Reiki (pronounced ray-kee) is a unique method of working with this source energy for healing. It was established in Japan in the 1800s by a gentleman called Mikao Usui. ‘Reiki’, broken down, literally means; ‘rei’ – ‘universal’ & ‘ki’ – ‘life force energy’. Ki is sometimes spelt Chi in other Eastern systems but it all means the same thing – universal life force. Again we come back to source energy and one single collective consciousness. There are many, many different stories surrounding the origins of Reiki but the basic premise is this – Mikao spent time in solitary meditation at the top of a mountain and had some form of an epiphany or spontaneous attunement and realised he was able to channel this reiki to heal people.
Reiki can be used as a complementary healing technique but can be used for many other purposes including pain management, protection, spiritual cleansing, detoxing, personal growth and development, aiding mental clarity, improving the immune system and generally aiding well-being and vitality. It is a very powerful way of using the energy that is available to all of us, is very easy to use and can never do any harm. Even if you are sceptical about the benefits of reiki, having a reiki session will undoubtedly leave you feeling very relaxed which can only be a good thing, especially in this day and age when even our young children are stressed out about exams!
In order to be able to give yourself reiki or use reiki to heal others, it is necessary to be attuned to the reiki energy by a Reiki Master. An attunement is basically a way to ‘tune’ the recipient into the subtle energy so they are able to use it and direct it, although reiki will always go where it is needed, the person doing reiki merely acts as a channel for the energy. There are three distinct levels in Reiki. Reiki 1 is the first level and introduces you to the energy, you will be able to heal yourself and others and start learning about working with energy. With a Reiki 2 attunement, three distinct and powerful symbols are imprinted in your energy field which enhance the flow and power of the reiki energy and allow you to treat others, both in person and anywhere in the world using the Distance symbol, Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen. The final level of Reiki is level three or Master level, at this level you learn how to attune others to use reiki and are attuned with the Master symbol, a combination of the other three symbols.
An attunement is a very spiritual event, and can be done distantly using the distance symbol, or in person. Whilst some charge very high prices for the attunements, saying that the recipient needs to appreciate the gift they are being given, others give attunements for free saying the reiki gift should be available to all. There is much debate as to what is right and wrong but the main thing is to do what you feel comfortable with. When looking for a Master Teacher, it is very important that you feel comfortable with the person and that they can provide you with complete Reiki manuals for each level and support after you have been attuned and begin using the energy.
Another thing to consider is whether they can verify their lineage. Many Reiki organisations require this, along with certificates of attunement for membership and whilst there is no one regulatory body for Reiki in the UK currently, having certificates and being able to trace your lineage back to Mikao Usui could prove very useful if you plan on making a living from Reiki.