Traditional Usui Reiki with Sharon

Reiki is a Japanese word that roughly translates to mean “Universal Life Energy”. It is a gentle method of healing that taps into Universal Energy to facilitate healing. It is also used to clear out negative energies from spaces, as well as remove negative energies from objects. 

Universal energy is what sustains life. It is found between galaxies, planets, stars, and molecules. Universal Energy is the life force that makes up everything in existence. 

The art of Reiki is energy work. It is working with subtle energies, usually to clear out blockages, open up channels, and bring balance to energy flow. 

Here is a simple exercise to do in order to feel your own life force energy: 

Begin by rubbing your palms together, and while doing so, bring your focus to your palms. Continue rubbing your palms together for a full minute. Slowly and gently pull your hands 1 to 2 inches apart. Now, slowly, without touching, bring them back close together. Do this a few times. Be aware of what you are feeling- warmth, maybe tingling or buzzing. This is your life force energy.

Here is an exercise to do with another person: Both people should briskly rub their palms together for a minute, while focusing their awareness on their palms. Now bring your hands up, leaving a couple of inches between your hands and your partner’s hands. Be aware of what you are feeling. Notice if it feels similar or very different from when you were only feeling energy from your hands. 

This is the Universal Life Force Energy you are feeling.

Reiki was founded by Mikao Usui who was born August 15, 1865, in Japan. He was a student of Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, psychology, history and medicine. In the early 1920s, he went on a retreat to a Buddhist Temple on Mt. Karama. He spent his time there meditating, fasting, and doing spiritual studies. During this time, while meditating, Reiki entered his crown chakra, enhancing his spiritual awakening as well as his ability to heal. 

Healing energy work was not new in Japan. Neither was the term Reiki. Mikao Usui called his system of Reiki healing The Usui Reiki Treatment Method for Improvement of Body and Mind, or Usui Reiki Ryoho.

Reiki works by flowing through the channel (the Reiki practitioner) to the receiver- be it a person, animal, plant, place or thing. It unblocks energy pathways, clears out negative/stagnant energies, and balances the Chakras. 

When I speak of energy pathways, I am talking about the body’s meridians. Meridians are a network of pathways within the body that energy/life force flows through. 

Chakra is a Sanskrit word meaning “Wheel” or “Disc”. It refers to the energy centers located throughout the body. Many people are familiar with the main seven chakras that run the length of the spine from the top of the head to the root of the spine. There are a total of 114 chakras located in the human body: the main seven, along with the ones in the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. 

Anyone can receive Reiki. It doesn’t matter age, ailments, disease, medications. Reiki is safe for everyone. It can only be given by a Reiki practitioner who has been attuned to Reiki by a Reiki Master. There is a lot of information out there on Reiki, but if a person has not been properly attuned to Reiki, what you receive is non-Reiki energy. 

A person becomes attuned to Reiki when the Reiki Master opens up the crown, palms and spine channels for the Reiki to flow through. This flow will remain, always, but its strength will depend on how often it is used and refined, along with lifestyle choices. Following the attunement, the student is instructed to perform Self-Reiki for 21 days. 

In Traditional Usui Reiki there are three levels: 

Shoden is the foundation for Reiki learning. Students learn the history of Reiki, how it works, and how to use it. They learn how to do self-Reiki as well as give Reiki to others, to pets, objects and space. They learn the basics of Chakras, how to scan energy, and how to use Reiki energy in everyday life. Once a person is attuned in Shoden, they are considered a Reiki practitioner and can give Reiki treatments to others. 

Okuden is the next level of training. The student learns and is attuned to three symbols which can be used to increase and better focus the Reiki energy. They are shown how to use these symbols in a healing session. 

Shinpiden is the last level of training. The students are attuned to the Master Reiki Symbol. They are taught how to attune others to Reiki, opening up their pathway to becoming a Reiki Master. 

A Reiki Master is simply one who gives instruction and attunes others to Reiki. 

Reiki is used worldwide. According to the International Center for Reiki, there are at least one million Reiki practitioners in the world today. Reiki can be found in households, massage practices, hospitals, hospices, nursing homes, mental health counselor therapies, and churches. 

In the United States, the laws governing Reiki differ from state to state. Anyone can practice Reiki privately, but if you wish to make it a business, you need to check with your state’s laws. Some states require you to have a license to touch. Laws are always subject to change, so it’s a good idea to keep up on any requirements your state has, if you wish to practice Reiki as a career.