Shamanic Reiki: A Blend of Energy Healing Arts
Integration of Arts
Shamanism encompasses the spiritual and healing traditions of indigenous cultures. The earth itself is considered divine, and full of healing, spiritual energy. Through a connection with existence beyond the physical plane, a greater peace and deeper health can be attained. Reiki is a form of energy healing introduced by Dr. Mikao Usui, using Japanese techniques to bring life energy to benefit individuals, and the world at large. Through becoming attuned with the Usui Reiki symbols, healers can balance and heal themselves, and then others. Both healing arts have so much in common philosophically, and in practice, that many students and practitioners have found great value, and perhaps deeper understanding, through the hybrid practice of Shamanic Reiki.
Reiki is in fact, essentially a form of shamanism. Although not a religion, it is based on the connection between spiritual well-being and physical well-being. The barrier between what is seen and unseen, the material and the invisible, is transcended. Both Reiki and traditional shamanism, as well as many alternative therapies, share holistic healing as a core belief. One can only be well physically, if the whole is well. In fact, these healing arts consider emotional, mental, and spiritual discord to be a factor, if not the root cause of many illnesses. Through addressing health on a deeper level, and seeking knowledge and energy from what is beyond the physical realm, a much greater sense of well-being can manifest.
Techniques and Practices
The hybrid art of Reiki and shamanism will use techniques from both philosophies. Chakra balancing, the laying-on-of-hands, and the energy symbols are part of Reiki. Shamanic journeying, drumming, spirit guides, sacred stones, and dowsing are facets of shamanism. Someone trained or experienced in both arts may use any combination of techniques from either Reiki or shamanism. Common ailments such as depression, pain, insomnia, anxiety, chronic fatigue, migraines, stress, and viral infections can all be treated. This hybrid healing art is also greatly beneficial for serious chronic disease, and for recovering from a serious illness or surgery.
Despite the fact that Reiki and shamanism are by nature, connected, the actual label of Shamanic Reiki is a relatively new term. Perhaps for this reason, many practitioners literally stumbled upon one form, after being heavily involved with the other, rather than pursuing shamanistic Reiki from the beginning. Today there are a growing number of both active healers and masters. Workshops and courses are becoming more and more prevalent, although still on a small scale. The core standards are evolving.
Earth Healing
Reiki and shamanism also have in common a drive towards healing not only individuals, but the earth itself. The well-being of the entire human race, as well as every other species and being on the planet, is taken into consideration. Shamanism in particular has a strong connection with animals and the earth. Animal spirits are sought for guidance. As everything is energy, rocks, trees, and plants all have significance and value.
As more and more people become aware of this quite natural spiritual and healing combination of Reiki and shamanism, perhaps there will be a greater awareness and connection with the power each individual possesses, to benefit the whole.
Resources
The Foundation for Shamanic Studies <shamanism.org>.
Rhythm Visions <rhythmvisions.org/index.html>.
Shamanic Reiki: Intuitive, Earth-based Energy Work <shamanic-reiki.net>.
Photo Credit
photo by: Carolina Gonzalez (CC/flickr) <.flickr.com/photos/magickshop/2683371932/>.
Disclaimer
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