What Is the History of Reiki?

What is the history of Reiki?

Reiki's tradition and history is oral and generally passed from Reiki Master to student during training. Some of the writings tell the story of how Dr. Mikao Usui, a Japanese Christian educator, discovered the ancient healing art in Japan in the late 1800's. His revelations paved the way for its emergence in the United States and the rest of the world. There are stories about the life and work of Dr. Usui or "sensei"(teacher) as he is affectionately called. Recommended readings for the history of Reiki include: "Reiki Fire" by Frank Arjava Petter and "Reiki, The Healing Touch" by William Rand.

Based on ancient Buddhist and Hindu teachings, Dr. Usui evolved a system of healing through study, research, and meditation. He practiced and taught this method of natural healing using the laying on of hands. In the traditional Reiki lineage, he trained Chujiro Hayashi to continue his work after his death. Dr. Hayashi then opened a clinic and school in Tokyo where he trained his successor, Mrs. Hawayo Takata, who brought Reiki to the mainland of the U.S. Between 1945 and 1970, she was the only living Reiki Master in the world. Between 1970 and 1980, she trained twenty-one Reiki Masters. Mrs. Takata's granddaughter, Phyllis Lei Furumoto, is the currently the Grand Master of the Usui System of Natural Healing (Usui Shiki Ryoho).

What can Reiki treat?

Reiki is a particularly gentle technique because it is non-invasive and non-manipulative. Treatments can be used to facilitate physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. Treatments can be done on oneself, others, animals, plants, etc. Reiki treatments can be used for nearly all conditions, with little or no side effects (some clients may experience light-headedness, sinus drainage, increased gastrointestinal activity, etc.)

Reiki treatments usually take an hour to an hour and one-half, but short treatments can also be effective. Sometimes they are given on a table (such as a massage table), or mini-treatments can be given with the client seated in a chair. Generally, full Reiki treatments involve the practitioner moving his/her hands through a series of positions on the face, head, the front of the body from the throat region to the hips, and the back from the neck down to the tailbone. Reiki is also effective in treating injuries: bruises, cuts, etc. It can help to alleviate pain and speed healing.

Reiki treatments can also be done at a distance from the client. With the client's permission, energy can be transmitted to a client from far away. Distance and emotional healing are learned in the second level of training.

Are there other types of Reiki, besides Usui Reiki?

In recent years several other energy systems have emerged that are similar, yet somewhat different from Reiki. Some examples are Lightarian Reiki™, Urevia™, Shamballa Multi-Dimensional Reiki, Karuna, etc. Traditional Usui Reiki requires learning from a teacher who is directly in the Reiki lineage (must be able to trace the Master's learnings back to Hawayo Takata, etc.).

What can I expect from Reiki training?

There are three training levels in the Usui Reiki system. Levels I, II and Master. They are sometimes referred to as first, second and third degrees. The training is given by a Reiki Master. In Reiki training, Reiki history, attunements or initiations are passed on from the Master teacher to the student along with other information such as ancient healing symbols and instructions for teaching (at Master level). Levels I and II generally are taken over the course of one weekend (each), while training to become a Reiki Master takes longer. Many traditional Reiki Masters will require the most serious students to do a year-long apprenticeship to ensure the commitment and dedication to Reiki is true

What kind of career opportunities are available for a Reiki practitioner?

With the emerging field of energy medicine, Reiki is enjoying increasing popularity as a form of treatment, as well as a field of practice for practitioners and Masters. The field is expanding constantly and so are the opportunities. Many practitioners start their Reiki career with their own private practice, while others add it to their existing massage, nursing, chiropractic or acupuncture practice. Some hospitals, such as the New England Rehabilitation Hospital, have hired Reiki practitioners on their staff.

How much money can I make practicing Reiki?

Many practitioners charge anywhere from $25.00 to $60.00 an hour. Hourly rates depend upon the experience and location of the practitioner. If the student goes on to the Mastery level of training, there is more potential for income through teaching, lecturing, etc.

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