Reiki has been demonstrated in studies to cause changes in brain waves, encouraging a state of deep relaxation and lowering anxiety and stress.
What are brainwaves?
Brain waves are electrical impulses that correspond to various mental states, such as attentiveness and focus, as well as relaxation and sleep. For example:
Delta waves are generated during intense meditation and dreamless sleep.
Theta waves also occur during deep meditation but in a more dreamlike state. Theta waves are also a gateway to learning and memory, allowing us to "save" newly learned things.
Alpha waves can be detected in thoughts that are quietly flowing. These are the thoughts in the here and now.
The usual brain waves of human waking consciousness are beta waves, ranging from low beta (rumination) to beta (engagement) to high beta (excitement and anxiety).
Researchers have found that gamma waves, the fastest, high-frequency waves, are active in higher states of consciousness such as well-being and love.
But how are these brainwaves connected to Reiki?
Electrical and magnetic energies travel through and around living tissue in the human body, forming a magnetic field around it. Studies have shown that Reiki stimulates alpha and theta brainwaves in both practicioners and recipients inducing a state of peace and calmness.
Dr. Robert Becker and Dr. John Zimmerman conducted independent study in the 1980s to investigate what happens when patients practice therapies such as Reiki. They discovered that not only can the practitioner's and receiver's brainwave patterns synchronize in the alpha state, but they also pulse in rhythm with the earth's magnetic field, a phenomenon known as Schuman resonance. At certain times, the practitioner's biomagnetic field is at least 1000 times stronger than normal.
Furthermore, Zimmerman (Zimmerman J, 1990: Laying-On-Of Hands Healing and Therapeutic Touch: A Testable Theory) in the United States and Seto (Seto A, Kusaka C, Nakazato S, et al, 1992: Detection of Extraordinary Large Biomagnetic Field Strength From Human Hands) in Japan researched the huge pulsating biomagnetic field created by energy practitioners' hands during their work. They determined that the pulses have the same frequency as brain waves, rising and dropping from 0.3 to 30 Hz, with a concentration on the alpha stage at 7 to 8 Hz. Independent medical research has demonstrated that this frequency range promotes healing in the body, with different frequencies optimal for different tissues. 2 Hz, for example, promotes neuron regeneration, 7 Hz, bone growth, 10 Hz, ligament mending, and 15 Hz, capillary production.
So when the brain enters either theta mode or alpha mode, it is more open to subconscious healing and profound emotional release. As recipients access their inner wisdom, they can enjoy increased clarity, insight, and creative inspiration through Reiki healing.
As the mind relaxes more and more during the treatment, emotional barriers and past traumas stored in the subconscious can come to the surface. Through the gentle energy of Reiki, blocked emotions can be released and inner healing and balance can be promoted.