A History of Usui Reiki

Usui Reiki, also known simply as Reiki, is a form of energy healing that originated in Japan in the early 20th century, developed by Mikao Usui. The term "Reiki" combines two Japanese words: "Rei," meaning universal or spiritual, and "Ki," meaning life force energy. The practice is based on the philosophy that this universal life force energy can be channeled by practitioners to promote healing and balance within the recipient.

 

Origin: Mikao Usui, after a profound spiritual experience on Mount Kurama, is said to have discovered Reiki. He began teaching this method in the 1920s, aiming to help individuals achieve physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. After Usui's death, Chujiro Hayashi, one of his students, further systematized the practice, introducing specific hand positions and symbols that are integral to Usui Reiki today. Hayashi passed down his teachings to Hawayo Takata, who brought Reiki to the West, particularly to Hawaii and later to the mainland United States, where it gained popularity.

 

How It Works: Reiki practitioners believe that by laying their hands on or near a person, they can channel this universal energy to areas of the body that need healing. This energy is thought to flow through the practitioner to the recipient, enhancing the body's natural healing processes. The practice involves the use of specific symbols and mantras, which are believed to focus and amplify the energy. There are three main symbols in Usui Reiki: Cho Ku Rei (power symbol), Sei He Ki (mental/emotional symbol), and Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen (distance healing symbol), each serving different purposes in therapy.

 

Present Day Practices: Today, Usui Reiki is practiced worldwide, with variations but maintaining core principles. Practitioners undergo attunements or initiations at different levels (Reiki I, II, and Master/Teacher), which are meant to open and expand their ability to channel Reiki energy. Modern Reiki sessions can be conducted in person, where the practitioner uses hands-on techniques, or remotely through distance Reiki, where energy is sent across space and time using the distance symbol.

 

Therapy Methods: In therapy, Reiki can be applied in various ways. For face-to-face sessions, practitioners might use a sequence of hand positions over the body's energy centers or chakras to facilitate energy flow, aiming to clear blockages and restore balance. Distance Reiki involves the practitioner visualizing the recipient and using the distance symbol to send healing energy. Sessions often begin with setting an intention for healing, followed by relaxation techniques to prepare the recipient. The experience can vary; some feel warmth or tingling, others experience emotional release or profound peace. Reiki is used for stress reduction, pain relief, emotional healing, and spiritual growth, often integrated with other holistic health practices for a comprehensive approach to well-being.