Reiki is a gift and a blessing to this earth at this time. It is a living way of life that is very much needed in the world to heal the imbalances caused by living in continuous disconnection from spirit.

The gift Reiki offers the "Western World" is a simple path to experiencing our lives as a sacred honourable experience.

Phyllis Lei Furumoto O'Sensei. Grandaughter of Hawayo Takata and lineage carrier of the Usui System of Natural Healing in: Living Reiki Takata's teachings as told to Fran Brown. 1992. LifeRhythm

Reiki comes from a Japanese word meaning "universal life force energy", the energy which is within and all around us. It is derived from "rei", which means "free passage", "universal" or "transcendental spirit" and "ki", which means "vital life force energy" or "universal life energy".

Reiki is a form of energy healing that was thought to originate in Tibet, where it was practiced by the Tibetan Buddhist monks thousands of years ago.

It wasn't until around 1914 that is was rediscovered in Japan by Dr. Mikao Usui. Dr. Usui was born in Japan and during the late 1800s he was a Minister teaching Sunday school and giving sermons at a Christian boy's school in Japan. While leading a sermon, it is said that one of his students asked him if Jesus could heal and asked for a demonstration of this healing power. Dr. Usui replied that he couldn't give it as he wasn't taught how. He said that some day he would like to prove it to the students and by tradition he then had to go and find it, so he resigned and left to search out his quest.

His search led him to study different religions continuously seeking the answer to his question and some time later he was led to a Zen temple near Kyoto in Japan. There, he learnt Buddhism and studied Sanskrit texts for about 14 years although he still did not find the magic healing gift he was looking for. It is said that during these studies, he came across some symbols and phrases where upon he decided to go on a 21 day quest of meditation, fasting and chanting on Mt. Kurayama, a holy mountain. It is said that he sat under a pine tree, close to a stream that he could hear and he settled himself down for his 21 day quest.

At the darkest hours of the night before the break of dawn on the 21st day it is said that he looked up when he had finished meditating and saw flashes of light. This amazing and powerful light came towards him at speed and he had to choose whether he was going to brave it. He did.

The light hit him on the forehead knocking him unconscious. When he came around it is said that he had the most beautiful visions of rainbow colours dancing in front of him. These colours were followed by symbols which he was guided to remember. ...

And Usui Reiki was born.

Since then, Reiki was introduced into the Western world from around the mid-1970s and has spread dramatically worldwide.

"Reiki is becoming very popular all over the world. It was the first form of energy healing that I was introduced to. It's an excellent introduction to energy work as it incorporates grounding, channeling energies, making you aware of protection, working with sacred symbols, spirit guides, balancing chakras, auras and much more. Reiki is a very powerful energy when channeled with pure intent as it works for the highest good in any situation past, present or future". Paul O'Halloran

Reiki has a holistic approach, healing at all levels, spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical, bringing them all back into balance.

Reiki seeks to bring balance and order to the body, it is a gentle relaxing therapy which flows from the practitioners hands and goes to where it is most needed in the patient. Some times the practitioner will use sacred symbols and specific techniques to help restore the balance, either way, the treatment is gentle and non intrusive.

Reiki energy has many basic effects including healing, bringing about deep relaxation, releasing energy blocks, detoxifying, balancing life energy, and restoring the vibrational frequency of the body to 7.83. Reiki is useful in treating serious illnesses in both people and animals such as sports injuries, cuts, burns, internal diseases, emotional disorders, and stress-related illnesses. It is said that Reiki may also compliment other therapies and increase their effectiveness by 50% (Ingrid Darragh Reiki Manual 1).

In becoming a Reiki Master there are 3 levels: Level 1, Level 2 and Master Level. This can also be followed to become a Master-Teacher.

Reiki produces good health, happiness
and security
Just for today, do not worry
Just for today, do not anger
Just for today, count your blessings, honour your parents, teachers and neighbours.
Just for today, live honestly
Just for today: Be kind to all living things
Dr. Mikao Usui

Adapted from: Living Reiki Takata's teachings as told to Fran Brown.
1992. LifeRhythm.