History of Reiki
How did Reiki come to be?
First, let’s be clear of what we’re talking about. The
word Reiki is actually a conflation of two Japanese
words: “rei” sometimes translated as universal (though
I think "spirit" is probably a closer fit) and “ki”
meaning energy. Reiki the energy has been, and
always will be, around and permeates our Universe.
The practice of using Reiki energy as a
healing modality was created by the
Japanese long ago. No one is really sure
when or who may have started the practice
of using energy to heal in Japan. But the Usui
method was created by Mikao Usui (1865-1926) who
studied medicine, psychology, religion, and divination
as a young man.
It is said that in early 1922 Usui was intent on finding
his purpose in life and believed that he needed to
isolate himself and fast for a long period of time in
order to be enlightened of his true purpose. So he
spent 3 weeks high on a mountain fasting and
meditating. On the 21st day he was laid unconscious
by a sudden burst of energy entering his head. When
he awoke, he had found his enlightened state and felt
more energized than ever before even though he’d
been weak from fasting.
Overjoyed and wanting to share his story, he headed
toward home but on his way down the mountain he
stubbed his toe. When he cradled his injured foot in
his hands, a healing energy began to flow from his
palms into his toe and in a short while it felt better. He
was elated that he’d been given such a gift! Soon after
he began using his new gift of healing to help family
and friends ... the beginnings of a system of healing he
eventually called the “Usui Reiki Ryoho” (Usui Reiki
Healing Method).
He found that he could use this healing
energy to “attune” others and
eventually taught the tradition and
methods he developed to a number of
students who became grandmasters of
Usui Reiki Ryoho. After World War II
the practice of Reiki was Westernized
a bit (presumably to make it more palatable to
Americans) and around 1980 began to be more
widespread in the US. Today there are a number of
different Reiki methods being taught. Some have their
roots in Usui’s methods but many do not and very few
are true to Usui Reiki Ryoho. This is one of the
reasons why I refer to my methods as a “Western Usui
Tradition”.
Becoming a Reiki Master
Just as Usui taught, all Reiki practitioners
must be attuned and trained. There are a
minimum of three attunements/training
sessions (depending on the specific Reiki
methods) required before acquiring a
Master level qualification.
During the attunement process, special
symbols are given to the practitioner as a
set of tools to aid us in the manipulation of
energy within a physical body.
For Educational purposes only.
This information has not been evaluated by a medical professional.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.