Reiki

Usui's Way of Natural Healing

What is Reiki?

Reiki was originally discovered by Mikao Usui in 1922, Japan, and is one of the many natural healing arts offered in today's world. The word Reiki comes from the Japanese word (Rei) meaning "Universal Life” and (Ki) which translates to, “Energy”. Reiki is not affiliated with any particular religion or religious practice. Performing Reiki is a subtle and effective form of becoming a channel for the energy around us, and using the guided energy to transfer into specific regions of the body which require the most care. Reiki is the life energy that flows through all living things. Practitioners of this natural healing understand that everyone has the ability to connect with their own healing energy and use it to strengthen both the energy in themselves, and to help others. It is believed that a person’s ki, aka "chi," should be strong and free flowing. When this is true, a person’s body and mentality will be positive and healthy, however when this energy becomes weak or even blocked, it could lead to symptoms of physical and emotional pain or confusion. A Reiki session will often help ease either tension or stress and can help support the body to facilitate an environment for healing on all levels – physical, mental, spiritual and emotional. A session is pleasant and relaxing and is often utilized for one’s personal wellbeing.

Where does Reiki Come From?

The history of Reiki is believed to have been associated with Mikao Usui who attained enlightenment and a healing ability in 1922. This happened while he was fasting and meditating on mount Kurama, Kyoto, the ancient capital city of Japan. His tradition and methods were passed through several grandmasters of Reiki. All current information about Dr. Usui and history of Reiki originates from his Japanese students and the stories passed on orally. Today, Reiki takes many forms, however, The Usui System of Natural Healing is still the form most widely practiced all over the world. Practitioners and Master Teachers are trained through an initiation process where Masters pass on their knowledge and expertise to their students. The origins of Reiki need to be honoured while at the same time respecting the fact that the world is changing and people's needs are changing.

"Firstly, the mind must be healed, and secondly the body must be made sound. If the mind is healthy, conforming to a path of integrity, then the body becomes sturdy of its own accord." Usui Mikao (1865-1926)

Mikao Usui, 1922

How do Reiki Treatments Affect Us?

Reiki is a safe and a soothing treatment. The relaxing nature of Reiki can be very helpful to people, especially those who are at a difficult times in their lives. We can all feel overwhelmed or disconnected from society, and sometimes there is a real sense of isolation, both emotionally and spiritually. Reiki treatments can bring feelings of peace, grounding, and an ability to cope better with the challenges of life.

Reiki can be beneficial in circumstances that are short term, but can also support people dealing with long-standing conditions, helping to bring comfort, acceptance and a more positive outlook on life. Reiki has had a positive affect on all forms of illness and health issues. 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, skin disease 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. Stress reduction with some improvement in ones physical and psychological condition are what most experience. Reiki can also be wonderful for pregnant women. Treatments can be very relaxing and enjoyable for the mother. Children usually love Reiki. The length of a session is often shorter than it would be for an adult. Animals also respond well to Reiki, they too seem to find it relaxing and soothing.