Account
In the United States, more than 60% of Americans have practiced yoga at least once. And the most common reason cited for practicing yoga is for tension release.
Reiki and yoga both focus on healing the body and mind and, when combined, can be a powerful experience. While many may know about yoga, only some know about Reiki and how it can benefit the body. As holistic approaches to healing ourselves are becoming more popular, so is Reiki yoga.
But what is Reiki yoga, and what are the benefits? If these questions run through your head, keep reading. Here's everything you need to know.
What Is Yoga?
As a practice, yoga therapy emphasizes refining the fluctuations of consciousness. To cultivate deep awareness in the mind, body, and spirit, yoga therapy uses postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), meditation (dyana), and mantras. The practice of yoga started becoming popular in the United States in the 1960s as a way to get to a peaceful state of consciousness.
There are several styles of yoga one can practice. These different yoga styles have their own philosophies and can vary slightly from instructor to instructor. Here are some of the yoga styles you can choose from:
- Vinyasa Yoga
- Hatha Yoga
- Kundalini Yoga
- Bikram Yoga
- Yin Yoga
- Ashtanga Yoga
Some of these styles of yoga are less common than others, and you may need help finding yoga classes that offer the ones you want. However, all types of yoga are beneficial, so if you can't find the one you want, try another style.
Health Benefits of Yoga
Many studies have been done on the benefits of yoga, no matter whether you're a beginner or an advanced yogi. Here are some of the health benefits yoga can provide:
- Lowers blood pressure
- Reduces the risk of heart disease
- Aids in better sleep
- Lowers stress levels
- Aids digestion
- Helps support mental health
What Is Reiki?
Reiki is an ancient Japanese practice that has existed since the late 1800s. The name is made from the Japanese word "Rei," meaning a source of energy, and "ki," meaning the movement of energy in and around us. Reiki aims to work with the body's energy in a way that seeks to relieve pain and stress and free any blocked energy inside the body.
The individual who performs Reiki is a Reiki practitioner, and they use universal life force energy they are transferring to the client to promote healing. There are 4 different Levels in Reiki; the 4th level is a Master Reiki teacher. Reiki is now being used during surgery and childbirth in many hospitals around the USA.
Health Benefits of Reiki
While the studies are still ongoing, Reiki is believed to provide several health benefits. According to one particular study, researchers observed Reiki sessions significant improvements for:
- Pain and Discomfort
- Drowsiness
- Depression
- Nausea
- Appetite
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
What Is Reiki Yoga
Now that you know more about Reiki and yoga, you might wonder how to combine them into one practice. Reiki yoga can happen in two ways: performing Reiki on yourself while practicing yoga, or an instructor can perform Reiki on the students during a yoga therapy session.
Reiki yoga is restorative yoga that incorporates some elements of Reiki. The idea is to increase the wellness benefits of yoga by combining the two; however, the techniques used in classes may vary depending on the studio you attend.
A Reiki treatment, like yoga, works with the chakras to move energy around the body. Then there are Nadis (Ida, Pingala, and Suhumna), energy channels running through the body. Each Nadi has a different purpose.
- Ida: Promotes feelings of calm, rest, and reflection and works with the parasympathetic nervous system
- Pingala: Encourages feelings of brightness, warmth, and activity and works with the sympathetic nervous system
- Suhumna: Where all the energies meet; can only move through the body when all the chakras are clear
How to Blend Reiki and Yoga
There are ways of blending Reiki into your yoga therapy sessions, which can promote the healing of body and mind. Here are some of the ways you can combine the practice of yoga with Reiki treatments:
Restorative Yoga
When practicing restorative yoga, you can use your hands and perform Reiki to channel energy to the desired area. Because restorative yoga is performed slowly, your energy has time to move around the body.
Focus on Chakras
When you begin your yoga session, you can focus on your chakras. There are poses you can do while practicing that open all your chakras, which you can do before a Reiki session.
Support Energy Flow
Support your back and head during your yoga session. This allows energy to flow easier through the body.
Holistic Healing FAQ
If you want to get into holistic healing but have some burning questions, we've got your back. Keep reading to learn the answers to some common questions.
Q. Can I Do Reiki if I’m Pregnant?
Yes, Reiki is all about good energy. It's perfectly fine to do Reiki while pregnant.
Q. Is Yoga Aerobics?
Yes and no. Some styles of yoga and yoga classes can get you working up quite the sweat; others are slow-paced with less intensity. For example, Vinyasa is a faster-paced style.
Q. Can My Kids Do Reiki Yoga?
Reiki yoga is excellent for kids. We encourage you to seek a professional instructor to ensure your child is safe.
Q. How Often Should I Do Reiki Yoga?
Everyone is different; likewise, this answer will be different for everyone. Generally, two to three times a week is acceptable to gain benefits, more if you can, but don't overdo it.
Start Your Holistic Healing Journey Now
It was only a matter of time before we combined the forces of two holistic practices into one: Reiki Yoga. Getting trained in Reiki means you can open up your body's energy channels, promoting energy healing. Using our Reiki yoga tips, you can incorporate Reiki into your yoga sessions, whether you're a yogi or instructor.
If you want holistic apparel that speaks to the soul, visit Love Lingo today. We have energetically cleansed clothes that are Reiki-enhanced, so you can wrap yourself in good vibes from the moment you wear them.