Reiki
The following topics are covered on this page.
What is Reiki?
The 5 Reiki Principles
What can Reiki help cure?
What is the history of this healing system?
What happens during a Reiki treatment?
Where can you learn how to practice Reiki?
How much should treatments cost?
Reiki Books
What is Reiki?
Reiki is the hands-on practice of channeling the life force energy which we all possess. This energy is used to balance and heal people in a positive, life-affirming way. Every person has the innate ability to use this energy and pass it along to others. Reiki does not stem from or require any particular religious belief, though we can see from the stories of Buddha and Jesus Christ that hands-on healing is nothing new to the human experience. People trained in Reiki techniques have had their metaphorical light switch "turned on" by a master teacher; in turn, they can heal others.
The 5 Reiki Principles*
Just for today, I will give thanks for my blessings.
Just for today, I will not worry.
Just for today, I will not be angry.
Just for today, I will do my work honestly.
Just for today, I will be kind to my neighbor and every living thing.
*These principles are adapted from "The Reiki Handbook" by Larry Arnold and Sandy Nevius (Harrisburg, PA, PSI Press, 1982)
What can Reiki help cure? There are many reasons to see a Reiki practitioner. Reiki is commonly used to allieviate symptoms of stress, headaches, depression, and tension. Reiki can help a person's emotional healing process or ease the effects of a crippling disease. Reiki is always positive, and can be used on all ages of people, including prenatal infants. What is the history of this healing system? Many people believe that the Reiki healing methods are similiar to those used by Buddha and Christ. The tradition may have been passed down by spiritual people in India and Tibet, and was relatively unknown to the "Western" world until recently. One modern story of Reiki begins with Mikao Usui, a Christian minister and university president from Kyoto, Japan. In the late 1800's, Usui apparently embarked upon a several-year quest to find out more about this ancient healing system, attributed to the Buddhist philosophy of healing the mind, body, and emotional self through spiritual means. This experience culminated on Mt. Koriyama (in Japan), when after a 21-day period of meditating and fasting, Usui "received" the Reiki symbols and instructions on how to activate the healing process through their use. Usui then travelled throughout Japan teaching and healing people. Usui's successor was Chujiro Hayashi, who made about 16 Reiki masters before his death in 1941. This included the first female Reiki masters, Chie Hayashi (Chujiros' wife) and Hawayo Takata. It was Hawayo Takata who brought the Reiki techniques out of Japan to Hawaii and the mainland United States and Canada. Before her death in 1980, she had made 22 Reiki masters. From then on, students and practitioners of Reiki have grown exponentially. What happens during a Reiki treatment? A typical session will last between a half-hour and an hour. You should wear comfortable clothing and try to refrain from eating for at least half an hour before your appointment. Most practitioners work on massage tables, though if you prefer to sit up that is fine. Your practitioner will ask you to take a few deep breaths and relax into a mild meditative state. They may play relaxing music or light a candle to assist you. Then they will place their hands on your body in several different areas (such as the top of the head, over your eyes, on your belly, or the soles of the feet) in succession. Usually they will spend a couple of minutes in each position, depending on where they feel they should direct the "flow" of energy. All you need to do is relax and breathe normally. You may feel warmth emanating from the therapist's hands; this is a normal reaction. It is also common for your body to tingle slightly. You may even have surges of emotions and memories. However, you may not "feel" anything at all; but after the session is over, you may notice that you are more relaxed or centered than before. Remember to keep an open mind, even if you are not sure of the benefits that Reiki can have for you. If a person is "closed" to the idea, it blocks the flow of energy. Where can you learn how to practice Reiki? Go to your local alternative book store, or check on the web for information about Reiki practitioners in your area, then contact a teacher for more information. There are four commonly accepted stages of Reiki practitioners: Levels I, II, III, and "Reiki Master". A person advances through each level at their own pace. Each session with a teacher usually includes learning how to give attunements and stay in touch with the patient's individual needs. Only Reiki Masters should be giving Reiki attunements to others, since they have typically studied for a lengthy period of time under close supervision of another master. Some teachers only give attunements to one person at a time, over a period of several months. Others teach group sessions that are condensed into an intense weekend workshop. If you are interested in learning Reiki, find a method and a teacher that you feel comfortable with. Due to the history of this practice, it's also a good idea to inquire about the teaching "lineage" of your teacher. Some Reiki masters practice more or less "traditionally" than others, but all should maintain high ethical standards of patient confidentially and security. How much should treatments cost? There are several ways of receiving Reiki treatments. Some people who know Reiki do not charge due to the spiritual nature of their practice. However, keeping in mind that someone at a Reiki level III or above has spent their own time, money, and energy to practice this art, it is within reason to ask for a donation or fee for their services. It is common for a Reiki II or III practitioner to ask between $45.00 and $60.00 (U.S.) for an hourlong consultation and treatment. Many bookstores and teachers will also hold drop-in clinics, which have volunteer practitioners or students. Clinics are often run on a donation basis. Remember that the experience of Reiki is a gift that all people can experience, and it is meant to be shared! Reiki Books "Essential Reiki: A Complete Guide To An Ancient Healing Art" by Diane Stein "The Reiki Handbook" by Larry Arnold and Sandy Nevius (Harrisburg, PA, PSI Press, 1982)