Reiki Master and Teacher Sabrina Birch never thought she would be practicing reiki like she does today. In 2015, Sabrina attended an energy seminar where she would feel called to learn the practice. She went on to become certified as a Usui Holy Fire III reiki master and teacher, allowing her to provide and teach energy healing services to clients.
Sabrina suffered from fibromyalgia, a pain disorder, causing her body to hurt tremendously. “I remember waking up one day just sobbing and not being able to move my hands or my legs,” Sabrina said. As she began practicing the principles of reiki on herself in addition to herbal supplements, she noticed the pain of her fibromyalgia reducing.
“One day I’m in the freezing pool playing with my grandkids when I realized I’m not in pain and I haven’t taken any pain meds today,” Sabrina said. She describes herself as a testament to reiki and how energy healing can work wonders for the physical body.
Growing in popularity, reiki is a spiritual form of healing that is believed to have both mental and physical health benefits.
What is Reiki?Reiki is a form of energy healing intended to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
“Reiki is a modality,” Sabrina explains. “Reiki modality is a form of energy healing that can be done in-person or from a distance.”
The practice of energy healing in reiki comes from the belief there is a universal life energy.
Gentle touch is used on clients by a reiki practitioner, someone who has been formally certified in reiki. The reiki practitioner practices gentle touch on clients who want to remove mental, emotional, or physical energy blockages in the body, usually caused by trauma.
During a reiki session, the client can expect a relaxing environment where the lights are dim and soft music is on. The reiki practitioner or master will have their client lay fully clothed on a reiki table, similar to a massage table.
The master uses gentle touch over their body, but can be hands-off if they prefer. In fact, the session can even be done over the phone. Ultimately, the client is in charge of the session and is encouraged to ask for special accommodations if they need or want them.
History of ReikiReiki originated in Japan by Mikao Usui during the 1920s. He spent many years traveling from Japan to Europe and China to study different religions, cultures and medicinal practices. He was searching for a healing practice that was not associated with any religion or culture so it would be available to all. His increasing desire to heal himself and others led him to become a Buddhist monk.
He spent many years living in a monastery, a community of people who share the same religious values. During his monastery, he spent 21 days in a cave on Mount Kurama meditating and praying. Mikao had what is called a spiritual awakening where he discovered his ability to heal.
With this discovery, Mikao opened a healing clinic and continued to practice reiki until he died in 1926. Although it is believed reiki has been practiced for thousands of years, Mikao is the known “refounder” of reiki.
Mikao’s student, Hawayo Takata, is known for bringing reiki from Japan to the United States. Hawayo was a Japanese American who became extremely ill in her life and traveled to Japan to find healing, where she found reiki. There she learned reiki and brought it back home to Hawaii in 1938. Reiki has been taught and passed down for many generations and has become a popular form of healing.
Health Benefits of ReikiThe potential health benefits of reiki are both mental and physical. Clients who regularly attend reiki sessions may experience relief from anxiety, depression, tension or physical pain in the body.
Energy healing allows the client to release energy blockages in the body and as a result, heals mental, emotional or physical pain.
“The energy blocks in the body can cause physical problems such as stomach issues,” Sabrina said. “I consider myself a conduit who can help people heal those energy blockages.”
Energy blocks can be a result of unresolved traumas that manifest as mental or physical illnesses. Reiki promotes healing by allowing that energy in the body to flow.
Some hospitals have even begun to incorporate reiki programs for patients because of its health benefits. The practice of reiki in medical establishments is often used to help relax or calm the patient during their visit. Reiki is considered a complement to traditional medicinal practices but is not advised to take the place of traditional medicine.
How to Become a Reiki Master or TeacherAnyone can become a reiki practitioner or master. Reiki training consists of three different degrees including reiki I, reiki II and the master.
The first degree is a basic understanding of reiki while the second degree is more extensive training. For both reiki I and II, the student needs an attunement to receive a certificate of completion. “My students are required to practice on clients for six months before they can become a master or teacher,” Sabrina said.
The third degree is when the practitioner has received more extensive training from a certified reiki master/teacher. Students must earn certification from reiki I, reiki II and a master class before they can become a reiki master or teacher themselves.
Certification can be earned from a reiki teacher or at reiki training centers. Reiki courses are taught in a wide variety so it is important to research and choose what best suits the student.
The ancient healing practice of reiki can be a gentle and relaxing way for someone to improve their overall health.
For more information about reiki or a personal Reiki session, contact Sabrina Birch on her site, www.divinelightwithinreiki.com, or by phone number, 208-681- 4776.