What is Reiki?
Reiki (pronounced ray-key) is, in its simplest translation, universal life energy. It is referred to in other cultures as "chi", "prana", or "spirit". It is the life force that exists in all things. The practice of Reiki is the art and science of channeling this universal life energy, or force, to promote spiritual, mental, and physical well-being.
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How does Reiki work?
As Reiki involves directing the natural flow of universal energy, it can best be likened to recharging a battery. When a battery's energy supply is low, it doesn't function well. By introducing a charge to it, it can once again run on its own. Reiki works much the same way. If you are suffering from an illness (physical, mental, or spiritual), your energy supply is lessened. Reiki works to assist you in bringing your energy level back up to its natural flow, thereby enhancing your own natural healing powers. The Reiki practitioner does not suffer from an energy depletion, as they are trained to channel energy from the outside environment, not from their personal supply.
Reiki, however, isn't only for those in a state of dis-ease. It's also helpful in reducing stress, aiding relaxation, and restoring energy.
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What are the origins of Reiki?
 | Only recently rediscovered in the mid-nineteenth century by Dr. Mikao Usui, Reiki is an ages-old method of healing based on a system of keys that act as a catalyst for releasing and channeling natural energy. Challenged by one of his seminary students who asked to see how healing with touch could be done, Dr. Usui found that he couldn't demonstrate this technique, nor could he find any information directing him how to do so. Thus began the quest that would take him all over the world. Finally, in Tibet, in the ancient writings of one of the Buddha's students, he found what he had been searching for - the keys to healing with touch, as well as the precise information for applying them. |
| Dr. Usui taught this method to a select few, among them Chujiro Hayashi. It is Hayashi who taught Reiki to Mrs. Hawayo Takata. Mrs. Takata brought the Usui system of Reiki to the United States in the 1930's. | Mrs. Takata personally trained many Reiki Masters before passing over in 1980. Additional information on the background of Reiki can be found in the following books: Living Reiki: Takata's Story by Fran Brown; The Reiki Factor by Dr. Barbara Ray; and Essential Reiki by Diane Stein. |
What does Reiki energy feel like?
Reiki is a gentle and subtle energy transferance. Some people experience warmth from the touch of the practitioner. Others feel a tingling or pulsing sensation. Still others report simply an expanded sense of peace and relaxation.
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How does a Reiki treatment work?
A Reiki treatment is conducted through a series of carefully orchestrated touch patterns. The client lays down on a standard massage table (fully clothed) and, beginning at the head, the hands are placed in different positions as the practitioner works down toward the feet. The client then turns over and the process is repeated. The hands are held in each position (which closely align with the chakras) for three to five minutes. A full treatment takes about an hour. The amount of energy transferred depends on the client's needs and willingness to use it. The touch is very gentle with little or no pressure applied. This is not a massage technique, but more of a "laying on of hands." Reiki is not related to any specific religious beliefs or dogma, but is purely a channeling of the energy of the universe. It is up to the person being treated whether or not they accept the energy being given, as free will is always involved in the healing process.
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Who can benefit from a Reiki treatment?
Quite simply, everyone! If you are basically healthy, Reiki energy works to help you stay clear and balanced. If you have been diagnosed with a dis-ease, received an injury, or fallen under any other sources of stress, Reiki assists the natural healing process. Of course, if it's someone's time to die, Reiki cannot prevent this from happening. It can, however, make the transition easier and more peaceful.
REIKI IS NOT TO BE CONSIDERED A SUBSTITUTE FOR APPROPRIATE MEDICAL OR EMOTIONAL TREATMENT. Reiki can, however, be used in conjunction with these other treatments.
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What if the person needing a treatment lives far away?
A "distance" healing can be administered with the agreement of the person being treated. Just as energy travels through an electrical cord, so does the energy of the universe travel from the practitioner to the person receiving the treatment. Only those practitioners with second degree or higher training should give distance healings as they have been specifically trained and attuned for this.
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What are the qualifications for a Reiki practitioner?
It's important if you decide to receive a Reiki treatment that you seek out a qualified practitioner. The following is a breakdown of the three levels of study for the traditional Usui method:
First Degree Reiki
This is the basic course in Reiki and includes four separate energy activating attunements along with complete training in the scientific use of the Reiki technique. The student is taught how to pass on the universal energy without depleting their own energy supplies. First degree training can take varying amounts of time depending on the class structure and length. Specific instructions are given to the student as to how to apply Reiki energy to themselves, as well as to others who may wish to use it for treating a specific dis-ease or as a preventive or transformative technique.
Second Degree Reiki
Second Degree training can usually take place three months after the First Degree initiation (or when the student feels they are ready, both mentally and spiritually). During this training, the student receives two attunements and learns specific techniques for enhancing the flow of energy and for performing "distance" treatments. They are also taught a special method for dealing with deep-seated emotional and mental problems, which can be used with either a physical or distance treatment.
Third Degree Reiki
This is traditionally referred to as the Master level of training, as those who receive this degree can then teach Reiki to others. This is in-depth training, usually given over a period of several months, and includes supervised teaching time. Third Degree includes special energy attunements which enable the student to activate the energy in others.
If you decide to look for a practitioner, please be certain to ask questions of them relative to their training. True Reiki can only be administered by one who has received the attunements and instructions for applying the universal energy. As with most every profession, there will be those who wish to side step training rather than spend the time and money needed to truly learn this method of healing. If you choose a practitioner or teacher who has invested of themselves and are fully qualified, you will be much happier with the results.
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How do I (or a loved one) receive a treatment?
If you wish to receive a treatment, I'd suggest that you first try and find a Reiki practitioner in your area (New Age stores are a good source of information). I can't stress enough the importance of discussing the person's qualifications and training. A qualified individual should be more than willing to talk this over with you. You'll find that most practitioners charge around $20 - $30 per treatment in the Tucson area, depending on type and length.
If you live in or around Tucson, and wish to receive Reiki, I'd be happy to talk to you. Simply contact me by e-mail and I'll follow up to schedule your session, or to answer your questions.
If you can't find a practitioner in your area, you can receive a distance treatment from me. This treatment would take place at a time and date as agreed upon by both of us. You will need to try to be as relaxed and free of outside distractions as possible. Since distance treatments are very concentrated, they usually only take about 20 - 30 minutes, though the preparation by the practitioner takes longer for distance work than for actual physical sessions.
Distance treatments can be given as gifts to a loved one or friend. The party receiving the treatment must, however, be made aware of the gift and be willing to accept the energy. No one can be made to receive Reiki energy against their will.
To schedule a treatment, please contact me by e-mail and I'll call you to schedule the treatment. Sometimes during a treatment, the practitioner receives mental images concerning the person being treated. If you like, I can forward this information to you after the Reiki session.
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A short relaxation exercise
Close your eyes for a moment and imagine a golden glow that starts at the base of your spine, travels through your body, along your extremities, and up to the top of your head. Bask in the mellow warmth. Take a deep cleansing breath and let it envelope you with peace and light.
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