REIKI
Reiki, pronounced Ray – Key, is made up of two Japanese words – Rei, which means ‘Higher Power’, and Ki which means Life Force Energy, therefore a literal translation could be -Universal Life force Energy. Reiki is believed to have started in Tibet several thousand years ago and then Dr Mikao Usui, a Japanese Christian Educator in Kyoto Japan rediscovered the root system in the mid 1800s.
He began an extensive study of history's greatest spiritual leaders and he also studied ancient sutras (Buddhist teachings written in Sanskrit). He rediscovered ancient sounds and symbols linked directly to the human body and the nervous system which activate the universal life energy for healing. He called this healing the Usui System of Natural Healing (Reiki), which primarily strengthens and balances the body’s natural energy thus promoting healing. He taught Reiki throughout Japan until his death towards the end of the 19th Century.
Reiki was introduced to the western world in the mid 1970’s and is increasingly becoming well recognised as a Natural and safe form of healing.
Reiki is a hands-on non invasive healing treatment that activates the body’s natural ability to ‘heal’ itself working wherever it is most needed. It is a safe and natural way of working that can support mental, emotional, spiritual and physical well being in a gentle and peaceful way. Those who use Reiki regularly, often find they are more joyful and active with their own energy enhanced. There is greater vitality, a deep sense of calm and relaxation leading to a feeling of well being.
Reiki healing uses light touch from the practitioner to channel energy, and a treatment is calming and relaxing creating feelings of inner peace and harmony. It can be beneficial in helping with a variety of conditions and has no adverse side effects to the recipient.
While Reiki is spiritual in nature, it is not a religion; there is nothing you must believe for you to receive Reiki or indeed be trained as a Reiki Practioner. That said, it is important to live and act in a way that promotes harmony with others. Dr. Mikao Usui, the founder of the Reiki system of natural healing, recommended that Reiki practitioners practice certain simple ethical ideals to promote peace and harmony, which are nearly universal across all cultures. These are called Reiki Precepts –
Just for today – release all anger
Just for today – release all worry
Just for today – honour your parents, teachers and elders
Just for today – do your work with honesty and integrity
Just for today – be kind to every living thing
Reiki is very simple to use and is one of the many forms of healing through the use of the natural forces. These forces were given the name Ki (often pronounced Chi) by ancient mystics. All (apparently) use the same energies; however different techniques of application are applied. In Reiki these techniques are called The Usui System of natural healing (after Dr Mikao Usui).
A Reiki healing encourages the flow of energy, and draws through the healer the right amount of energy needed by the recipient.
Reiki is something that everyone can have in their lives, and over time if all were to embrace that which is Reiki greater peace and harmony would flow. Reiki is a wonderful gift that we can all share and just like lighting candles in the dark creates more light, sharing and using Reiki will enable us to see beyond the clouds to clearer skies.
