Reiki - History, Disciplines, and Attunements

Reiki is made up of two parts -- the Rei and the ki. The first part means "spirit" and the ki is the same as chi or "energy". Reiki is also known as universal life energy. Reiki is a method of healing and a way of life. The spiritual growth aspect of Reiki is at least as important as the laying-on of hands aspect. Reiki as in the laying-on of hands energy can be felt where the healer's hands are or somewhere else. For example, the healer's hands could be at the head and the healee may feel it at their feet. Reiki can be felt in many different manifestations. It can be felt as hot or cold, wave-like, tingling or vibration-like, electrical, or not felt at all.

Reiki as we know it has been founded by Mikao Usui, respectfully called Usui Sensei or Dr Usui. He lived in Japan, from 1865 to 1926. Stories abound about Usui. It is said that he was the dean of a theosophical university in Japan, a Buddhist, a Christian, a Monk, and many other descriptions. What everyone does seem to agree on is that Usui learned from ancient texts and then meditated on top of a mountain for 21 days, where he somehow received the gift of healing. Some say this was due to getting struck by lightening on the 21st day.

Usui founded a Reiki clinic in Japan and passed on the Reiki to others, by means of empowerments (a way of passing the gift), and teaching. One of those whom Usui taught was Chujiro Hayashi. In the early 1930's, Hawayo Takata, from Hawaii, traveled to Japan and was cured of a tumor and other ailments at the Reiki clinic. Naturally, upon discovering such a method, one would want to go out and heal the world! Chujiro Hayashi trained her, and she is the source of much of the Reiki practised in the West today. There are about 142 different disciplines of Reiki. And more than 142 different egos! However, all Reiki is Reiki. Only one discipline of Reiki is needed for a healer to flourish with it. After the attunement process, the healer grows and develops their gift by practising Reiki both as a healing and as a way of life.

Attunements can only be performed by a Reiki Master or Reiki Master-Teacher. The attunement process is a way of passing on the empowerments in a quick burst of energy. An attunement is also called an initiation. The Reiki attunements are what differentiates Reiki from other forms of energy or hands-on healing. An attunement tunes the student to the Reiki channel, kind of like a radio being tuned to a particular channel. They will then be able to channel Reiki for life. Even if a person attuned to Reiki leaves the actual practice of Reiki, they never lose the ability to get back in touch with Reiki, and they can re-connect with it again when they wish. Each level of Reiki study has its relevant attunements. There are usually three levels, although this differs from one discipline to another.

If you are thinking of taking a Reiki course or workshop, it is advisable that you do so in-person and that you choose a Reiki Master that you feel comfortable with. Find out if they give after-care support and Reiki shares, where you can practise, grow, and develop. You may wish to have a treatment first too, to make sure that the Reiki Master is right for you, as well as to experience how Reiki feels. Enjoy your learning and healing journey!

View the original article here

Why You May Need a Medical Alert Device: Case History 1

Karen* lives alone, and although she has two sons that live within 20 minutes driving distance, she spends the majority of time alone in her apartment in a semi-rural town. Karen is battling cancer, and dealing with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), arthritis, obesity, neuropathy and is over 62 years old.

After battling cancer for about two and a half years, (a cancer with a 5 year life expectation) her health is gradually weakening due to inactivity to the point that difficulty breathing and weakness are becoming increasing problems plus numbness of the toes and feet (neuropathy) are creating the "perfect storm" for a potential fall hazzard.

All of these factors make Karen a perfect candidate for a Medical Alert device. The brutal reality is that Karen has a very high likelihood of serious problems from a fall, which is the leading cause of fatal and non fatal injuries among those aged 65 and older.

According to the CDC, over 15,000 persons aged 65 and older died in 2005 as a result of injuries related to falls. Clearly, time is of the essence when it comes to fall injuries. Internal bleeding from organ injury and bone breakage are major concerns in addition to pain and suffering. Immobility following a fall could potentially last for a day or more without a Medical Alert device.

With these factors in mind, Karen and anyone in a similar situation should seriously consider the benefit of a medical alert device and the potential complications of not having one after a fall. While the price of such a device/service may seem expensive, the cost of not having one in the event of a serious injury or downturn of health may be devastating.

Is a medical alert system right for you? Keep in mind that there are two primary types: monitored, and unmonitored. The monitored systems typically cost around $29.00 per month for the service with no upfront costs while an unmonitored system has an upfront cost of around $270.00 but no monthly costs. This means that the unmonitored systems are essentially paid for after the first year of use while the monitored systems require the monthly fee for as long as you use them.

A major reason to use a monitored system, however, is that you can have access to a monitoring service for less urgent situations. For example, say a suspicious person is at your door. You can use the medical alert system to contact the monitoring service before you answer the door and have them listen while you determine who is there and what they want. With an unmonitored system, you don't have this option.

Either way, if you can afford it, consider the value of a medical alert system in your life today!

*Name is changed for privacy

View the original article here