Reiki is a form of energy healing for stress reduction, self improvement and spiritual wellness. Although it’s shamanic roots date back much further, Reiki was formalized in Japan by Dr. Mikao Usui in the late 19th century. Its name is composed of two Japanese words: Rei and Ki. Rei, loosely translated means “highest authority” and Ki is “life force energy” — identical to the Chinese word “Chi” or “Qi.” Put together, Reiki is Universal Life Force Energy, that which gives us life.

Through light touch and focused intention, Reiki is channeled through a practitioner to the client, enlivening the entire person — mind, body, spirit and emotions. Reiki has been described as a “massage for the soul,” and the resulting relaxation, serenity and clarity provide openness for healing to occur naturally. Reiki can be used to treat just about any ailment known to man. While not a replacement for trauma based medicine, it is frequently used in conjunction with it to alleviate side effects and promote healing. Its use and benefits in burn wards, on chemotherapy patients, for chronic pain and in comfort care are widely recognized. My own personal journey to recovery from addiction was eased and aided by Reiki many, many times.

While Reiki is considered to be a spiritual practice, it knows no religion, holds no dogma. Rather, it focuses on the ethics and intention of the healer and the highest good of the client. Dr. Usui outlined five Reiki principles, which are used to guide healers in their practice. These principles neither require nor preclude any specific spiritual belief system, instead focusing on kindness and openness.

Kali-Ki Reiki expands on the Reiki tradition through the use of yogic meditative practices intended to expand the consciousness of both the practitioner and client. Founded by Rajashree Maa (Joan Dittrich, PhD) in 2008, Kali-Ki understands Kali as the power of consciousness, or Shakti, and the source of form, time and space. Through consciously opening our awareness, sensitivity to subtle energies increases, thereby multiplying our ability to both heal and be healed.

I consider Kali-Ki to be both a healing modality and a path unto itself. My journey with Kali-Ki began while seeking a means of self healing following my liver failure and near death experience. It has been a foundational throughline ever since. Following Reiki 1 and 2, I quickly took on Kali-Ki Reiki level 3 training, then beginning my yearlong Master Apprenticeship with Rajashree. In the years since completing my Master training, I began on the never-ending path of Teacher. I now proudly share the Kali-Ki tradition with learners as one of only a handful of certified teachers in the world.

For more information on Kali-Ki Reiki, please visit us at www.thewisdomschool.us.