Should Reiki Be Capitalized? Understanding This Energy Healing Practice

What is Reiki and Should it be Capitalized?

Reiki is an alternative healing practice that originated in Japan in the early 1920s. It involves the transfer of universal energy from the practitioner to the recipient to encourage healing and promote relaxation and well-being. But an important question that often comes up is - should the word Reiki be capitalized?

The short answer is yes, Reiki should be capitalized when referring specifically to the Reiki healing practice. Reiki is a proper noun - it is the name given to this particular type of energy healing. Just like names and places are capitalized, the name 'Reiki' is always capitalized.

The Origins and Meaning Behind the Name Reiki

The word Reiki comes from two Japanese words:

• Rei - meaning universal or supernatural
• Ki - meaning life force energy

Together, these words make up Reiki, referring to the universal life force energy that is channeled during a Reiki healing session. The term was coined in 1922 by Mikao Usui, the founder of the Reiki practice.

Usui chose this name to reflect the type of energy that practitioners tap into and direct to the recipient. He believed this energy came from the universe and was all around us. By calling it Reiki, he distinguished this universal energy from the individual's personal life force energy.

So in essence, the proper name Reiki describes the specific energy healing practice Usui established. That's why it deserves the capitalization treatment.

Should You Capitalize Reiki in All Instances?

Yes, anytime you are referring directly to the Reiki practice or method of energy healing, Reiki should be capitalized. Here are some examples of when to capitalize Reiki:

• I practice Reiki in my healing sessions.
• My friend is a Reiki Master.
• Getting attuned to Reiki allows you to channel the energy.
• Reiki can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
• The origins of Reiki can be traced back to 1920s Japan.

Essentially, if you are referring to Reiki as the specific energy healing practice, capitalize it. Don't capitalize reiki if you are using it in a general, non-proper way:

• I feel the reiki flowing through me during meditation. (reiki not capitalized here because it's being used generally to refer to energy)
• The reiki coming from her hands helped heal my back pain. (reiki not capitalized here when used descriptively)

The Reiki System of Healing

Reiki is an umbrella term for a whole system of energy healing. Beyond just the name, there are other components that make up the Reiki practice.

Reiki Attunements

In order to practice Reiki, you need to be attuned by a Reiki Master. The attunement process opens you up to be able to access Reiki energy and allows you to channel it for healing purposes.

During the attunement, the Reiki Master helps adjust your energy field so you can connect to the universal life force energy. Many describe it as feeling a shift in their energy after an attunement.

There are typically three levels of Reiki attunements, each building on the previous one to strengthen your Reiki abilities. The levels are:

• Level 1 - focuses on healing yourself and others physically near you
• Level 2 - focuses on distance healing and mental/emotional healing
• Level 3/Master - focuses on giving attunements and teaching Reiki to others

Each level expands your access to Reiki energy so you can channel it in different ways for healing.

Reiki Symbols

There are several sacred symbols used in Reiki practice. These symbols are empowered with Reiki energy and help practitioners connect to specific frequencies for different purposes.

The main symbols taught include:

• Cho Ku Rei - for power, focus, and amplification of Reiki energy
• Sei Hei Ki - for emotional, mental, and spiritual healing
• Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen - for distance Reiki healing
• Dai Ko Myo - for healing past wounds, relationships, addictions

These Reiki symbols are introduced during the higher level attunements. Practitioners learn to draw and visualize the symbols during sessions to help direct the Reiki energy.

Reiki Hand Positions

Placing the hands in specific positions on the body is part of Reiki practice. The hands are where the Reiki energy flows from the practitioner to the recipient.

There are many established hand positions that cover all the major organs and energy centers. However, practitioners may also be intuitively guided on where to place their hands too.

Typically the hands remain still at each position for 3 to 5 minutes or until the practitioner feels the area has received sufficient Reiki energy before moving to the next position.

Standard hand positions during a full body Reiki session usually include:

• Head and shoulders
• Front of torso
• Back of torso
• Hips and legs
• Arms and hands

But again, specific areas can be focused on as needed.

The Experience of Receiving Reiki

Wondering what it's actually like to experience a Reiki session? Here's a step-by-step overview:

1. Set intention - At first you take a moment to set any intentions for healing or relaxation.
2. Get comfortable - You lie down or sit comfortably. Many sessions are done with the client fully clothed.
3. Reiki begins - The practitioner places their hands either directly on your body or just above it.
4. Relax and breathe - As the Reiki flows, just relax and focus on your breathing if your mind wanders.
5. Hand positions - The practitioner moves through a sequence of hand positions over different areas.
6. Session ends - The hands are removed once the treatment time is complete.
7. Rest - Take as much time as you need after the session to allow your system to integrate the energy.

The experience is extremely relaxing for most people. You may feel subtle sensations like tingling or pulsing where the practitioner's hands are. Sometimes the energy flowing can be quite strong and almost tactile. But generally it is very subtle.

Often people find themselves falling asleep during a Reiki session since it's so relaxing! And many feel refreshed, renewed, and more at peace after a session.

What to Expect After a Reiki Session

In the days after a Reiki session, you may notice:

• Improved sleep
• Reduction in pain
• Decreased stress and anxiety
• Greater sense of peace and wellbeing
• Better concentration and mental clarity
• Boosted mood and optimism
• Deeper spiritual connection

The effects can last anywhere from days to weeks after one session. Regular Reiki treatments create deeper, long-lasting benefits. Even one session can support healing and growth in various areas of life.

The Healing Benefits of Reiki

There are many potential wellness benefits of Reiki for those receiving treatments. Here are some of the ways Reiki may support better health:

Pain Relief

Reiki has been shown to reduce pain in various circumstances. Studies found it helps reduce cancer-related pain and discomfort. It's also been shown to lessen pain after surgeries when used along with conventional medical care.

The energy

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.