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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How does Reiki work?
A Reiki healer is attuned to Reiki energy, which means their channels are opened up to universal life energy. The client automatically draws this universal life energy from the healer. Kirlian photography, invented by Semyon and Valentina Kirlian, has been used to photograph the aura and the energy exchange between healer and patient during healing treatments. (Note: I do not provide Kirlian photographs.)
How can Reiki help me?
The nature of Reiki means that it can be beneficial in treating a wide range of conditions. I have found particular success in helping clients cope with anxiety, stressful periods in their lives, feeling drained and tired all the time, and to speed up recovery after illness, operations or injuries. It is important to note that for a successful Reiki treatment the client does not need to believe in Reiki or the concept of auras and life force energy. In addition, Reiki is compatible with all religious beliefs.
What can I expect from a Reiki treatment?
A Reiki treatment session lasts one hour and the fully clothed client lies on a massage table. The Reiki practitioner then holds her hands above the clients body or gently lays her hands on the clients body. The Reiki energy is automatically absorbed into the clients body which has a greatly beneficial effect. There is no standard experience of a Reiki treatment, but most of my clients find it deeply relaxing and they feel more peaceful afterwards. When a client feels tired at the onset of a treatment they often feel more invigorated afterwards. During a treatment clients routinely report sensations of heat, coldness or tingling in their bodies. Some clients see flashes of colour, others are reminded of previous experiences as these are gently released, yet others feel nothing. This does not mean Reiki was not working, it means that it was working in a gentle manner.
