uk Therapy

What is Reiki?

© Sally Richards

When I first encountered the word ‘reiki’ some ten years ago, I have to admit it didn’t appeal. The name didn’t sing or call to me; I was looking for a therapy to study, as my career in Nurseries and Pre-Schools had sadly run its course due to ill health. In all honesty, I didn’t know anything about reiki, or look into it at that time; it was obviously not the right time for me.

A few years later I decided that Reiki was something that I needed in my life, to help me to move on from life’s troubles and illness. I was in a tunnel, having lost my career, health, and vitality to ill health. It’s as if reiki comes to us when we need it most! (This is a commonly expressed experience). I met a lady on a Healing workshop who was a newly qualified Reiki Master, she offered to teach me reiki for a reasonable fee - but sadly that didn’t work out, as she had personal issues to resolve.

A few months later, I did find a teacher and, following some initial treatments, which wereunbelievably helpful (relieving my ever whirring mind: worry and anxiety, and physical pain) I received Reiki level One in 2006. I initially wanted reiki in order to help myself recover from M.E. and depression (I had made good progress and returned to work, but kept relapsing) but once I started on my reiki journey I didn’t look back. I enjoyed every minute of my training. I achieved Mastership in April 2008, and love to give reiki, to teach, and pass this unique healing system on to others.

So what is reiki?

Reiki - Usui Shiki Ryoho – to give it its proper title, is an energy therapy that originated in Japan. It utilises the Universal Life Force (or cosmic energy if you prefer) to help the body to heal (or stimulate the healing process). Many people believe/envisage that the energy comes from the ultimate source of good/the divine/’God’. Regardless of belief reiki is there for everyone.

This energising force is also known as chi, ki,orprana in eastern traditions, and is a common factor in holistic and complementary therapies.

Usui, a Japanese gentleman, was enlightened as to the application of reiki healing while on a fasting mediation on Mount Kurama (McKenzie, 2005), Kyoto, Japan in the 1800’s. Usui passed the knowledge on to Dr Chujiro Hayashi. Reiki came to the west via California and Hawayi, in the late 1940’s by Reiki Master Hawaya Takata, who we are told was cured of a tumour in Dr Hayashi’s clinic, and was so impressed and amazed that she begged and implored him (for many years!) to be allowed to study with him.

Reiki energy is in us, around us, and all living things. It is natural, part of us, - whatever we choose to believe – it’s the very energy of life. Just as we can’t see the wind, but we feel it... so too reiki is invisible to us. However, aura’s (human energy fields) can be seen by some people, and photographed (Kirlian photography). Auras are the energy fields around living things.

Proving the copious amount of anecdotal evidence is difficult, however, there are people who do research and write about the science of Reiki, such as Dr James Oschman – (Reiki News Magazine, 2002) an academic scientist, who is also a reiki healer, and an expert on the human energy field (HEF).

Reiki is gradually becoming more accepted, and understood. Research and studies have been carried out, especially in the US. Reiki is now used in care homes, nursing homes, hospices, hospitals, spa’s, and the workplace (for de-stressing), as well of course in private practices. It is holistic, and a complementary therapy.

How can it help?

When we are tired, ill, out of balance, lost, lacking in focus, depressed ... (the list is endless), our physical energy and subtle energy field (aura) is low, and may become blocked (in our chakras – our internal energy centres). Reiki can help to restore energy flow, and nourish and support us on all levels of being: mental, emotional, spiritual and physical.

Just as with holistic and complementary therapies (CAM), when we work with other people our energy fields interact, just as they do in everyday life! We have all come home shattered after an encounter with an irate shopper, boss, or colleague? Or felt someone’s eyes on us, turned around to find that a complete stranger is staring? Or, felt energised when in the company of an inspiring person. Life is really one big energy interaction, from the positioning of the planets – the moon affects our tides - and solar flares, volcanic eruptions, to energy in medicine (scans), boiling a kettle, and our own energy produced, used, and stored, in the body...

Once we have the gift of reiki, we can access this healing energy whenever it is needed – for ourselves, those we love, and as practitioners for our clients. All we need to do is to gently place our hands on them, and the energy will flow.

‘Healing is not just a matter of time, but a matter of opportunity’.

Hippocrates

Who and what is reiki used for?

Reiki is for virtually everyone! – from the young to the elderly – whether healthy, chronically ill, or simply needing help to forge a new direction in life. Reiki can be of benefit.

It is safe, gentle and non intrusive; and can be given anywhere. Reiki is de-stressing, detoxifies the body, and goes to the area of need, be that mental, physical, emotional or spiritual.

Reiki only has a few contra-indications - for example: psychiatric disorders (unless under supervision), pacemakers, post birth (for approx 10 days, but this needs to always be checked for recent regulations, and with the midwife), infectious diseases, when someone is under the influence of drink or drugs, and diabetes (unless under medical supervision). Care is needed if a person is on any medication, as reiki like other CAM will aim to balance the body (via the endocrine system), and occasionally medication may need to be reduced (only with permission and under supervision from your GP!).

A qualified practitioner of reiki will carry out a thorough consultation, and explain reiki before treatment, along with any possible healing reactions that can occur (temporary) as the body begins the healing process.

What’s the secretive aspect to Reiki all about?

Reiki is not so much secretive, rather sacred or precious. It is passed down from Reiki Master to Master, creating a reiki lineage (or line), traceable back to the modern day founder Mikao Usui. All reiki Masters should be able to provide evidence of their lineage, and the UK Reiki Federation check these on application. Because reiki is so simple to learn at level one, it has been left open to abuse – which is why regulation is on the horizon. The UK Reiki Federation are working hard to make sure that reiki is used ethically and professionally.

It is special to be able to give healing to another person, and to ourselves. It is given in a loving way with the highest intentions. As a person progresses with reiki it can become a way of life, in part due toThe Reiki Principles, which are a tool for self-development. These are taught at level one, but become more important with each level.

Reiki is nota substitute for conventional medicine, a religion, weird, dogmatic, or a cult! It is not the same as Spiritual Healing (clarification for this was found through the UK Reiki Federation) which is a different discipline/training. As it is holistic: working with the mind, body, and spirit of a person, it is also a spiritual journey for those who work with reiki, and a tool for personal and spiritual transformation.

How does it feel?

Reiki is usually deeply/blissfully relaxing even for those who normally find relaxation difficult. It is comforting, and afterwards can be energising or relaxing – giving the receiver what they need (rather than what they want). In a full treatment (approx. One hour), following consultation, the practitioner/giver places their hands in a series of discreet positions on the head, front and back torso, and legs. Healing energy is brought through the practitioner (as a conduit). The Practitioner or giver also receives reiki (an added benefit!), as the reiki flows through them, creating a very relaxing effect – both client/receiver and practitioner/giver feel relaxed.

Reiki will pass through clothing, meaning there is no need for the removal of any garments when receiving reiki. You can receive reiki treatments seated and spontaneously, as well as lying on a reiki couch. Broken bones can be treated (through the plaster) once set correctly – not before.

How can I learn reiki?

Reiki is simple to learn at Level One (Or Reiki First Degree). Anyone and everyone can learn reiki; it is taught (and passed on) by a Master Teacher in three (sometimes four) levels, and is mainly an oral tradition – so no need for any note taking at courses! And great if memories are not so good - as usually manuals are provided.

The first Level is for those who want reiki for themselves, to self-heal and to give to/treat their family and loved ones, and pets! You then have reiki for life. It is ideal for those with chronic illness, anxiety, pain, or for Carers.

Reiki Level Two (or Reiki Second Degree) – The Practitioner Level, and courses at this level should provide the knowledge and expertise for professional Practice.

Level Three – Master Teacher. Master in reiki context (of the East) actually means teacher, which can be confusing, however in the west it is generally a term given to someone who is able to, and has, passed reiki on. At this level the journey becomes more spiritual; with more dedication required; training provides the practitioner with the knowledge and skills to pass on reiki, and teach reiki if they choose to do so. Reiki does not have to be all encompassing at this level – we all have to live life in the real world, however often at this level the desire to give more to reiki becomes natural. Mastership can be a difficult path, but is most rewarding.

Sometimes levels are split: as Level 3a) (or 3)Master Practitioner – which allows for enhanced professional practice, and personal and spiritual growth without needing to pass reiki on/teach, or for those who wish to take their time and gain Mastership in stages, and finally Level 3b) (or 4)Teacher.

I believe that the more people who have reiki, share it, teach it, and use it, the better.

It can be an antidote to pain and suffering in the world, and can help individuals to heal, become focused, un-stuck, progress and break un-healthy patterns of behaviour. However healing is not a one way process, a miracle cure, or quick fix, and effort needs to also come from the person, as with all CAM.

Reiki will not be for everyone but will often call to those who need it in their lives, when the time is right.

(c) Sally Richards

For more information about reiki and its origins, my own reiki journey, and details of the Reiki treatments, workshops, and courses that I provide, please go to my website:

www.awenaura.co.uk

Or Email: reiki@sallyrichards.co.uk

A little about the author.

Sally Richards is a Member of the UK Reiki Federation at Master Teacher level. She is currently studying (part time) for a Foundation Degree in Complementary Therapies (now in her second year). She has her own Reiki Practice (since 2007), and teaches reiki one to one (or small groups if preferred – max. 3 people). She studied counselling and gained a Certificate in Counselling Skills in 2004, and completed Bardic studies (with OBOD) in 2007/08-which provided spiritual nourishment and development, and personal development. She enjoys writing poetry, and is a Published Poet (see link from Awenaura website) and Survivors (London) poet.

Sally loves the natural world, especially trees, hills, birds, and animals.

Reiki Master Teacher Sally Richards

UKRF MT

Bibliography(References)

The article is based on my accumulative knowledge and insights of reiki, through experience over the years. The bibliography below are just a few of countless varying Reiki sources that have been informative, and of help and interest in that time; although not specifically used for this article. The UK Reiki Federation/Website/and staff have also informed my knowledge and understanding of the standards, ethics, and application of reiki, (along initially, with the UK Reiki Assoc). My journey began thanks to my own Reiki Master, Jenny, and continues to be nourished by my clients and students – So gratitude, love, blessings, and light to them all.

Books/Magazines

Baird, D. (2000). A Thousand paths to Tranquillity. London: MQ Publishing.

McKenzie, E. (2005). Healing Reiki. London: Bounty Books

Charlish, A. & Robertshaw, A. (2006). Secrets of Reiki. Koln: Evergreen/Taschen

Oschman, L. O. (2002). Science and the Human Energy Field. Reiki news magazine. 1 (3) p. 1-8.

Quest, P. (2002. Reiki for Life. London: Piatkus

Shuffrey, S. L. (2005). Live better - Reiki. London: Duncan Baird.

CD’S

Phyllis Lei Furomoto, 2007, Exploration in the practice of Usui Shiki Ryoho

Paul Mitchell (Head of the discipline of Usui Shiki Ryoho) Speaking at the 2003 TRA Gathering Buckland Hall, UK.