The science of meditation in Reiki
I have recently read an article by Tamisha Sabrina that I would like to share with you. I have always felt that when we share a Reiki treatment (remember there is no giver or receiver), we go into a meditative state, enabling Reiki to flow naturally, as it should. We are not 'making' this happen - this is coming from within. It becomes ego-driven when a practitioner states that they are 'giving' treatment rather than saying they will 'share' the treatment. 'Giver' or 'receiver' is not in the Reiki vocabulary; it never has been. Much has been stated, in many teachings, that the teacher 'gives' a treatment, 'gives' an attunement, and so on. This becomes external instead of spiritual, taking away the simplicity and essence of Reiki. Reiki is meditation.
The condensed article below explains the science behind Reiki. It's interesting and fascinating, and I hope you like it as much as I do!
Some time ago, Dr Robert Becker, Dr John Zimmerman, and Max Cade each investigated what happens when practitioners perform Reiki. They found that not only do the brain wave patterns of a practitioner and the client become synchronised, they are also in unison with the Earth's magnetic field. During the meditative state, the practitioners' hands become the vehicle, as well as the body and mind. This is how Reiki works - it is reciprocal with the client. All elements support the subjective experience of 'oneness' and 'expanded consciousness' related by those who regularly share Reiki or self-treat with Reiki. The 'brain waves' travel through the whole body during treatment and these 'waves' are the same for both client and practitioner.
It is interesting to note that a wide variety of cultures were studied during the research, and no matter what an individual's beliefs or customs, all tested the same. Part of Reiki's growing popularity is that it does not impose a set of beliefs, and can, therefore, be used by people of any background or faith, or none at all.
During a Reiki treatment, the practitioner and client are completely connected, and Reiki induces deep relaxation and meditation. The research goes on to explain that regular Reiki and meditation has an amazing effect on health issues; that people who regularly meditate have fewer doctor visits and much less serious illnesses and hospital admissions. This research was carried out and studied at more than 200 universities and research institutions in 27 countries.
Reiki is becoming a huge part of health care, especially in hospitals, where it was found to have a profound calming effect on patients who were having chemotherapy or operations. It had a positive effect on pregnant women going into labour too. I have a personal experience with this when my daughter went into labour. Even the consultant was amazed at how calm she became, and the labour ward was a scene of tranquillity!
Reiki and meditation benefit everyone, those with mental health issues especially. Calming the mind and body is essential for good health. Science has now recognised that there is so much more than the immediate; Japanese culture and ancient practices date back to the beginning of time, and though we think we know it all, we don't. The ancient people, who had no language at that time, knew how to communicate, building spectacular things such as the pyramids, the stones of Avebury, Stonehenge, etc. Science, for them, was being in the moment. We will probably never find out why they studied the moon, the stars, and the sun; their life was the earth... but was it?
This makes for very interesting reading, doesn't it? We Reiki practitioners always knew this was the case, but sometimes it's impossible to explain what Reiki is.
I always say people must have the direct experience to gain some understanding of this incredible system.