bottom Line: Does Reiki Help With Weight Loss?
At this time, there is insufficient scientific evidence that Reiki produces reliable physiological weight loss effects. No major studies confirm Reiki directly triggers fat loss, metabolic changes, or appetite shifts.
However, many holistic health professionals and clients believe Reiki supports personal weight loss efforts through benefits like diminished stress, increased mindfulness and motivation, enhanced sleep quality, and boosted energy.
By reducing roadblocks that can derail weight management for some and empowering new mindsets, habits, and emotions, Reiki may amplify progress indirectly. Using it as part of a comprehensive healthy lifestyle transformation plan can promote lasting success.
FAQs
How does Reiki promote weight loss?
Reiki is not proven to directly trigger fat burning or weight loss. However, the relaxation effects may lower stress that contributes to overeating. Reiki also enhances mindfulness around hunger cues and supports the lifestyle changes needed to lose weight.
Will I lose weight by going to Reiki appointments?
There is no guarantee that Reiki alone will lead to weight loss, as more research is still needed. But consistent Reiki received as part of an overall healthy lifestyle plan that also includes proper nutrition and exercise may aid weight management.
How many Reiki sessions do I need to help me lose weight?
The number of sessions needed to support your weight loss goals varies individually based on factors like your starting weight, target weight loss rate, and how you personally respond to Reiki therapy. Checking in monthly with your provider allows customization.
What happens during a weight loss focused Reiki appointment?
Reiki masters will have you set weight release intentions first, then use hand placements targeting areas like your abdomen, adrenals, and thyroid throughout the session to optimize the body’s energy flow and metabolic function.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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