How was Reiki discovered?
Dr Mikao Usui is the father of Reiki. Born in Japan on 15th August 1864, he grew up hearing stories about the Buddha and was impressed with the Buddha’s quest for enlightenment. Dr Usui was fascinated by Buddha’s desire to help others and by the healing abilities he received after enlightenment. Looking at the people around him he saw that there were many people who were unable to lead happy, productive lives because they were sick or had physical disabilities. Out of a deep sense of compassion for these people, Dr Usui set off on a mission to acquire the healing powers that Buddha and his followers demonstrated, in order to help alleiviate sickness and suffering in others.
Dr Usui travelled widely in Japan studying at Buddhist temples and trying to learn all he could about healing. His travelling eventually led him to a Zen monastery where he met Budhist monks and scholars who also interested in healing. After learning Sanskrit, while studying Indian sutras he discovered a formula for contacting a higher power that could bestow healing. By following the practices in the formula he was initiated into the use of the Reiki healing power. Dr Usui practiced and taught Reiki through attunements for the rest of his life.
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Reiki – Mechanisms of Healing – Part 2
In part 1 on the discussion of the mechanisms of healing I explored the range of opinions on how Reiki works. I want to continue this discussion by focusing on some interesting research which supports my belief that I act as a channel for universal energy when I am giving Reiki treatments. During the 1980’s, Dr Robert Becker, Dr John Zimmerman, and Max Cade each investigated what happens whilst people perform therapies like Reiki. They found that not only do the brain wave patterns of practitioner and receiver become synchronised in the alpha state, but they pulse in unison with the earth’s magnetic field, known as the Schuman Resonance. During these moments, the biomagnetic field of the practitioner’s hands is at least 10000 times greater than normal, and not as a result of internal body current. The synchronisation between practitioner & receiver in the alpha state allows left-right balance, and stimulates deep relaxation and meditation. Which explains why all my clients state Reiki is very relaxing. Toni Bunnell (1997) suggests that the linking of energy fields between practitioner and earth allows the practitioner to draw on the ‘infinite energy source’ or ‘universal energy field’ via the Schuman Resonance. Professor Paul Davies and Dr John Gribben in The Matter Myth (1991), discuss the quantum physics view of a ‘living universe’ in which everything is connected in a ‘living web of interdependence’. References Zimmerman J., ‘New technologies detect effects of healing hands’, Brain/Mind Bulletin, Vol 10, No 16. Sept 30, 1985. Becker, Robert O. ‘The Body Electric: Electromagnetism and the Foundation of Life’, Pub: William Morrow & Co. Inc. 1985 Bunnell T., ‘A tentative mechanism for healing’, Positive Health, Nov/Dec 1997. Cade M. & Coxhead N., ‘The Awakened Mind;Biofeedback and the Development of Higher States of Awareness’, pub: Element Books, 1996 (reprint).
Reiki – Mechanisms of Healing – Part 1
In the past series on Reiki I discussed whether Reiki was a placebo, and cited a variety of scientific experiments to demonstrate it is not. Now I would like to discuss the mechanisms of healing. Like all other aspects of healing, the mechanism is little understood. So I would like to discuss the range of ideas concerning such mechanisms. At one end of this range, is the belief, held by many healers, that they are channelling a higher spiritual energy that ultimately derives from God. This energy is often referred to as “divine love” or “unconditional love” by healers. At the other end of the range there are many theories which are based on our knowledge of science, particular physics. The possibility that any conventional electromagnetic energy may be a candidate for “healing energy” seems unlikely as healing has been shown, at times to operate outside the dimensions of space & time. For example there are a wide variety of scientific experiments were healing procedures were partly or wholly undertaken at a distance1. Between these 'spiritual' and 'material' poles there is a middle ground of ideas concerning healing mechanisms based on the concepts of subtle energies, the subtle energy bodies of all living organisms and the universal energy known by names such as prana and chi. . I personally believe that I act as a channel for universal energy that comes from the natural world. References Dossey, L. (1993). Healing Words. The Power of Prayer and the Practice of Medicine. Harper Collins; New York.
