In Kyoto at the beginning of the 20th century…
Around 100 years ago, a Japanese martial artist developed a spiritual system based on energy work. His name was Usui Mikao and he believed that by energetically cleansing the body it was possible to feel more connected to life, more relaxed, less emotionally unbalanced and physically healthier.
The techniques he developed to do this included meditation and practical healing and became known as the Reiki system. Although this began as a personal self-development tool, it has evolved into a method that can help others as well.
This article will look at what constitutes the Reiki system, how the energy works in the body, and what the resulting benefits are.
The Reiki system uses energy to promote healing in the body on a physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual level. The energy used can be translated from the Japanese word ‘Reiki’ to mean ‘Spiritual Energy’ or in the West it is more commonly called ‘Universal Energy’, the energy of everything.
It is a unique system as it makes good health and balance possible both for oneself and for others. Therefore, not only the treatments but also the courses are available for those interested in the system.
During a Reiki treatment, the client remains fully clothed at all times. Private parts of the body are not touched and the hands are placed on or just outside the body. Sex, age and condition do not matter, as the client’s own body controls the process. During the treatment the client’s body extracts the amount of energy it requires on a physical, mental, emotional or spiritual level.
Traditionally, there are 3 levels of study within the Reiki system and they are all independent of each other.
The first level will teach you how to use Reiki on yourself and others. The second will give you tools to work on the system and seek to become a professional practitioner. The third, and final, will teach you how to become a master or simply further your own interest in Reiki and is often referred to as the Reiki master level or Shinpiden’ (inner teachings’ in Japanese). Since the system came to the West, many people have added New Age beliefs and techniques, altering the system. In recent years there has been a backlash and more traditional Japanese methods have resurfaced with the discovery of traditional masters still practicing in Japan.
To learn the Reiki system, five essential elements are taught throughout the 3 levels. These are:
o Practical physical practice on self and/or others for the purpose of healing
o Spiritual and Mental Development using 5 Precepts
o Techniques/Meditations to generate inner energy in the practitioner
o Four Mantras and four Symbols
o Initiations o Reiju (blessing performed by the teacher)
Practitioners are taught to harness the energy around them, as well as cultivate their own inner energy. They can then enjoy a stronger natural connection to the universal flow of energy. Practical healing is also taught for self and others, as energy is channeled through the practitioner’s body, allowing it to be harnessed.
To understand the role that energy plays in this form of healing, it must be understood that everything has energy or ki, even a sheet of paper or a plant, every item in the room, the building itself, the city, the country, the world. , the universe and so on. Gradually, the understanding arises that there is an unlimited amount of energy. This energy may seem invisible or elusive, but instead it is all-encompassing. It is this energy that makes not only humans, but the worlds work. It is the fuel that drives humans and gives them the ultimate structure and purpose in life. This is Reiki, spiritual energy.
Every once in a while humans get a bit of gunk in the fuel line or a better way to explain it is perhaps by imagining a free flowing river. This beautiful river is like energy that flows easily through the body. Occasionally a pebble, or even a rock, will fall into that river making the flow of the water a bit more difficult. These pebbles are human worries, fear, anger, and each pebble is built on top of the other. Soon there is only a trickle of water running in that once beautiful free flowing river. And so it is with energy in the human body. Physical pain may also be experienced at this point. By practicing Reiki, more energy is offered to the body and the body naturally draws on this resource and brings it to where it is needed. This additional energy is like a flood that flows through our energetic rivers, removing and dissolving obstacles in its path.
One of the most wonderful aspects of working with Reiki is that it is safe. He cannot harm and has no dogma attached to it. This is the energy of everything and everything has its own natural flow. Practicing Reiki helps us remember our natural connection and gives us the faith to let go and reap the benefits of being in the natural flow of life.
The tangible benefits of Reiki are that it not only speeds up the physical healing process, but is also energizing the spirit. When the spirit is energized, the body responds positively in all other areas (emotional, mental, and physical). Reiki allows the body to cleanse itself and makes you feel lighter, healthier and happier.
If you want to feel more balanced in life and are interested in a course, why not try a treatment first? Professional Reiki schools offer student clinics where you can try a treatment before booking a course.
