What does Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki mean?
Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki, or just Reiki for
short, is an energy healing method that originated in Japan. Rei
means universal, supernatural knowledge or spiritual
consciousness. Ki is the Japanese word for life force or life
energy and is also known as Chi in Chinese, Prana in Sanskrit,
and Ti or Ki in Hawaiian. 
It has also been called orgone or
bioplasma. Thus, Reiki can be translated into Spiritually Guided
Life Force Energy.
In Japan the word reiki is used to describe any
kind of healing method. To distinguish it from other healing
methods the founder, Dr. Usui, referred to it as Usui Shiki Ryoho
Reiki or the Usui System of Natural Healing.
The History of Reiki.
The Usui system of Natural Healing was
discovered or rediscovered around the end of the 19th century by
Dr. Mikao Usui. We say rediscovered because it is believed that
Reiki is based on ancient knowledge that can be traced back
thousands of years to Tibet. Dr. Usui studied sacred literature
extensively in Japan, China and Europe, and was searching for a
way to do healing work without depleting one’s own energy.
During a mystical experience at Mt Kurama, Japan, Dr Usui
received a Reiki attunement. He also received the symbols that
are used in Reiki and the ability to use and teach Reiki.
Reiki was first taken outside Japan in 1937
when Mrs. Hawayo Takata brought it to the Hawaiian Islands. Since
then Reiki has spread worldwide and it is estimated that there
are 50,000 Reiki Masters and as many as 1 million Reiki
practitioners.
What is Reiki?
Reiki is based on the idea that what causes us
to be alive is an unseen universal life energy that flows through
the body’s different systems such as the meridians, chakras
and the aura.
When this life energy is at its optimal high we
feel good on all levels; physical, mental, emotional and
spiritual. When this life energy is low we don’t feel well
and we may get ill. Many things such as negative thought patterns
and/or emotions can disrupt this energy.
In a Reiki session the reiki energy flows to
and recharges the affected parts of the energy field and breaks
up negative energy allowing the life energy to flow in a healthy,
normal and natural way again.
Even though Reiki is spiritual in nature it is
not a religion.
How is Reiki performed?
Usually the client lies down on a massage table
fully clothed and the practitioner places his/her hands on or
above the client’s body at different locations such as the
head, stomach, back, feet, legs and/or arms. Reiki can also be
performed with the client sitting up or even standing.
What are the benefits of Reiki?
People experience Reiki sessions in many
different ways. Most experience a relaxing effect or increased
energy and some improvement in any physical or emotional
disorder. Some experience altered states of consciousness or have
a spiritual experience.
Reiki has shown a positive effect on many types
of illnesses and negative conditions including headaches, colds,
anxiety, heart disease, cancer, leukemia, and postoperative pain.
It can also be used to reduce side effects of medication and
chemotherapy and speed healing from injuries and surgeries. There
have also been reported almost miraculous recoveries from serious
illnesses but that is not common and not guaranteed.
If the client has any kind of medical or mental
condition Reiki should not be used alone. It should be used in
conjunction with a course of treatment prescribed by a licensed
health care practitioner.
Reiki is always beneficial and cannot be
harmful.
More information can be obtained at the website
of the International Center for Reiki Training - www.reiki.org.
