When it comes to the world of holistic healing there are many methods to choose from today. From traditional talk therapy and meditation to chiropractors and acupuncturists, it can be really fun and interesting to try new healing modalities. The Usui Reiki Healing Method is one modality that’s grown more popular in the last 20 years.
What is Reiki? Reiki is a Japanese energy healing technique that involves the laying of hands to transfer healing energy to a client. People are attracted to Reiki for its simplicity and non-invasive techniques, and it certainly has an air of mystery and magic to it as well. What keeps people coming back is its ability to give clients a unique experience that often leaves them feeling deeply relaxed and restored, even after only a few minutes of treatment.
With holistic wellbeing becoming a priority to more and more people, you might be wondering if Reiki is right for you. Read on to learn all about this powerful, approachable and healing energy, including what to expect during a session and where you can learn more.
The Origins of Reiki
The Usui Reiki Healing Method has only been around for 100 years (since 1922), though there is evidence that Reiki has been in use for thousands of years and it may have been around since the beginning of time.
It first came about in 1922 when a Japanese scholar and businessman named Mikao Usui, or Usui Sensei, went on a quest to Mt. Kurama, near Tokyo. He went there to fast, meditate and find a type of spiritual enlightenment- and he was prepared to die up there for this purpose. Instead, on the 21st day he was struck by a light that entered through his head, which caused him to pass out and fall over. When he woke up he went from being weak with hunger to being in an enlightened state, and as he ran down the mountain to tell his Zen master he fell, stubbed his toe, and when he put his hands to his toe it was healed immediately.
After his enlightenment, Usui Sensei aimed to spread Reiki to as many people as possible, even throughout the whole world. He developed an attunement process so that anyone could easily acquire and practice Reiki. An attunement is a process by which a Reiki master clears a person’s energy channels for Reiki energy to enter in. Interestingly, it is thought that anyone can access Reiki without being attuned, but most of us have energy channels that are too blocked by trauma or disease for it to flow freely through us- meaning we require an attunement before we can utilize it. Some people may be born with the ability to channel Reiki and some people can acquire it in other ways, but that is rare.
Usui Sensei also developed some simple techniques for practitioners. These techniques involve both hands-on and hands-off practices as well as the use of symbols, intuition, energy clearing, and sending Reiki from a distance or without the use of hands altogether.
Usui Sensei also emphasized the benefits of Reiki for the body and mind. He prescribed these 5 precepts, which were first uttered by Emperor Meiji, for people to say morning and evening. Regarding the precepts, he said: “This is surely a secret process to bring a good fortune and also miraculous medicine to remedy all kinds of diseases.”
The precepts as I interpret them are:
Just for today, I will be honest.
Just for today, I will be kind.
Just for today, I will be grateful.
Just for today, I will be trusting.
Just for today, I will maintain my peace.
Saying these each day and living by these principles is like medicine for your mind.
Experiencing Reiki
Experiencing Reiki is wonderful, and it’s something I think everyone should try at least a few times because it has very few risks and it has enormous benefits.
In a typical Reiki session the client goes to the practitioner’s space and lays face up on a massage table with blankets, bolsters and pillows to keep them comfortable. The client wears anything comfortable and stays in clothes the whole time, (Reiki works just fine through clothing). There is normally soft music playing, soft lighting and water available. The practitioner talks the client through what will happen during the session, has them sign a waiver, and asks the client for permission to use hands-on placements. The practitioner will also leave space for the client to ask questions and will ask the client if they have a particular area in need of healing.
Then the practitioner usually does a short ritual which may include clearing the energy of the space, asking Reiki to flow where it is needed most, and guiding the client into relaxation. After this is complete the practitioner may use a scanning technique called Byosen scanning with their hand to see where the client needs Reiki most. Then they may use a combination of hands-on and hands-off hand placements to administer Reiki to the client, and they will likely use symbols throughout the session as well. The practitioner may ask the client to turn over onto their back before the session is over, and they might stay at some places longer than others. Some practitioners also incorporate sound healing, crystals, or gentle massage-like touch depending on their personal style.
The client’s job during the session is to stay open and allow themselves to be present in the moment, noticing any thoughts and sensations as they come and go. The goal is that the client relaxes as much as possible so that the Reiki energy can flow freely. The client is of course always welcome to re-adjust to get more comfortable, or ask the practitioner to stop or move to a different spot at any time.
The practitioner may get some type of “feedback” as the Reiki guides them during the session. Some practitioners may get intuitive “knowings,” visions, see colors or smell random smells, hear things, or encounter spiritual guides. How much they share with the client will depend on theirs’ and the client’s experience with Reiki and comfort level with one another.
How to Try Reiki
If you’re interested in trying Reiki, you have a few options.
There may be a Reiki practitioner in your area that offers 1:1 sessions. When looking for a practitioner, first look for someone who you can trust and who you feel drawn to. Reiki itself doesn’t cause harm, but it is important to find someone you trust and “vibe with” on a personal level. Their qualifications as a Reiki healer do matter, but I think your intuition matters more!
You can also try different practitioners as each will have their own approach and techniques they use. Practitioners can have their own space in an office, spa, or wellness center or they can come to your home. Make sure whichever practitioner you choose has received a certified attunement- as I mentioned before, practitioners can most likely only use Reiki if they’ve gone through an attunement.
Some practitioners offer group sessions like Reiki circles. This is a great opportunity to try it out for the first time or get plugged into a community. If you can’t find anyone near you, many practitioners offer distance sessions as well. Look online and on social media for practitioners. Many will offer a free consultation if you’re not comfortable booking a session right away.
Lastly, you can seek out an attunement to become a Reiki practitioner, in which case you can practice Reiki on yourself or develop the ability to practice on others. This costs a chunk of change but the benefits can be life-changing. Look online to find a certified Reiki master who you resonate with, who you can trust and who you know will offer support after the attunement process. Some masters give attunements and training through 1:1 mentorships and some do it through weekend workshops, so consider which option will work best for you. Just know that a Reiki attunement is very powerful- it is a ritual of spiritual significance and a new Reiki practitioner can experience big life changes after their attunement.
Conclusion
Reiki is a powerful and non-invasive Japanese healing technique used to promote healing and relaxation. It can never be harmful and it has many healing benefits for stress, anxiety, illness, and many issues we face in our society. It is the perfect compliment to medical treatments or traditional or alternative therapies. If you’re wondering if Reiki can help you with a specific issue you’re facing, it very likely can- so you should give it a try!
Look up practitioners in your area and if you’re curious about booking with me you can comment or leave me a message and I’ll get back to you. I’m happy to set up a free consultation with you as well.