Reiki is a Natural Healing Art originating in Japan. Dr. Mikao Usui is the person who developed Reiki following a transmission he received while sitting in meditation. Dr. Usui was in the process of a 21-day meditation and fast on Mt. Kurama in Japan. Dr. Usui opened a clinic/school for Reiki in 1922 shortly following his transmission. One of the students he trained was Mrs. Hawayo Takata. Mrs. Takata brought this Natural Healing Art to Hawaii in the early 1930’s resulting in its’ spreading throughout the United States. In the United States Reiki is considered to be a Complimentary and Alternative Medicine and is starting to be introduced into hospitals and clinics across the country.
Reiki is composed of two Japanese words; Rei and Ki. Rei refers to universal and Ki refers to Life Energy known as Chi in Chinese. In conclusion a direct translation for Reiki is universal life energy. Universal life energy is considered to be the energy that is in and around all of life forms. The intention behind Reiki is to allow for healing and/or balancing of one’s Life Force or energy.
The actual art of Reiki is performed using specific hand postures. The Practitioner’s hands either hover above or are in contact of the fully clothed person’s body. The recipient traditionally lays down but may also receive Reiki while sitting comfortably.
The Practitioner is trained through a Master Reiki Practitioner. There are three levels of skill beginning with Reiki Level I, Reiki Level II and then a Master Reiki Level.
