Touch Therapy : My Journey with Reiki

I remember when I was little, there really was nothing like the power of my mother’s touch.  Being in my mother’s arms when I had colds or a fever, or my mother laying her hand on a bruise or bump always seemed to make the pain more tolerable; as if she had somehow taken some of the pain and the misery away.  This is how I grew up.  I knew that there was power in touch.

Before I got married, my mom and my then soon-to-be mother-in-law gave me the gift of Reiki.  They required me to take the first level course because they both believed that it would be invaluable to me in both my married life and in motherhood, when I did have kids.  

Reiki is an ancient Japanese form of touch therapy.  It is made up of 2 words: “Rei” which means “Universal or Higher Power”, and “Ki” which means “life force”.  Reiki practitioners are able to tap into and channel this universal live force or energy to promote healing and comfort not only for themselves but to others.  Reiki practitioners also learn to scan and feel for disturbances in the energy flow of a person.  

Reiki works on all levels of a person, whether physical, emotional, mental or spiritual, and uses energy centers or Chakras to balance out the energy levels in the body.  Many people say that Reiki energy is like a warm glowing feeling that envelopes one in calm and relaxation.

Doing Reiki is simple, and learning it or being attuned (as practitioners would call it) is simply learning how to tap into the energy and channel it through one’s self.  There is no ego involved since the practitioner is merely a channel but the benefits are great because healing is not only encouraged in the one receiving Reiki but the practitioners themselves as well.

In a formal Reiki session there are hand positions to follow; however, for personal use, it is as simple as laying one’s hands on the point of pain or discomfort, relaxing, and letting the healing energy of Reiki do the rest.  It is simply touching to comfort but with Reiki energy.  

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Read on to learn more about Reiki.

Reiki has helped me in so many aspects, especially in motherhood.  Even during pregnancy, each of my children basked in being sent Reiki energy.  I remember feeling them kick or move towards my hand or my mother’s hand on my belly as we channeled Reiki energy to them each day.  As I was giving birth to each child, good intentions and Reiki energy was sent my way to keep me safe and comfortable.  It was an extra comfort for me as I went through each Cesarean Section operation to feel the energy of Reiki being sent my way.  

Now, when my children are sick or hurt or colicky or just out of sorts, I know I can comfort them even more with my touch because of Reiki.  As a mother, I do not feel so helpless because I know that I can channel healing energy in my touch and my intentions to make my children feel better.  It is part and parcel of each day for me and my kids.  I have thus gotten my Second Level attunement for Reiki and my First Level of Yogin Christ Reiki.  My four year old son has also been attuned.

I believe in the power of touch and the beauty of Reiki.  I feel truly blessed that I can share it with my family and friends; and that I can touch and comfort more people because of it.  

I’m thankful I have Reiki and I would encourage moms, especially, to discover it.  My mom and my mother-in-law were right—Reiki really has proven to be an invaluable part of my life.  I have them to thank for what I have now, and for what added value it is giving my family today.

Reiki practitioners live by the following principles:
1.     Just for today, I will let go of anger.
2.    Just for today, I will let go of worry.
3.    Just for today, I will give thanks for my many blessings.
4.    Just for today, I will do my work honestly.
5.    Just for today, I will be kind to my neighbor and every living thing.


**For more information on Reiki healing, please email Nina Manalang  (Reiki Master) at vnina.manalang@gmail.com.


Photography by Alfred Mendoza