Introduction to Reiki
Reiki (ray-key) is an easy to learn, simple to use method of natural hands-on energy healing that promotes health and well being in both practitioners and recipients. To have and use Reiki, a person needs to do nothing more than be attuned by an empowered Master and have the intent to make healing energy available whenever they put their hands on themselves or someone else. It is that simple--and everyone can do it. Reiki is not a religion; it has no arcane dogma, no religious tenets; it requires no rigorous ascetic practices or rituals. Anyone, everyone can be a conduit for Reiki healing energy.
The word Reiki is derived from two Japanese words - "rei," meaning "Universal Spirit," and "ki." Meaning "life force energy." The word Reiki, therefore, refers to a balanced cosmic and life force energy. Because of its qualities of universal energy, it seems to have a basic consciousness which, when used for healing, is able to provide exactly what is needed on all levels.
Reiki energy has several basic effects: it brings about deep relaxation, assists in the release of energy blockages, provides new vitality in the form of balancing universal life energy, and increases the vibrational frequency of the body.
Reiki practitioners channel energy in a particular pattern to balance and harmonize energy to assist the body's natural healing ability. It is very simple yet powerful healing art that can be used on your self as well as others and can easily be learned by everyone. Reiki can be used on yourself, others, animals, and plants.
REIKI HISTORY
There are various versions of the story of Reiki's rediscovery, the following is the most common. It is presented here in a condensed version.
Dr. Mikao Usui was the Dean of a Christian college in Japan in the 1800's. He was asked by one of his students how Jesus was able to heal as he did, simply by the laying on of hands. Not able to answer the question, Dr. Usui resigned as Dean of the college and set out to find the answer.
After much study in the Orient and the United States, searching various scriptures, studying Sanskrit and Tibetan Sutras, he was still without his answer. He then made a decision to go to Mt. KuriYama, a sacred mountain in Japan, to meditate and to fast until he received his answer. He gathered a pile of 21 stones to serve as his calendar, discarding one stone for each passing day. At the end of the 21 days he had a vision, bringing him the answer to his quest and the knowledge of healing as Jesus had done, by the laying on of hands.
This method of healing was shared with Dr. Usui's student, Dr. Chijiro Hayashi, who carried on Dr. Usui's work. Dr. Hayashi ran a clinic in Tokyo, Japan, where Mrs. Hawayo Takata was under treatment for various and very serious ailments. Upon her recovery, she persuaded Dr. Hayashi to teach her the healing method that had so miraculously helped her to heal. In 1938, in Hawaii, Mrs. Takata became a Reiki Master, eventually bringing it to the United States in the 1970's.
From the twenty-two Masters trained by Mrs. Takata have emerged a variety of Reiki organizations. All are excellent and offer their own unique gift of healing. All things evolve, that is the way, and so if in your search you find some things added here or not quite the same there, that's okay. As long as the "Usui" lineage is there, it's Reiki, and Reiki is there for us all, a wonderful gift.
THE FIVE PRINCIPLES OF REIKI:
- Just for today I will not be angry.
- Just for today I will not worry.
- Earn your living honestly.
- Honor your parents, teachers and elders.
- Show gratitude to every living thing.
Benefits of Reiki:
- Manage Stress and Tension
- Support during Times of Crises, Depression, Illness, Death & Bereavement
- Stimulate the Natural Healing of Acute & Chronic Ailments
- Speed Recovery after Surgery and Injury
- Release Blocked Energies and Cleansing Toxins
- Support Conventional Medicine & Minimizing the Side-Effects of Drugs
- Replenish and Support Care givers
- Personal Growth and Self-Confidence
- Promote Harmony within Relationships
- Perception of Inner Clarity, Wisdom, Intuition, Awareness and Enlightenment
- Assist through the last moments of a persons life, easing the death process
Some interesting facts about Reiki:
- Most medical facilities will reimburse their hospice and RN's for taking Reiki?
- Reiki was used as part of an in-depth study of alternative therapies at Stanford University
- Reiki has been practiced along with modern medicine at Seton Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente
- Reiki is more widely accepted in Eastern medicine than it is in the west, even though more westerners know about Reiki!