Reiki
(Please note that I am not a Reiki Master - the following information is the result of my studies into the healing arts)
Reiki is a natural method of healing achieved by channeling universal life energy through one’s hands into the patient. The term Reiki comes from the Japanese words "Rei" and "Ki." Rei means spirit and Ki means energy or power. Thus, Reiki denotes universal or spiritual life energy. Reiki is a safe form of natural healing with no know side-effects. It can be used on animals, children, pregnant women, and the elderly. The physical effects of a reiki treatment include: deep relaxation, removal of pain, reduction of muscular tension, detoxification, increased energy, and revitalization and balancing of the chakras. There are also emotional effects to reiki treatments as well. They include: calmness, relaxation, enhanced creativity, positive outlook, and the release of suppressed emotions.
The Reiki healing system was begun in Japan in the early 20th century, by a man named Mikao Usui. Some historical accounts claim he was a Buddhist monk, while others claim he was a Christian Headmaster. Regardless, Usui was intrigued by the miracle healings said to have been performed by Jesus and Buddha, so he set out on a mission to uncover the secrets of healing. He traveled to Tibet, where he studied ancient sanskrit texts, which contained healing formulas.
However, he still did not possess the ability to work with subtle healing energies. Therefore, he went to a mountain in Japan and meditated, chanted, and fasted for three weeks. During this period of time, he is said to have received a series of sacred symbols, and to have acquired the ability to recognize and work with healing energy. He then founded the Usui System of natural healing and passed on the healing secrets to others. Usui initiated many students into the practice of Reiki, the most famous of whom was his successor, Chujiro Hayashi. Many years later, Hayashi initiated Hawayo Takata, who then brought the healing art to North America.
Traditional Usui reiki has spawned many other forms of reiki healing. Tera Mai reiki is trademarked by Kathleen Milner, and is a system which includes three additional healing energies. These three energies, combined with the reiki energy, are referred to as "seichem." The Tera Mai system claims these additional three energies were lost in the original translation of the sacred texts. Karuna Reiki is trademarked by William Rand, and is a system which utilizes additional symbols much like those in the Tera Mai system.
Reiki is a three degree system, which must be taught by a Reiki Master. During Reiki first degree training, the student learns about the history of Reiki and is taught basic hand positions. Each hand positions corresponds to a different area of the body which may require healing, such as the head, back, shoulders, kidneys, etc... Additionally, level one students are taught how to perform basic self-healing. At the end of each level of training, the student undergoes an initiation or "attunement," in which their body is prepared for channeling the Reiki energy. During second degree training, the student is taught three Reiki symbols which are said to increase power, and allow the student to perform distance healing. During the second and third degree attunements, Reiki symbols, manifested as energy patterns, are placed into a student's auric field to facilitate and intensify the channeling of reiki energy. Additionally, the names of the symbols are used as mantras by the Master while the student sits in the prayer position, receiving the symbols. These attunements, and introductions to the sacred symbols, often evoke a highly emotional state within the student, as they are opened up to the energies, and begin to heal themselves.
Third degree reiki training prepares the student for Mastership level. Third degree students learn techniques for removing energy blocks, and are introduced to another sacred symbol which can be used during healing. Those who achieve this level of study, and practice reiki, are known as Level III Practitioners. Reiki Masters are those who have achieved the same level of study, but who have learned additional symbols which can be used to attune others to reiki energy.
Many practitioners of Reiki find that they become aware of intuitive links to their patients when they are providing treatments. They may receive a mental image, or have an intuitive feeling about a problem causing distress in the patient’s life. Practitioners are encouraged to work with this ability, but not to allow it to override specific information the patient has provided regarding their healing needs.
There are five spiritual principles associated with the practice of Reiki. They are basic guidelines on how to live peacefully and healthily. The principles are:
Just for today . . . do not anger
Just for today . . . do not worry
Honor your teachers, parents, and elders
Earn your living honestly
Show gratitude to all living things
Reiki is not only used as a physical healing system, but also as a means to meditate more deeply, communicate with nature, heal political situations, and stimulate creativity.