History of Reiki

Reiki is an ancient Japanese technique used for stress reduction and relaxation ​and has been shown to have many benefits for both physical and mental health. ​Reiki was developed by Mikao Usui in Japan in the 1920s. The term comes from ​two Japanese words: “rei,” which means universal, and “ki,” which loosely ​translates to a flow of a life force of energy that happens in all living things. ​Reiki was brought to America in the late 1930’s by Mrs. Hawayo Takata, a ​Japanese emigrant who, while visiting her parents in Japan, received Reiki ​treatments for her own illnesses. Being completely healed this convinced her to ​learn the art of Reiki and bring it back with her to the US. She was trained by ​Chujiro Hayashi who carried on Usui’s traditions upon his passing in 1927.

While Mikao Usui is often credited with the popularization of Reiki as a healing ​modality, there were other forms of energy healing practiced in Japan before ​Usui’s system emerged. These earlier styles may have influenced Usui’s ​development of Reiki, but they were not identical to what we know as Reiki ​today. The other forms of Reiki fell into disuse or remained relatively unknown ​while Usui Reiki continued to be practiced and grew in popularity.

How does Reiki Work?

Reiki is a relaxing hands-on healing therapy that is applied through noninvasive, ​non-manipulative gentle touch. Reiki involves lightly laying of hands just above ​or on the clothed body, working over the body in a slow progression of hand ​positions. Reiki has no religious doctrine and is accepted by people from all ​backgrounds and belief systems. Reiki is a therapeutic approach in which the ​practitioner facilitates the delivery of universal energy to an individual to ​enhance vitality and promote the body's innate ability to heal. The intention of ​the Reiki practitioner is to act as a conduit for the delivery of universal energy ​and thereby replenish and restore energy flow and balance. Acceptance that a ​universal life force or energy exists is fundamental to understanding Reiki as a ​healing modality.

One of the key defining features of Reiki is that the ability to practice is granted ​through an “attunement” process and is not dependent on any innate personal ​healing capability. Attunement is done by a Reiki master, through a series of ​rituals that are said to open the energy channels of the body. Attunement to ​first-degree Reiki (Reiki I) confers the ability to treat oneself and others by ​touch. Attunement to second-degree Reiki (Reiki II) confers the ability to use ​specific symbols to access Reiki mentally for distant healing. Attunement to ​third-degree Reiki (Reiki III), or master level, confers the ability to attune others ​into Reiki. At each level, the ability to effectively heal with Reiki develops ​progressively through committed practice.

What happens in a Reiki session?

A complete Reiki treatment usually takes between 60 and 90 minutes. During ​this time, clients or receivers lie or sit in any position that is supported and ​comfortable. Practitioners then position their hands on or over several areas of ​the client's body, usually beginning at the head and ending at the feet. The ​intention of the practitioners is for Reiki energy to be pulled through their hands ​in direct proportion to the needs of the receiver at each area. The practitioner ​feels the rise and fall of the energy as it surges through their hands and is ​mindful when the energy is no longer flowing heavily so that the hands can ​move to the next position.

How many Reiki Sessions are needed?

The number of treatments can depend on your condition and personal goals, ​three to five treatments 1 to 2 weeks apart is generally recommended for most ​people. For those with a chronic conditions, a Practitioner may recommend the ​client receive three to four Reiki treatments in a row so that their body can be ​energized to its fullest capacity. After the initial series of sessions, frequency of ​treatment depends on the need of the individual.

Finding the Right Practitioner…

It is vital that the person who gives you Reiki is properly trained.

There are 3 different levels of Reiki practitioners.

• Level 1 means you can use Reiki to treat yourself, family and friends but are ​not able to treat other people or charge money for treatment
  
• Level 2 (also called practitioner level) means you have studied to a higher ​level and can use Reiki to treat people
• Level 3 means you are a Reiki master or teacher
  

Anyone treating you should hold a minimum Level 2 Reiki qualification.

What are the benefits of Reiki?

Relieves pain, anxiety, and fatigue.

Treats Depression

Enhances Quality of Life

Boosts Mood

May improve some symptoms and conditions.

Some Conditions that people have used Reiki to help treat include:

·Headaches

·Tension

·Insomnia

·Nausea

·Cancer

·Heart Disease

·Anxiety

·Depression

·Chronic pain

·Infertility

·Neurodegenerative disorders

·Autism

·Crohn’s disease

·Fatigue

It is essential to understand that Reiki is not a substitute for medical treatment ​but rather a complementary therapy that provides support for serious or ​chronic conditions and promotes overall well-being. With 75-90% of all diseases ​being attributed to stress - a common issue for many - Reiki can offer ​significant benefits by reducing its effects on our bodies, fostering a healthier, ​more balanced state of being.

Reiki’s Healing Power: What is the evidence?

Over the past 25 years, numerous studies on Reiki have shown positive results, ​indicating its great benefits for individuals dealing with pain or disease. ​However, critics argue that there isn’t enough evidence to support these ​claims. Since science struggles to prove the existence of an energy body, ​demonstrating its effects upon it can be challenging.

The best way to assess Reiki is to try it yourself and form your own opinion.The ​truth is the only person you can heal in this life is yourself. We are not the ​authors of anyone else’s journey. Whether you’re facing the challenges of a ​serious disease, dealing with a chronic condition, or simply aiming to prevent ​illness, the decision on how to care for your health and well-being ultimately lies ​with you. Interested in reading the studies? Check out our resource section.

At Gaia Awakenings we are deeply passionate about the treatments we offer, ​with Reiki being a fundamental aspect of our journey. We have completed ​three Reiki Master level Certification training courses, along with certifications ​in several other modalities. Visit our Practitioner’s page to discover more about ​our transformative journey.

Are you interested in scheduling an appointment for a Traditional Reiki ​session but have more questions? We would love to hear from you.

Get in

Touch