Thursday, May 7, 2009

Reiki Ryoho

While some sources maintain that the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai (Usui Reiki Healing Method Learning Society) was founded by Usui-Sensei himself in 1922, it is generally accepted that the Gakkai was actually founded by Rear Admiral Juusaburo Gyuda (Ushida) and other students around 1926/7.

It is also said that they posthumously honoured Usui-Sensei by naming him as the first kaicho (president / chairman) of the society, Ushida himself being classed as the second.

Prior to the Japanese entering W.W.II, Hayashi-Sensei had committed suicide, and with Takata-Sensei returning home once more to Hawaii, all contact between Japanese Reiki practitioners and the West was, it seems, lost.

[Well almost all - fourteen years after Hayashi-sensei's death, Takata-Sensei made a return visit to Japan and met with his wife,Chie, who was also a Reiki master.]

Certainly, in later years, it seems to have been the general consensus amongst Usui Shiki Ryoho practitioners that the practice of Reiki had eventually died out in Japan, and that, (up to 1976 when she began initiating masters) Takata-sensei was the only living Reiki Master on the planet.

However, as journalist and "Radiance Technique" Reiki practitioner Mieko Mitsui was to discover on returning to Japan in 1985 to research the origins of Reiki, this was not the case.

Not only was Reiki alive and well, but so, it seemed, was the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai.

[Though it has been suggested that the current Gakkai (if in fact it exists at all) might actually be a recently 'restablished' society - in much the same way that, in the West, long-defunct esoteric orders have been re-established by those with no direct connection to the originals]

The current president of the Gakkai is said to be a Mr. Masayoshi (or Masaki) Kondo.

Between Ushida (who held the office from 1926 to his death in 1935) and Kondo (1999 to date) there have apparently been four other presidents:
Kanichi Taketomi; Yoshiharu Watanabe; Hoichi Wanami; and Kimiko Koyama.

At one time there were supposedly more than 80 branches of the Gakkai, though at present there are only 5, with a combined membership in the region of 500 people, only 12 of which are of Shinpiden level.

According to Hiroshi Doi [who claims to be a member of the Gakkai] at the Gakkai's headquarters in Tokyo, weekly meetings referred to as shuyo kai are held, during which the students chant the gokai (the Reiki Precepts), practice the Hatsurei-ho and sing Gyosei - poetry penned by the Emperor Meiji. [These poems are in a style known as waka, ('Japanese Song') - short poems with lines containing fixed numbers of syllables. The familiar Zen haikyu are a form of waka]

Monday, April 27, 2009

Teachings: Reiki teachings state that there is a universal “life forcespiritual energy, which can be accessed by practitioners to induce a healing effect.It is claimed by believers that anyone can gain access to this energy by means of an attunement process carried out by a Reiki Master.This is not measurable energy and its existence has no scientific basis. Reiki treatments from a distance. This method, it is stated, involves the use of special symbols to form a temporary connection between the practitioner and the recipient, regardless of location, and then to send the Reiki energy. Techniques are also taught whereby Reiki can be sent to a specific point in time, either in the past or the future.

The energy involved in a Reiki treatment is said to be “from the Universe”, rather than the personal energy of the practitioner, and is therefore inexhaustible.(Some teachings say that the energy enters the practitioner through the crown chakra at the top of the head, before being emitted from the hands.) As a consequence, Reiki practitioners are taught that they can treat themselves with Reiki.

What is reiki ?

Reiki is said to be a form of spiritual practice. Reiki_as_spiritual_practice-0″[1] used as a complementary therapy for the treatment of physical, emotional, and mental diseases. Reiki_as_holistic_therapy-4″[5] Mikao Usui is said to have developed Reiki when, he claimed, he received the ability of ‘healing without energy depletion’ after three weeks of fasting and meditating on Mount Kurama, in Japan.[6] Practitioners use a technique similar to the laying on of hands, which they say will “channel healing energy” (ki).[7] Practitioners state that energy flows through their palms[8] to bring about healing[9] and that the method can be used for self-treatment[10] as well as treatment of others.

Reiki and Islam

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad (SAW) is His slave and Messenger.

Before I begin I would like to say that this research was an unbiased research. I started finding about reiki when I heard about it on TV and from people who practice it. I have given account of what is reiki from the sites of institutes of reiki and also from wikipedia.

I begin with verses from the Holy Quran and Hadees of Prophet (saw).

Allah says: And they ask you (o Muhammad (saw)) concerning the ruh (the spirit). Say: “The Ruh (the spirit) is one of the things, the knowledge of which is only with my Lord. And of the knowledge, you (mankind) have been given only a little. “ (Surah 17 Al-Isra , Ayat # 85)

Narrated by Abdullah (Bukhari book 003 hadees 127)

While I was going through the ruins of medina and he was reclining on a date palm leaf stalk, some jews passed by. Some of them said to the others . Ask him (the prophet peaceb upon him) about the spirit. Some of them said that they should not ask him that question as he may might give a reply which would displease them. But some of them insisted on asking, and so one of them stood up and asked, “O abu-al- Qasim! what is the spirit?” The Prophet remained quiet. I thought he was being inspired Divinely Inspired. So i stayed till that state of Prophet ( of being Divinely inspiration) was over. The prophet then recited the above verses. (surah 17, ayat 85).

On the authority of ‘Umar, radiyallahu ‘anhu, who said:

“While we were one day sitting with the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, there appeared before us a man dressed in extremely white clothes and with very black hair. No traces of journeying were visible on him, and none of us knew him.

He sat down close by the Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, rested his knee against his thighs, and said, O Muhammad! Inform me about Islam.” Said the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, “Islam is that you should testify that there is no deity save Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger, that you should perform salah (ritual prayer), pay the zakah, fast during Ramadan, and perform Hajj (pilgrimage) to the House (the Ka’bah at Makkah), if you can find a way to it (or find the means for making the journey to it).” Said he (the man), “You have spoken truly.”

We were astonished at his thus questioning him and telling him that he was right, but he went on to say, “Inform me about iman (faith).” He (the Messenger of Allah) answered, “It is that you believe in Allah and His angels and His Books and His Messengers and in the Last Day, and in fate (qadar), both in its good and in its evil aspects.” He said, “You have spoken truly.”

Then he (the man) said, “Inform me about Ihsan.” He (the Messenger of Allah) answered, ” It is that you should serve Allah as though you could see Him, for though you cannot see Him yet He sees you.” He said, “Inform me about the Hour.” He (the Messenger of Allah) said, “About that the one questioned knows no more than the questioner.” So he said, “Well, inform me about the signs thereof (i.e. of its coming).” Said he, “They are that the slave-girl will give birth to her mistress, that you will see the barefooted ones, the naked, the destitute, the herdsmen of the sheep (competing with each other) in raising lofty buildings.” Thereupon the man went off.

I waited a while, and then he (the Messenger of Allah) said, “O ‘Umar, do you know who that questioner was?” I replied, “Allah and His Messenger know better.” He said, “That was Jibril. He came to teach you your religion.””

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Do you keep your eyes open or shut -- or somewhere in between -- when you practice Reiki?

A third reason I appreciate working with my eyes open is the added opportunity to “see” the physical effects of the session. Seeing their breathing slow, the body relax, eyes stop twitching, belly rising and lowering naturally and all the other physical signs that I missed with my eyes closed. Since I first received Reiki Attunements and training, I have sensed what other’s process and systems functioning. This is an inner process and supports the core of Reiki for me. I am grateful I have been guided to not stop there and include visual evidence of what is happening as well. Again, why limit the possibilities? I do not say this from the perspective that I do not have enough faith in Reiki to do what it needs to do. Like most of us, I have experienced and witnessed shifts, changes and transitions that cannot be accurately described due to their at times miraculous nature. Reiki has changed my life and I have significantly more Faith in Reiki than myself. That is why I want to give myself every opportunity to stay focused, present, engaged and aligned with the Reiki lineage as much as possible. Reiki is an honor and I want to embrace that honor to whatever lengths I can. I know there have been questions and conversations about how much intention matters in Reiki, but my experiences to date strongly support the power of intention and its effectiveness. If my intention is to include my whole body and being in the process, how can it not increase the effectiveness of the process for all involved? If folks ask for Reiki to pass through their hands, why stop there?

This is not to judge or disrespect any other method that we practice as Reiki Practitioners; I am just sharing my experiences. This reflection came about from this Reiki Meet Up I participated in when folks were sharing about their process and how they didn’t know where their hands were, or where other’s hands were, etc. Keeping our eyes open and still maintaining our connection to the Source of Reiki seems a positive way to support our work. I hope for those who give it a try find the same positive effects that I have experienced.
Reiki practitioner Michael Swerdloff, our correspondent in Korea, checks in with an article on that very topic:

I had the opportunity earlier this month to participate in a Reiki Meet Up in Seoul, South Korea. Since Reiki is not very popular here in Korea, I was excited at the opportunity to share and receive some Reiki, and meet some good people. I was not disappointed. The group had lots of positive energy and everybody was respectful of each other. I felt welcomed from the minute I arrived and as usual, as a male, I was in the minority. I was grateful there was another male present, the group facilitator. In all, the group was made up of nine people; a few had never experienced Reiki previously and seemed to have very positive experiences. As is typically the case, I find the “proof” of Reiki success is in the change in the color and brightness of the eyes, cheeks and skin of each person as they slowly eased off the table. Our face and energy say what we are not always able to communicate verbally.

It was during the actual “table time” itself that has caught my attention and reflection since then. I have been fortunate to receive training from a very dedicated and focused Reiki Teaching Master who I think would prefer to stay anonymous, so I will honor that intention. She has instilled in me the wisdom of utilizing all our resources to support someone’s process. I am speaking specifically about using the eyes as a means of transmitting Reiki. I leave my eyes open when working with someone else. I know this has become rare these days in the Reiki community but I have had enough experience to convince me of its merits. In fact, I consciously ask for Reiki to flow through the eyes, belly, root and feet, as well as the hands. Why place limits on Reiki? I find using all three eyes increases the intensity of the energy. My experience is that the eyes are more powerful than the hands, almost without exception. The energy tends to be cleaner and tighter. I know others access their eyes during Reiki counseling, I do not understand why it is not consciously included during hands-on work. That is none of my business. I do what I do because it has been effective for me, and those I have been fortunate to pass on Reiki Teachings.

Another added benefit besides the increased energy is increased focus. My experience has been that I am more present and focused when I look at whom and where the energy is directed. My whole Self is present. I do not drift and space out as much as I used to with my eyes closed. I do not get lost in my own stuff, or get caught up in things that I do not need to be getting involved in when working with someone else. Like most Reiki Practitioners, I take our responsibility serious and try my best to honor and respect those who have been sent our way. I feel if I can stay present even a pinch more, it is worth my effort.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Reiki In India

Reiki is being practiced all over India and is very popular. It seems to have gotten started about 1992. Then in 1994, one of my students, William Hawu began teaching all levels of Reiki and it took off. There are now an estimated 1,000,000 people practicing Reiki in India and the numbers keep growing. One thing we noticed is that Indians are into Reiki for the healing benefits and they really practice Reiki. With a large population of poor, Reiki is a solution for low income people and we heard many Reiki success stories from all over India. We taught 5 classes in Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai with a total of 140 students. Because of the low income of most Indians, we adjusted the cost of the classes so it was afordable.

While there we also spent 3 days at the the Sai Baba ashram in Putaparty. Baba does 2 darshans a day and we were at 5. I took pictures of the World Peace Crystal Grids for both the North and South Pole and wrote prayers on them. I asked that the World Reiki community would be united in love and work together in harmony, I asked also that the WPCGs would be charged by Baba for world peace and I also asked that Baba help me on my path as a Reiki leader. As he came by during darshan, I held out the pictures and he came over, felt the energy and then accepted them. So, Baba has blessed the World Reiki community and because of this, I am sure we will now see a major difference in how all the groups of Reiki people get along with each other. I received many spiritual blessings while I was there and plan to return to spend even more time in the future.

Medical scientists & Reiki

Q. What do famous medical scientists think of this method?

A. The famous medical scientists seem very reasonable. European medical scientists have severe criticism towards medicine.

To return to the subject, Dr. Nagai of Teikoku Medical University says, "we as doctors do diagnose, record and comprehend illnesses but we don't know how to treat them."

Dr. Kondo says, "it is not true that medical science made a great progress. It is the biggest fault in the modern medical science that we don't take notice of psychological affect.

Dr. Kuga says, "it is a fact that psychological therapy and other kind of healing treatment done by healers without doctor's training works better than doctors, depending on type of illnesses or patient's personality or application of treatment. Also the doctors who try to repel and exclude psychological healers without doctor's training are narrow-minded.

From Nihon Iji Shinpo

It is obvious fact that, doctors, medical scientists and pharmacists recognize the affect of my method and become a pupil.

Q. What is the government's reaction?

A. On February 6th, 1922, at the Standing Committee on Budget of House of Representatives, a member of the Diet Dr. Matsushita asked for government's view about the fact that people who do not have doctor's training have been treating many patients with psychological or spiritual method of treatment.

Mr. Ushio, a government delegate says, "a little over 10 years ago people thought hypnosis is a work of long-nosed goblin but nowadays study has been done and it's applied to mentally ill patients. It is very difficult to solve human intellect with just science. Doctors follow the instruction how to treat patients by medical science, but it's not a medical treatment such as electric therapy or just touching with hands to all illnesses." So my Usui Reiki Ryoho does not violate the Medical Practitioners Law or Shin-Kyu (acupuncture and moxa treatment) Management Regulation.

Q. People would think that this kind of healing power is gifted to the selected people, not by training.

A. No, that isn't true. Every existence has healing power. Plants, trees, animals, fish and insects, but especially a human as the lord of creation has remarkable power. Usui Reiki Ryoho is materialized the healing power that human has.

Q. Then, can anybody receive Denju (first teaching) of Usui Reiki Ryoho?

A. Of course, a man, woman, young or old, people with knowledge or without knowledge, anybody who has a common sense can receive the power accurately in a short time and can heal selves and others. I have taught to more than one thousand people but no one is failed. Everyone is able to heal illness with just Shoden. You may think it is inscrutable to get the healing power in a short time but it is reasonable. It's the feature of my method that heals difficult illnesses easily.

Q. If I can heal others, can I heal myself?

A. If you can't heal yourself, how can you heal others.

Q. How can I receive Okuden?

A. Okuden includes Hatsureiho, patting with hands method, stroking with hands method, pressing with hands method, telesthetic method and propensity method. I will teach it to people who have learned Shoden and who are good students, good conduct and enthusiasts.

Q. Is there higher level more than Okuden?

A. Yes, there is a level called Shinpi-den

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Mikao Usui interview about Reiki

Reiki in the words of the founder Mikao Usui.

From ancient times whenever someone develops a secret method the one would teach this to the people among family, as a legacy for the later generations of the family living. That idea, not to open to the public and keep that sacred method in the family, is really the past century's bad custom.

In modern days we have to live together. That's going to be the basis of happiness, earnestly wanting social progress.

That's why I definitely won't allow to keep this for myself. Our Reiki Ryoho is a creative idea, which no one has developed before and there is nothing like this in this world. Therefore I am going to open this idea to anybody for the peoples benefit and welfare.

And everyone will receive the blessing from God. With this, expect everyone to have soul and oneness.

Our Reiki Ryoho is an original therapy method using the power based on Reiki, which is a universal power in the universe.

With this, first for human beings themselves to be strong and healthy. Then to improve the thoughts, to be mild and healthy, and human life to be pleasant.

Nowadays inside and outside of living we need improvement and restructuring away from illness and suffering, many fellows have worrying mind out of illness and accident.

I dare to openly teach this method.

Q. What is Usui Reiki Ryoho?

A. Graciously I have received Meiji Emperor's last injunctions. For achieving my teachings, training and improving physically and spiritually and walking in a right path as a human being, first we have to heal our spirit. Secondly we have to keep our body healthy. If our spirit is healthy and comformed to the truth, body will get healthy naturally. Usui Reiki Ryoho's missions are to lead peaceful and happy life, heal others and improve happiness of others and ourselves.

Q. Is there any similarity to hypnotism, Kiai method, religious method or any other methods?

A. No, there is no similarity to any of those methods. This method is to help body and spirit with intuitive power, which I've received after long and hard training.

Q. Then, is it psychic method of treatment?

A. Yes, you could say that. But you could also say it is physical method of treatment. The reason why is Ki and light are emanated from healer's body, especially from eyes, mouth and hands. So if healer stares or breathes on or strokes with hands at the affected area such as toothache, colic pain, stomachache, neuralgia, bruises, cuts, burns and other swellings with pain will be gone. However a chronic disease is not easy, it's needed some time. But a patient will feel improvement at the first treatment. There is a fact more than a novel how to explain this phenomenon with modern medicine. If you see the fact you would understand. Even people who use sophistry can not ignore the fact.

Q. Do I have to believe in Usui Reiki Ryoho to get better result?

A. No. It's not like a psychological method of treatment or hypnosis or other kind of mental method. There is no need to have a consent or admiration. It doesn't matter if you doubt, reject or deny it. For example, it is effective to children and very ill people who are not aware of any consciousness, such as a doubt, rejection or denying. There may be one out of ten who believes in my method before a treatment. Most of them learn the benefit after first treatment then they believe in the method.

Q. Can any illness be cured by Usui Reiki Ryoho?

A. Any illness such as psychological or an organic disease can be cured by this method.

Q. Does Usui Reiki Ryoho only heal illness?

A. No. Usui Reiki Ryoho does not only heal illness. Mental illness such as agony, weakness, timidity, irresolution, nervousness and other bad habit can be corrected. Then you are able to lead happy life and heal others with mind of God or Buddha. That becomes principle object.

Q. How does Usui Reiki Ryoho work?

A. I've never been given this method by anybody nor studied to get psychic power to heal. I accidentally realized that I have received healing power when I felt the air in mysterious way during fasting. So I have a hard time explaining exactly even I am the founder. Scholars and men of intelligence have been studying this phenomenon but modern science can't solve it. But I believe that day will come naturally.

Q. Does Usui Reiki Ryoho use any medicine and are there any side effects?

A. Never uses medical equipment. Staring at affected area, breathing onto it, stroking with hands, laying on of hands and patting lightly with hands are the way of treatment.

Q. Do I need to have knowledge of medicine?

A. My method is beyond a modern science so you do not need knowledge of medicine. If brain disease occurs, I treat a head. If it's a stomachache, I treat a stomach. If it's an eye disease, I treat eyes. You don't have to take bitter medicine or stand for hot moxa treatment. It takes short time for a treatment with staring at affected area or breathing onto it or laying on of hands or stroking with hands. These are the reason why my method is very original.

Reiki Practitioner Levels.

Levels of Reiki Practitionership
Level Ability Description
I Hands on Introductory level. Gives access to the energy and direct hands on healing as shown in the paper on traditional hand positions. Requires 4 attunements.
II Level I plus Healing at a distance This level teaches three of the traditional four symbols used in Reiki. There is generally an increase in the amount of power. The practitioner can also do healing at a distance. Requires 2 attunements.
III (Master) Level II plus the Master Symbol Teaches the fourth symbol, the Master Symbol. There is generally, again, an increase in power. Requires 4 attunements.
Master Teacher Level III plus the ability to train Reiki practitioners Many teachers do not see this as a separate level from III, while some do require further training for Master Teacher. This level does not require further attunements nor further symbols. Instead it is posession of the confidence and knowledge to conduct a Reiki class. This generally comes from apprenticeship with an experienced Reiki teacher to see what it's like on the other side of the table.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Inscript from the book "New Chakra Healing: The Revolutionary 32-Center Energy System by Cindi Dale:

The eighth chakra is incredibly interesting.

... Here one also finds the Akashic Records, the "books upon which is recorded all we have ever seen, done or said, in this life or in any other.

Cherokee teacher Ywahoo calls these records "The Temple of Understanding" which contains "....all the programs of our expression in this life and the other lives which are co-existing." (Ywahoo, 106). Because of this, we can gain access to anything about our past through the eighth chakra.

... This chakra is rich in information about our karma, the slate of issues we have come to work out and learnings we seek to acquire Because we record in this chakra information about others and their roles in our lives, it is here we can find many of the cords which currently affect us. We can also trace our patterns (the habitual processes in which we get stuck) through our eighth chakra, making it a valuable access point for healing chronic physical or emotional problems, and difficult relationships. Because it relates to time, many of our issues can be resolved through this chakra."

The Akashic records are the life records of each soul ...

The Akashic Records describe the karmic goals, debts, contracts and life purpose of each soul's many incarnations, including the present lifetime.

By using of the Reiki symbol in healing, present life traumas can be reprogrammed so that literally they change the future. Past life patterns can be uncovered and released, and karmic debts resolved. All of this happens in direct hands-on healing sessions, usually in a series of healings."

WHAT IS AKASHA?

Akashic records readings allow you to tap into knowledge that you normally wouldn’t have access to. It is said that these records contain all the knowledge of human experience, and the history of the cosmos.

In Sanskrit Akasha means sky, space or aether. This term comes from the Hindu mysticism.

This “universal computer” is constantly updated and records every action, word or thought.

The Akashic records are also have been referred to by different names such as the collective subconscious, or the collective unconscious, cosmic mind or universal mind.

These records are like a library that is filled with knowledge about past, present and possible future.

A lot of people believe that these records are almost like a guide from God and that they contain all secrets to life, everything that the universe has planned for you.
Source: Wikipedia

The Akashic records can be accessed through Reiki.

The Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen or Long Distance symbol connects to the Akashic Records and can be used to heal karmic patterns, dis-ease in the body or any mental or emotional pain.

There are other ways to access the Akashic records, such as astral projection, and other special states of consciousness induced by meditation, prayer, pranayama, visualization, illness, certain stages of sleep, etc.

The concept of having an Akashic record read come in the 19th century and is used widely today.

Friday, February 27, 2009

Lets think...
Where does Reiki energy come from?
Reiki energy is a subtle energy. It is different than electricity or chemical energy or other kinds of physical energy. Reiki energy comes from the Higher Power, which exists on a higher dimension than the physical world we are familiar with. When viewed clairvoyantly, Reiki energy appears to come down from above and to enter the top of the practitioners head after which if flows through the body and out the hands. It appears to flow this way because of our perspective. However, the true source of Reiki energy is within ourselves. This does not mean that we use our personal energy when we do Reiki, but that the energy is coming from a transcendental part of ourselves that is connected to an infinite supply of healing energy.
  • Is Reiki a Religion?

Although Reiki energy is spiritual in nature, Reiki is not a religion. Practitioners are not asked to change any religious or spiritual beliefs they may have. They are free to continue believing anything they choose and are encouraged to make their own decisions concerning the nature of their religious practices.

  • How is a Reiki treatment given?

. In a standard treatment Reiki energy flows from the practitioners hands into the client. The client is usually laying on a massage table but treatments can also be given while the client is seated or even standing. The client remains fully clothed. The practitioner places her/his hands on or near the clients body in a series of hand positions. These include positions around the head and shoulders, the stomach, and feet. Other, more specific positions may be used based on the clients needs. Each position is held for three to ten minutes depending on how much Reiki the client needs at each position. The whole treatment usually lasts between 45 and 90 minutes.

  • What does a Reiki treatment feel like?

What one experiences during a Reiki treatment varies somewhat from person to person. However, feelings of deep relaxation are usually felt by all. In addition, many feel a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and surrounds them. As the Reiki energy encourages one to let go of all tension, anxiety, fear or other negative feelings a state of peace and well-being is experienced. Some drift off to sleep or report floating outside their bodies or have visions and other mystical experiences. At the end of the treatment, one feels refreshed with a more positive, balanced outlook.

  • What can be treated with Reiki?

Reiki has had a positive affect on all forms of illness and negative conditions. This includes minor things like head or stomach aches, bee stings, colds, flu, tension and anxiety as well as serious illness like heart disease, cancer, leukemia, etc. The side effects of regular medical treatments have also been reduced or eliminated. This includes the negative effects of chemotherapy, post operative pain and depression as well as improving the healing rate and reducing the time needed to stay in the hospital. Reiki always helps and in some cases people have experienced complete healings which have been confirmed by medical tests before and after the Reiki treatments. However, while some have experienced miracles, they cannot be guaranteed. Stress reduction with some improvement in ones physical and psychological condition are what most experience.

  • Does one have to stop seeing a regular doctor or psychologist in order to receive a Reiki treatment?

No. Reiki works in conjunction with regular medical or psychological treatment. If one has a medical or psychological condition, it is recommended that one see a licensed health care professional in addition to receiving Reiki treatments. Reiki energy works in harmony with all other forms of healing, including drugs, surgery, psychological care or any other method of alternative care and will improve the results.

  • Who can learn to do Reiki?

Reiki is a very simple technique to learn and is not dependent on one having any prior experience with healing, meditation or any other kind of training. It has be successfully learned by over one million people from all walks of life, both young an old. The reason it is so easy to learn that it is not taught in the usual way something is taught. The ability to do Reiki is simply transferred from the teacher to the student through a process called an attunement that takes place during a Reiki class. As soon as one receives an attunement, they have the ability to do Reiki and after that whenever one places their hands on themselves or on another person with the intention of doing Reiki, the healing energy will automatically begin flowing.

  • How long does it take to learn Reiki?

A beginning Reiki class is taught on a weekend. The class can be one or two days long. I recommend that the minimum time necessary be at least six to seven hours. Along with the attunement, it is necessary that the student be shown how to give treatments and also to practice giving treatments in class.

  • What is a Reiki attunement?

A Reiki attunement is the process by which a person receives the ability to give Reiki treatments. The attunement is administered by the Reiki Master during the Reiki class. During the attunement, the Reiki Master will touch the students head, shoulders, and hands and use one or more special breathing techniques. The attunement energies will flow through the Reiki Master and into the student. These special energies are guided by the Higher Power and make adjustments in the students energy pathways and connect the student to the source of Reiki. Because the energetic aspect of the attunement is guided by the Higher Power, it adjusts itself to be exactly right for each student. During the attunement, some students feel warmth in the hands, others may see colors or have visions of spiritual beings. However, it is not necessary to have an inner experience for the attunement to have worked. Most simply feel more relaxed.

  • Can I treat myself?

Yes, once you have received the attunement, you can treat yourself as well as others. This is one of the unique features of Reiki.

  • I have heard that Reiki can be sent to others at a distance. How does this work?

Yes, in Reiki II, you are given three Reiki symbols. These symbols are empowered by the Reiki II attunement. One of these symbols is for distant healing. By using a picture of the person you would like to send Reiki to or by writing the person’s name on a piece of paper or simply by thinking of the person and also activating the distant symbol, you can send Reiki to them no matter where they are. They could be hundreds of miles away, but it makes no difference. The Reiki energy will go to them and treat them. You can also send Reiki to crisis situations or world leaders and the Reiki energy will help them too.

  • How many levels are there to the Reiki training?

In the Usui/Tibetan system of Reiki taught by the Center, there are four levels. These include one, two, Advanced and Master.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Origins

There has been a lot of speculation about where Reiki came from, but there has been little confirmation of most of these theories. Some say that Reiki originated from Buddhism or that it contains Buddhist concepts or techniques. I spoke with a Japanese Reiki master who is also a Buddhist and has done a lot of his own historical research into Reiki in Japan. He said that he could see no connection between Reiki and Buddhism and that he felt that Reiki is religiously neutral. While Dr. Usui may have been a Buddhist, he had also studied Christianity and had lived with a Christian family for a time. It is clear he had a very broad background in many religious teachings and philosophies

Reiki in the West

After coming to the west, the Usui System of Natural Healing has evolved over time. In its current state, it is much more organized and structured than the simple, flexible, intuitive method practiced by Dr. Usui. The following is a description of the evolution of the Usui System of Reiki.

The International Center for Reiki Training

Reiki In Japan
The Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai

Dr. Usui started a Reiki organization in Japan soon after discovering Reiki. He was the first president. After he died, he was followed by a succession of presidents: Mr. Ushida, Mr. Iichi Taketome, Mr. Yoshiharu Watanabe, Mr. Toyoichi Wanami, Ms. Kimiko Koyama and the current successor to Dr. Usui as of 1998 is Mr. Kondo. Contrary to what has been said by some in the west, there is no "lineage bearer" or "Grandmaster" in the system of healing started by Dr. Usui, only the succession of presidents listed above. While Dr. Hayashi was a respected Reiki master, he was never in charge of the Usui system of Reiki.

Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of spiritual healing and self-improvement that everyone can use. It has been effective in helping virtually every known illness and malady and always creates a beneficial effect. It also works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery.

An amazingly simple technique to learn, the ability to use Reiki is not taught in the usual sense, but is transferred to the student during a Reiki class. This ability is passed on during an "attunement" given by a Reiki master and allows the student to tap into an unlimited supply of "life force energy" to improve one's health and enhance the quality of life.

Its use is not dependent on one's intellectual capacity or spiritual development and therefore is available to everyone. It has been successfully taught to thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds.

Who Can Learn

Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by "laying on hands" and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.

The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words - Rei which means "God's Wisdom or the Higher Power" and Ki which is "life force energy". So Reiki is actually "spiritually guided life force energy."

A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit and creates many beneficial effects including relaxation and feelings of peace, security and well-being. Many have reported miraculous results.

Reiki does not depend on one's intellectual capacity or spiritual development and therefore is available to everyone.

What is it? How does it heal?

With the above information in mind, Reiki can be defined as a non-physical healing energy made up of life force energy that is guided by the Higher Intelligence, or spiritually guided life force energy. This is a functional definition as it closely parallels the experience of those who practice Reiki in that Reiki energy seems to have an intelligence of its own flowing where it is needed in the client and creating the healing conditions necessary for the individuals needs. It cannot be guided by the mind, therefore it is not limited by the experience or ability of the practitioner. Nether can it be misused as it always creates a healing effect. ( It must be kept in mind that Reiki is not the same as simple life force energy as life force energy by itself can be influenced by the mind and because of this, can create benefit as well as cause problems including ill health.)

The source or cause of health comes from the Ki that flows through and around the individual rather than from the functional condition of the physical organs and tissues. It is Ki that animates the physical organs and tissues as it flows through them and therefore is responsible for creating a healthy condition. If the flow of Ki is disrupted, the physical organs and tissues will be adversely affected. Therefore, it is a disruption in the flow of Ki that is the main cause of illness.

An important attribute of Ki is that it responds to ones thoughts and feelings. Ki will flow more strongly or be weakened in its action depending on the quality of ones thoughts and feelings. It is our negative thoughts and feelings that are the main cause of restriction in the flow of Ki. All negative or dis-harmonious thoughts or feelings will cause a disruption in the flow of Ki. Even Western medicine recognizes the role played by the mind in creating illness and some Western doctors state that as much as 98% of illness is caused directly or indirectly by the mind.

It must be understood that the mind exists not only in the brain, but also through-out the body. The nervous system extends to every organ and tissue in the body and so the mind exists here also. It is also known that the mind even extends outside the body in a subtle energy field 2 to 3 feet thick called the aura. Because of this, it is more appropriate to call our mind a mind/body as the mind and body are so closely linked.

Therefore, our negative thoughts are not just in the brain, but also collect in various locations through-out the body and in the aura. The places where negative thoughts and feelings collect is where Ki is restricted in its flow. The physical organs that exist at these locations are restricted in their functioning. If the negative thoughts and feelings are not eliminated quickly, illness results.

The negative thoughts and feelings that are lodged in the unconscious mind/body are the greatest problem as we are not aware of them and therefore, are we are greatly hampered in changing or eliminating them.

The great value of Reiki is that because it is guided by the Higher Intelligence, it knows exactly where to go and how to respond to restrictions in the flow of Ki. It can work directly in the unconscious parts of the mind/body which contain negative Ki-inhibiting thoughts and feelings and eliminate them. As Reiki flows through a sick or unhealthy area, it breaks up and washes away any negative thoughts or feelings lodged in the unconscious mind/body thus allowing a normal healthy flow of Ki to resume. As this happens, the unhealthy physical organs and tissues become properly nourished with Ki and begin functioning in a balanced healthy way thus replacing illness with health.

This non-invasive, completely benign healing technique is becoming more and more popular. As western medicine continues to explore alternative methods of healing, Reiki is destined to play an important role as an accepted and valued healing practice.

Reiki Energy

The word Reiki is composed of two Japanese words - Rei and Ki. When translating Japanese into English we must keep in mind that an exact translation is difficult. The Japanese language has many levels of meaning. Therefore the context the word is being used in must be kept in mind when attempting to communicate its essence. Because these words are used in a spiritual healing context, a Japanese/English dictionary does not provide the depth of meaning we seek, as its definitions are based on common everyday Japanese. As an example,

Rei is often defined as ghost and Ki as vapor and while these words vaguely point in the direction of meaning we seek, they fall far short of the understanding that is needed.

When seeking a definition from a more spiritual context, we find that Rei can be defined as the Higher Intelligence that guides the creation and functioning of the universe. Rei is a subtle wisdom that permeates everything, both animate and inanimate. This subtle wisdom guides the evolution of all creation ranging from the unfolding of galaxies to the development of life. On a human level, it is available to help us in times of need and to act as a source of guidance in our lives. Because of its infinite nature, it is all knowing. Rei is also called God and has many other names depending on the culture that has named it.

Ki is the non-physical energy that animates all living things. Ki is flowing in everything that is alive including plants, animals and humans. When a person's Ki is high, they will feel strong, confident, and ready to enjoy life and take on it's challenges. When it is low, they will feel weak and are more likely to get sick. We receive Ki from the air we breath, from food, sunshine, and from sleep. It is also possible to increase our Ki by using breathing exercises and meditation. When a person dies, their Ki leaves the physical body. Ki is also the Chi of China, the prana of India, the Ti or Ki of the Hawaiians, and has also been called odic force, orgone, bioplasma and life force.

Monday, February 23, 2009

Reiki for Health

With several years experience in working with energy healing, Reiki for Health offers alternative healing to individuals throughout the local area. Set-up in 2008, the business is located in Woolston in Southampton. Reiki for Health works with animals as well as humans and carries out sessions at a local vets on a donation basis only as they are a charity.

The business offers a holistic session to local people, which is designed to help everyone. With a mobile service, the business is flexible allowing clients to relax and be stress free, this promotes faster natural healing.

Reiki for Health has an expanding customer base, based in and around Southampton, including Reiki for animals. Reiki for Health holds the Usui Reiki level 2 practitioner qualification, this enables both hands on and distant healing. The business channels spiritual life energy through hands on healing that assist the bodies natural healing ability and is ideal for all to enjoy. Reiki is a limitless supply of energy, the benefits can include stress reduction, calmness, relaxation as well as healing some physical ailments.

Reiki - Touching Lives

We arrived with open hearts and excitement from many corners of Australia and beyond the oceans to gather at the 3rd National Reiki Conference. "Reiki Touching Lives" 2006 and the post conference seminars lived up to expectations with many of the 133 delegates proclaiming afterwards that they had a `life changing' experience.

Reiki Australia's culture of preserving the personal and spiritual practice of Reiki and of honouring the diversity of Reiki practices was reflected throughout the conference and in particular, by the participation of Phyllis Lei Furumoto and Dr Ranga Premaratna.

Both Phyllis and Ranga shared their personal journeys with Reiki and spoke on the form and history of their respective practices of Usui Shiki Ryoho and Reiki Jin Kei Do. The sacred space that they held, their wisdom and their connection with delegates over several days of conference and post conference events left delegates feeling deeply enriched.

We came also to develop a better understanding of how, as individual Reiki practitioners and as a community, we can answer the call for bringing the healing comforts of Reiki to the `hospital bedside'. In support of Reiki Australia's focus to facilitate the development of professional Reiki treatment standards, leading health industry figures who are integrating complementary and supportive therapies into mainstream health care facilities, informed, inspired and gave practical advice to those in attendance. Such presenters were:

Reiki: Hype or Help?

Have you ever looked for information about the or asked the question, "What is reiki?" Neurosurgeon Clinton Miller viewed Reiki (pronounced RAY-KEY) with skepticism several years ago. That skepticism eroded after Miller experienced Reiki therapy for himself. "I went from high personal excitation to feeling like I was floating in the ether," says Miller.

Today, Miller prescribes Reiki for his patients. And he's not alone. Many healthcare professionals and others are beginning to incorporate Reiki in their treatment of illnesses ranging from asthma to cancer to depression. Reiki sessions are being used for pain management, to accelerate recovery from surgery and reduce medication side effects.

Chaplain Laurie Garrett often performs Reiki on dying patients. "I strive to bring a sense of peace about the dying process and to help patients become less resistant [to death]," says Garrett, a therapist at the Institute for Health and Healing, San Francisco.

What Is Reiki?
Simply put, Reiki — also called energy medicine — is an ancient hands-on healing practice which harnesses what believers call the Universal Life Force — the energy field that surrounds all beings, including humans.

The term Reiki is a combination of the Japanese words "Rei "(spiritually guided), and "Ki" (energy or force). The practice dates back more than three thousand ago to ancient Tibet. In the late 1800s, the healing method was rediscovered by Dr. Mikao Usui in Japan and later introduced into the western world by Hawayo Takata, an American from Honolulu, Hawaii.

Despite its increasing acceptance by the healthcare community, Reiki has its share of critics. Chief among them is Eric Krieg with the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking, whose 150 members include scientists and educators who seek to "provide a rational response to such energy field work claims."

"Reiki practitioners can't seem to prove that this energy field exists," contends Krieg. "Reiki seems to be a cult, and its practitioners are way out there in la-la land." Most diseases go into spontaneous remission, he continues. "Even if you had a witch doctor lay his hands on you, chances are you'd think it worked."

How Does Reiki Work?
A Reiki practitioner holds his or her hands in one of 12 positions designed to bring energy into the recipient's body. There is no massaging, kneading or any other intense motion. These positions are grouped into three portions of the body: On or near the head, on the front torso, and on the back torso. While there are standard positions, practitioners will often adapt or add new ones depending on a patient's needs.