WHAT IS REIKI?

Reiki is an energy healing system founded in the early 1900's by a Buddhist scholar named Mikao Usui. The direct translation from Japanese is Universal Spiritual Energy. Reiki functions on the principle that we all have an energy body or auric field in addition to our physical body. Our energy body is formed of higher finer vibrations and co-exists/interacts with our physical body on the level of form. Blockages in our energy body can manifest as physical pain/tension, emotional imbalances and illness, as well as hindering energy circulation within the body.

During a Reiki session the practitioner connects to Reiki, (Universal Spiritual Energy), and facilitates an energy transfer to the client. This transfer is actioned by the practitioner placing their hands on or above the client's main energy points (or chakras). The practitioner may also work on any other non-intimate areas where they detect energy blockages. Through the influx of this additional energy, blockages within the client can be loosened and ultimately dissolved. As a result of this the client can feel lighter, more balanced and more energised.  

Whilst experiencing Reiki many clients enter a meditative state and connect with themselves on a deep level. This is the state in which we are able to generate self-healing on all levels and access the vast knowledge already within us. Because of this it is not uncommon for a client to gain increased insight and intuition following a session, or to have visions or vivid dreams. Although Reiki is an intensely personal experience, the overwhelming feeling for many clients is a feeling of profound relaxation, warmth and restoration.

REIKI HISTORY
 

Mikao Usui, the founder of Reiki, was born in a small Japanese village (Taniai) in 1865. Partially educated at a Buddhist monastery, he had a keen interest in spirituality from a young age. Usui enjoyed a diverse career whilst raising a family, yet he continued to pursue spiritual matters - studying different branches of Buddhism, Taoism and Christianity. In his quest for a deep spiritual connection, he spent some years he as a Buddhist monk, before undertaking a strict fasting and meditation regime.  

In Mikao Usui's time researching spiritual disciplines, different religions and as a Buddhist monk, he had not been able to find the connection he had been searching for. However, during a gruelling period of fasting and meditation on Mount Kurama,  he came close to death. It was on this day that he underwent a transformation  and experienced a moment of enlightenment. 

On his way back down the mountain, he encountered people with various physical illnesses  and instinctively placed his hands on the affected areas. Unwittingly, Mikao Usui had started healing as each person's condition improved following his touch. Through his moment of enlightment he had acquired healing hands!  

Eventually Mikao Usui opened a centre in Tokyo where he endeavoured to teach the method by which he had opened up to the spiritual connection within himself. He also gave healing sessions throughout Tokyo during this time too. This was the beginning of the system of Reiki which we know today.