Understanding Palm Healing - An Introduction to Reiki

Palm healing, or 'Reiki', is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It's based on the idea that unseen life force energy flows through us.

Developed in 1922 by Mikao Usui after a mystical revelation on Mt. Kurama, Reiki has evolved from Usui's original teachings, spreading worldwide with various interpretations.

Palm healing is said to align and heal the body's energy centers or chakras. Practitioners believe that blockages in these centers can lead to physical or emotional illness.

Central to palm healing are the Five Reiki Principles, which encourage spiritual and moral growth: Just for today, do not anger or worry, be grateful, work diligently, and be kind to others.

While empirical evidence is scarce, some studies suggest benefits of Reiki in reducing anxiety, depression, and pain, possibly due to relaxation and placebo effects.

Reiki is typically taught in three degrees: first for self-healing, second for healing others, and third or 'Master' level for teaching Reiki to others and attuning them to Reiki energy.

Despite skepticism in some medical circles, Reiki is offered in some hospitals and clinics as a complementary therapy, acknowledging its potential for supporting traditional medicine.