An Overview
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What is Reiki? Reiki is an ancient, powerful healing art which has
spread through the world since its rediscovery in the mid-1800’s by
Dr. Mikao Usui. Dr. Usui, head of a Christian school in Kyoto, was
challenged by his students on the subject of spiritual healings. The
gift that finally came to him after years of research and intensive
meditation is known as Reiki, which means Universal Life Force
Energy.
We practice Usui Reiki, as it was taught/brought to the West in the
1900’s by Hawaya Takata. Reiki Master Renate Sorensen received
her first degree in Reiki from Barbara Weber Ray, who was herself
taught by Takata. Hawaya Takata received her Reiki training from
Hayashi, who himself learned directly from Usui. Our Reiki
tradition emphasizes lineage/ relationships, and community/
lovingkindness.
spread through the world since its rediscovery in the mid-1800’s by
Dr. Mikao Usui. Dr. Usui, head of a Christian school in Kyoto, was
challenged by his students on the subject of spiritual healings. The
gift that finally came to him after years of research and intensive
meditation is known as Reiki, which means Universal Life Force
Energy.
We practice Usui Reiki, as it was taught/brought to the West in the
1900’s by Hawaya Takata. Reiki Master Renate Sorensen received
her first degree in Reiki from Barbara Weber Ray, who was herself
taught by Takata. Hawaya Takata received her Reiki training from
Hayashi, who himself learned directly from Usui. Our Reiki
tradition emphasizes lineage/ relationships, and community/
lovingkindness.
According to Paula Horan, Ph.D., “Reiki is the democratization of the healing process. Reiki aids
everyone along the spiritual continuum. Reiki is not a religion, as it holds no creed or doctrine.”
(Paula Horan, Empowerment through Reiki )
Reiki claims over a million students world wide, at varying levels of practice. Reiki, as I have been
taught, is a strong, meditative prayer. We always ask only for the highest good for all concerned.
Emphasizing gratitude and appreciation, Reiki practice gently brings the tremendous joy of life
forward into conscious experience. Life becomes less chaotic and more peaceful. Healing begins on
all levels.
Where is Reiki practiced?
According to local Reiki Master Kathleen Usher, RN, BS, LSW, “Reiki is now offered in more than
100 hospitals across the country. There it is offered for help with stress management, anxiety, and
pain, as well as emotional pain, and addictions. Reiki is also offered in clinics and by practitioners in
private practice.” The National Institute of Health Center for Complementary and Alternative
Medicine is conducting clinical trials (2004) using Reiki, under the category of Biofield Therapies.
Reiki helps:
~Relax, energize and renew.
~Calm emotions and mind.
~Relieve stress and tension.
~Support and facilitate change.
~Accelerate one’s natural healing ability.
~Nourish attitudes of gratitude and appreciation.
~Encourage grace in the face of difficulties.
~Spread lovingkindness into the world.
~Build community.
What is a session like? Reiki is given through the hands of a trained practitioner, placed in
prescribed positions over the body. It flows to where support is needed for healing, whether mental,
physical, emotional or spiritual. Reiki acts to bring mind, body, and spirit into balance and acts
according to the needs and intentions of the recipient.
During a Reiki session, you:
~Remain fully clothed at all times.
~Lie peacefully on a massage table or sit in a chair, according to your preference.
~Listen to peaceful music.
~Experience little or no physical contact.
~Experience no pain or discomfort from the Reiki treatment.
~Experience feelings of wellbeing that extend beyond the session.
Are there side effects? No. Reiki can do no harm. Reiki is compatible and blends well with all
other healing modalities. It does not take the place of other modalities.
Reiki is not therapy, clinical social work, case management, or crisis intervention. It does not
take the place of medical care, dentistry, physical therapy, nursing care, etc. You should not stop
seeing your usual practitioners while receiving Reiki treatments.