Ancient healing techniques, such as Reiki, are becoming an increasingly popular way to de-stress and unwind among college students.
Originating among monks in Tibet, Reiki began as a sacred art, which then appeared in Japan in 1890 and later made its way to the United States.
Defined as "universal life energy," Reiki is the art of channeling positive energy by placing the hands on different points of the body. The healing process is believed to be effective both mentally and physically and can be employed to do everything from curing serious illnesses to helping a patient quit smoking or lose weight.
Dawn LaBanbera, who has been a Reiki master for 15 years, currently teaches a class on the subject and recently introduced Reiki to UB students in a short seminar.
As a Reiki master, LaBanbera teaches her students how to use the Reiki energy while helping them understand the intricacies of this healing method.
"We are not multi-dimensional beings," said LaBanbera, "but there is more to us than you can see in the physical body. Reiki manipulates the energy around us that can be used in healing."
Reiki is based on the idea that illnesses in the body are a result of weaknesses and blocks deterring the natural energy field. Reiki promotes healing by reducing and removing these blocks and balancing the flow of energy.
According to LaBanbera, Reiki involves the movement of the master's hands in different positions over the body as the patient is lying down, and energy moves from the throat to the legs, and out through the soles of the feet.
"We open you up to allow energy to flow through your body," said LaBanbera. "After a session all the energy within your body will be at a higher frequency. It brings a sense of peace into all of your bodies."
LaBanbera states that the art of Reiki also has medicinal purposes, as chiropractors, doctors and surgeons throughout the nation use it.
Taught in a series of sessions, Reiki consists of three degrees of knowledge, each requiring a certain amount of practice before being able to advance.
A typical first-degree lesson is taught over a weekend, costs around $150 and leaves students with the ability to practice Reiki. After a few years of lessons, a student can then become a Reiki master.
"Reiki is a life-altering experience," said LaBanbera, "Once you learn it, it's with you for the rest of your life, and the more you use it, the better it gets."
LaBanbera also said the power of Reiki relies on whether or not the person being healed wants to be healed.
"You can't heal someone unless they want to be healed," said LaBanbera. "You must first and foremost use Reiki to help yourself, and later on, if you desire to learn more, help others."
UB students who attended the seminar given by LaBanbera had mixed feelings on the real benefits of practicing the method.
"It's an intriguing subject, just not something I would personally look into," said Tanyka Sam, a student in the school of medicine.
Others professed a strong interest in studying the subject and learning more about the technique.
"I want to know more about getting to first degree, and how to propagate those kinds of skills," said Malgorzata Ilkowska, a freshman cognitive psychology major.
According to LaBanbera the first step to becoming proficient in Reiki is the belief in its power and ability to cure; if the connection with the patient is positive, Reiki can be beneficial.
"When you are working with the right person, and all systems are go, you can have those special, miraculous occurrences. The process is between the person, their soul, and God," said LaBanbera.
Photo: Courtesy of SUNY
