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The
History of Reiki:
The
traditional story of Reiki begins in Japan in the 1800's with Dr. Mikao Usui, a teacher at a boy's school whose students were
learning theology. One day a student asked Dr. Usui how it was that
the disciples healed by laying on of hands, and could he teach that
to the class. Of course, Usui had no explanation for the students and
he himself became almost obsessed with learning the answers. After
many years of study and even learning other languages to aid his
studies, Dr. Usui came upon a small monastery where the monks
admitted that they knew how to heal in this manner, but knew of no
way for it to be taught. Upon learning this, Usui made a decision to
climb a sacred mountain and fast for 21 days, asking God to show him
the answers. The days passed and nothing had happened. On the morning
of the 21st
day, a very dejected and disappointed Usui stood up to begin his
descent. He was suddenly blinded by lights approaching his from
across the valley and was at first very frightened. Remembering his
quest, he stood his ground and was amazed as he realized the lights
contained bubbles of information. These multi-colored balls of light
carried the very answers he sought. After hours of absorbing the
information, Usui raced down the mountain. There are stories of many
miracles associated with the first years of the doctor's use of what
he called "Reiki" which roughly translated means "God's light
energy" or "Universal Life Force".
It has since been uncovered that the traditional version you just read about is not entirely accurate. Dr. Usui did in fact discover Reiki. It was not, however, in the way commonly thought. Being from a wealthy family, Dr. Usui was able to pursue his education as he chose, including spending time in meditation. During an intense training session, practicing a meditation involving the crown chakra, Dr. Usui was gifted with the technique he named Reiki Ryoho. Many of the symbols and attunements were added at later dates by Usui and others he introduced to this new and original method of healing. You can find many books on
line which tell the detailed story of Dr. Usui. Eventually, other Masters brought Reiki to the states. Reiki has
grown from one man's gift into a widely
spread healing modality.
How
Reiki works:
Reiki
is a form of healing which relies on the use of a practitioner to
transfer the Christ energy of the Universe into a client. Our bodies
were designed to heal themselves, but over the centuries, we have
done so much damage to ourselves and our world that we now need
assistance from other sources. Traditional medicine treats only the
diseases we contract, whereas Reiki treats the whole person:
physical, mental, and spiritual. Eastern medicine uses the methods of
preventative treatments and Western medicine treats after the disease
is present. Neither focus on the whole person. Reiki is self
directing when administered and a practitioner does not need to know
your ailment(s). The treatments are normally done by request of the
client who is seeking a healing of some sort. Rarely is Reiki used
without permission, and even then, in a life threatening situation,
the unspoken request of healing is understood. Reiki works on the
basis of balancing the energy of the body so that it may heal itself.
Practitioners go through training from a Master who has been shown
how to pass on this knowledge to those who wish to learn. Anyone can
learn Reiki and Reiki does not adhere to any religious beliefs or
dogma. Reiki is non-invasive and relaxing and clients may even fall
asleep during a session. Science has proven that everything has
energy and Reiki uses Universal energy to jump-start the
corresponding meridians of an ailing client. Reiki can be used safely
on the aging as well as the newborn. It is safe for plants and
animals and cannot do harm in and of itself. All healing comes form
the Creator and Reiki practitioners are conduits for this healing.
Reiki practitioners are not miracle workers, but the true miracle is
in the design of the human body and its capacity for self-healing
using the Reiki energy applied to it. Occasionally, the Reiki merely
aides in the transition of the spirit to the waiting arms of the
Creator by providing a sense of peace and eliminating extreme pain.
Transitional treatments are very sacred and done at the request of
the patient if possible, or at the discretion of a family member.
During this type of session, all energy is directed to healing the
spirit and easing the client into a peaceful acceptance of their
passing.
All
Reiki treatments must receive some type of energy in return, and this
has evolved into having to charge something for the sessions. We
humans have a tendency to place little value on "freebies" and it
seems as if the more we pay, the more we value what we got in return.
Dr. Usui gave treatments for free at first but when faced with
recurring clients realized that the Reiki must be paid for. I,
myself, prefer accepting donations for my services which will be
discussed on an individual basis.
What
happens during a session:
During
a Reiki session, you will find that the first difference is the
attitude of the practitioner. This is healing work and not to be
taken lightly. You will never be asked to disrobe, although you will
need to remove shoes, belts, watches and jewelry for your comfort.
You will be asked to lie on a massage table, or sit in a chair and
close your eyes and relax. Soft meditative music will be playing, and
incense may be burning. All practitioners begin with a silent prayer
to their Creator to send energy to you for healing. Once the Reiki
energy has been connected, the practitioner will lightly place his or
her hands on you in various positions to administer the Reiki energy.
If you do not wish to be touched it is also acceptable for the hands
to hover an inch or two above you and you will still receive the
proper amount of energy. The genital region and breasts are never
touched as this is a violation of your body, even in treatment
sessions. At the appropriate time, you will be asked to lie face down
so the Reiki can be applied to back side of your body. The
practitioner will advise you as to when the session is finished and
will probably suggest that you turn over, face up, again and lie
still for a few moments, sitting up when you are ready to do so. It
is normal to be offered water with a little lemon juice in it, or
green tea after a session. You may find that during the treatment you
want to talk about "things". Sometimes thoughts crop up during a
session that you normally would not voice. Remember, Reiki
practitioners honor a code of ethics that is not only binding legally
but spiritually and all sessions are confidential. You also will have
been asked either before your treatment begins, or at your initial
consultation, to sign a release form showing you understand that
Reiki does not guarantee healing in any way, and it may or may not
cure what ails you. Any records kept are for the use of your
practitioner or yourself to enable the treatments to continue at your
discretion. This information is never shared without your permission.
You
may discover that after your first session that you feel energized
and relaxed at the same time. This is not unusual. You will also
experience a cleansing of the system which may present itself for a
period of 21 days. This may include such symptoms as diarrhea,
nausea, loss of appetite, and vivid dreams. You may not experience
any of these or all. This too is normal. It is just your body
releasing the negativity it was harboring before the treatments
began. Emotional outbreaks letting go of past injuries to your body
or mind may occur. Call your practitioner and allow him or her to
record any of these occurrences as it will aid in future treatments.
After the 21 day cleansing is finished, you will find yourself
voluntarily letting go of the negative influences in your life. You
can then decide on further sessions with the advice of your
practitioner or advance to Spiritual Life Coaching.
Again,
Reiki can do no harm and can only bring healing energy into your
life.
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