Inversely the Same : Yoga and Reiki

Though in practice Reiki and Yoga seem so different, they are both the same in their ultimate goal. Yoga harmonizes the body with the mind and breath through means of various breathing exercises, yoga poses(asanas) and meditation.

Reiki is a spiritual healing technique that is used to cure any disease, using energy that animates us all and is found all around us. It harmonizes the mind, body and spirit.

Reiki and Yoga are both catalysts for healing. The goal for both is healing, though the means to reach the goals may meta-physically appear distinguishable.

Yoga is the union of mind, body and spirit. It is achieved through promoting movement in the body, making space within and coming in balance with the breath and then deeply connecting to the spirit. In a similar manner, Reiki is an energy, used in the physical, mental and spiritual being, to bring balance – balance of body, mind and spirit!

Reiki and Yoga believe in healing as the energy flows within the body. It is with this flow of energy, through vinayasa, that the body comes in yog, and thus in a healed state, in yoga. In Reiki, the flow of energy is achieved through the channelizing of the unseen energy that is omnipresent.

Breathing and breathing techniques are rudimentary to both Reiki and Yoga. Our breath is the most fundamental human nature. It is what keeps the flow in the body and keeps the connect within the mind, body and soul. Both Reiki and Yoga believe in the use of breathing and deep breathing to connect to the core, to achieve results of healing and balance in the body.

The 5 principles of Reiki are also in sync with yoga.

The first principle of “I shall practice the attitude of Gratitude” is practiced in Yoga when we bow down after an “Om” and with our hands folded, we show our gratitude for the practice.

The second principle, “I will not worry” is incorporated in Yoga, when we come in ‘dhyan’ and focus on our ‘drishti’ as we leave behind our worries and connect with our core to reset our bodies and re-gain our balance, inside and out.

The third principle of “I shall not anger” is practiced in yoga when we smile and thus erase our frowns and shift from anger to calm, our inert nature.

The fourth principle of “I shall do my work honestly” is practiced in yoga through the practice of yamas and niyamas.

The fifth principle of “I shall love and respect every living being” is practiced as we bow and accept, acknowledge our beautiful mind body and spirit that is in union with everyone. One-ness is the practice that starts from one’s own self.