Reiki And Its History

Reiki, a form of alternative therapy, has become increasingly more popular in North America over the last couple of decades. Its mystical techniques aren’t really understood by some, but here are the Reiki basics to help you understand how it works and possibly makes you appreciate its impact on people all over the world.

What is Reiki?

Reiki is a Japanese relaxation technique that helps reduce stress and promotes healing. The person giving the Reiki session, known as the Reiki Master, applies his or her hands over the patient, without physically touching them, and uses lifeforce energy to relax and heal the body. The Reiki Master doesn’t create this energy, they merely tap into the Earth's energy and spiritually guide it using their body as the medium. This, along with some soft ambient music and sometimes the use of essential oils, it encourages relaxation and promotes healing of the mind and body.

The History

This spiritual practice was developed in Japan in 1922 by Dr. Mikao Usui. His interests in medicine, psychology, and theology prompted him to seek an alternative form of mental, emotional and physical healing. He wanted to find something that wasn't attached to any kind of religion so that everybody can access this form of therapy. Dr. Usui then decided to go on a personal spiritual journey to try to invent this healing technique he’s had in his mind for a while. He found refuge in a cave on Mount Kurama, and fasted and meditated for 21 days. The story goes, on the morning of the 21st day, he started seeing ancient Sanskrit symbols that finally helped him piece everything together and create a system of healing that would eventually be known as Reiki. After his awakening, he opened up a clinic for his Reiki practice and became well-known throughout Japan.

Reiki is definitely a safe and alternative way to reduce stress in your life. Try something new, you might be pleasantly surprised. If you’d like to know more about Reiki, try reading Usui Reiki Ryoho - Level One, by Tami Brady, to start. This is a comprehensive training manual that teaches the methodologies and principles of Reiki. This and Level 2 through 4 are available in our online library, www.selfvibe.com. Treat yourself!