Reiki Healing

Reiki in a Nutshell

Reiki is a Japanese form of energy healing, a type of alternative medicine. Reiki practitioners use a technique called palm healing or hands-on healing through which the universal energy is transferred through the palms of the practitioner to the patient in order to encourage emotional or physical healing. Reiki does not replace conventional medical treatment, and your doctor should always be consulted when there are changes to your health. Reiki helps the receiver heal themselves, while the Reiki practitioner channels the universal life force for the receiver. Everyone experiences Reiki healing differently, and sometimes the results are not felt for a few weeks after the session. Reiki energy goes where it needs to the most, with the practitioner using their intuition to guide where to and for how long to focus the energy. Reiki healing can balance and clear chakras and parts of the body. Reiki can be done through direct contact, hovering the hands above the body, or even at a distance. 

The History of Reiki

The history of Reiki dates back to the early 20th century in Japan, with its origins attributed to a man named Mikao Usui. Usui Sensei, as he is respectfully referred to, embarked on a personal journey of self-discovery and spiritual seeking. Through his studies of various healing modalities, ancient texts, and meditation practices, he sought to unlock the secrets of healing energy.

It was during a profound spiritual experience on Mount Kurama in 1922 that Usui Sensei claimed to have received the Reiki healing energy. This experience marked the birth of the Usui System of Natural Healing, known today as Reiki. Usui Sensei dedicated his life to the practice and dissemination of Reiki, establishing the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai, an organization aimed at preserving and sharing this healing method.

Following Usui Sensei's passing, Reiki spread beyond Japan's borders, primarily through the efforts of his students and successors. One notable student, Chujiro Hayashi, further refined the practice and contributed to its development. It was under his guidance that a systematic approach to Reiki, including hand positions and attunement processes, was established.

Another significant figure in the history of Reiki is Hawayo Takata, a Japanese-American woman who brought Reiki to the Western world. In the late 1930s, Takata received Reiki treatments from Hayashi and eventually became his student. She later became a Reiki Master and started teaching and practicing Reiki in Hawaii and the United States, making it more accessible to a broader audience.

Since then, Reiki has continued to evolve and flourish globally. It has been embraced by individuals from various cultural and spiritual backgrounds, who have incorporated Reiki into their lives as a means of self-healing, personal growth, and spiritual exploration. Today, Reiki is practiced and taught by countless Reiki Masters worldwide, each contributing their unique perspectives and approaches while staying true to the core principles and energy of Reiki.