From the Japanese word meaning "universal life force," Reiki is a laying-on of hands in the traditional sense of healing.
The patient receives energy through the hands of a certified Reiki practitioner. It is a very simple system and the energy will go through clothing, blankets or even casts. Patients are treated fully clothed and in a comfortable, reclining position. It is profoundly relaxing.
History of reiki
Reiki is an ancient healing method that was rediscovered in the mid-1880s and is now available throughout the world. We owe its rediscovery to Dr. Mikao Usui, a monk in the Japanese city of Kyoto. Dr. Usui became the first Master to establish the modern system of Reiki.
Reiki, which means "universal life force," is applied to the patient's body by a sequence of hand positions. Practitioners receive initiations, or "attunements," from a Reiki master enabling them to practice this remarkable healing art.
When Dr. Usui neared the end of his life in the 1920s he passed the knowledge of Reiki to his successor, Dr. Chujiro Hayashi, whom he made Grand Master. Dr. Hayashi was recognized by the Emperor, who decreed Reiki to be a national treasure. Until after World War II, Reiki was still known only in Japan.
In due course, Dr. Hayashi trained and initiated a Hawaiian woman, Hawayo Takata, as Grand Master. It was Mrs. Takata who appointed 22 Reiki masters and introduced Reiki to the United States and Europe.
Traditional Reiki masters--like Sylvia Lagergren--trace their lineage directly to Grand Masters Usui, Hayashi, and Takata.
Some facts about reiki
Reiki energy addresses the whole person: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual
It heals the cause of imbalance or disease, not just the symptoms.
It can be used to enhance the treatment of other methods such as medication, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and herbs. It does not interfere with other modalities. Because there is no manipulation of the hands, there are few, if any contraindications.
It is very gentle and relaxing, restoring balance and harmony to the whole self.
It works on plants – the environment – and animals as well as people.
It does not depend on belief. It is not faith healing.
It does not require extensive learning from books or classes, but is given in a series of attunements by a Reiki Master.
A practitioner of Reiki does not use his or her own energy; therefore there is no drain of personal energy. In fact, the practitioner usually has a heightened sense of well being, a "high" when administering Reiki.
There are three levels or degrees for Reiki practitioners: first, second, and third, (or master). After the attunements in each of these, a certain period of practice is indicated before the next level can be acquired. The practitioner is given protection from picking up disease or other imbalances from the person on whom he or she is working.
There are certain hand placements to learn (very easy, as some children are also practitioners) and a few other "rules" which are learned in about six hours over a weekend period.
Reiki usually is not an instant cure. In chronic problems which have taken a long time to develop the healing will also take a longer time than in cases of an acute situation.
Reiki is especially effective for those in hospice care, those with cancer, MS, AIDS, fibro myalgia, lupus, depression, diabetes, and other serious problems.
Reiki furthers emotional and spiritual development in a most profound way.
