My Experience

I was preparing for surgery to have my thyroid gland removed. I had been doing some zero balancing as well as a meditation/visualization program to reduce anxiety about surgery, calm myself and help my body heal. Through those experiences, I was introduced to the concept of reiki energy medicine, which I understand to be an ancient method through which the natural healing potential of the body can be stimulated, enhancing the efficacy of conventional treatment.

Prior to the session I met with the practitioner in her office. She explained the procedure: that I would not undress other than to take my shoes off and lie on a table. She asked me what I wanted to accomplish in this session – which was healing and inner calmness. I then went onto the table and she placed a blanket/light sheet over me. She had soft classical music playing and had an aromatic candle burning. I closed my eyes; she made a short nondenominational prayer, stating our objectives for healing. She held our hands over me without touching me. She told me that I really did not have to believe in reiki for it to work. During this first session I was very skeptical and thought that it was very much mumbo jumbo, but I learned to relax and let myself get into the swing without really believing in it. When I found that it did work – I felt calmer — I felt better about it. I liken it to knowing a drug works even though scientists may not know the exact mechanism for why it works. I had several sessions before my thyroid surgery, and I felt it very helpful in centering me.

About one week after the surgery, I had a spasm in my back. When I contacted my reiki practitioner for general body treatment I told her about the spasm problem, and she told me that she could take care of the problem. Sure enough, she was able to stop the spasm, which did not recur after her treatment.

Because of my successful experience with reiki, I have been initiated as a first degree in the USUI system of reiki, and intend to be initiated into the next degree. I do not understand why, but for me reiki works.