FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS/Answers
What is Reiki?
Reiki is a Japanese technique of applying and balancing the energy or meridians (electrical patterns) in the body, mind and spirit. The body’s ability to heal physical aliments increases. Reiki also opens the mind to the necessity for taking responsibility for one’s life; to the joys of balance and wholeness.
Reiki is pronounced 'ray-key' in the continental United States (mainland). However in Japan "R" is not pronounced as we pronounce R's. The sound seems more like L or D. The symbol or image (seen above) is Kanji Japanese which is the formal written language evolved from Chinese. The Chinese word for the same kanji is Ling Chi which means Spirit Energy.
Rei means Universal, transcendental spirit, mysterious power. Ki means Energy. The literal translation is "steam of the cooking rice" which is a vital life force energy, the meaning is the same as Chi or Qi of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Martial Arts . The word for energy is Mana in Hawaiian, or Prana (breath) in India. Reiki is not a religion. It beholds to no doctrines, creeds or contradictions to the Universal laws of Consciousness and Love. No matter where the person may be at a certain point in their lives, Reiki will harmonize and embrace their philosophical center point, adding to it their individual concept of life.
Reiki is a healing energy that is transmitted through the hands of a person who has been more directly linked to the Universal Life Force through an initiation or attunement. This attunement begins a self healing harmonizing and balancing within, allowing the new Reiki student to increase and project healing to another. The person giving the energy is simply a vessel allowing the energy to pass through them to the client.
Reiki is never sent, it is drawn through the vessel. For example, if you lay your hands on a person to do a treatment, they will draw appropriate amounts of energy to whichever areas of their body need its. You are never drained in the process, as you too are treated as you give treatment. The mind of the Reiki vessel should remain neutral. Reiki brings the body into balance so it can heal itself. The person who receives Reiki is simply made better physically, mentally and spiritually. Each is brought closer to Wholeness.
Reiki energy is a pure balancing form. When it is combined with a sincere desire of the client (intent), who is willing to allow a cleansing within their emotional and spiritual consciousness, a healing may occur. The energy is neutral and awaits the positive, productive empowerment by the healer and client. The Reiki practitioner plays an instrumental part in transformation, and yet, it is ultimately up to the client to manifest harmony and balance in their life. The Reiki practitioner is a instrument and must not allow the EGO-WILL to desire the client well. The Reiki practitioner must be a clear vessel through which the healing energy flows. This allows the highest good to be the outcome of the healing.
Reiki is always present, but we are unaware of it until the contact is made throughout the attunement process. After this training, it can be received and converted into healing energy. Once you have been attuned to Reiki, you are permanently linked without the need of conscious alteration of the mind. Reiki initiations open certain inner centers of the body so that the energy can be channeled easily and safely. By following the steps taught by a trained Reiki Master/Teacher, anyone is able to direct the energy of Reiki to meet individual needs. After the attunement, simply by placing your hands on yourself or someone else, the energy starts to flow throughout the individual. It fills you first and then flows out through your hands into the individual who is receiving the healing. Reiki is a tool for use at any moment, anytime, anywhere for on the spot stress and anxiety release, pain relief and quick energy. In short, Reiki is a holistic, self help technique for directing natural life energy. No special environment or equipment is needed. Reiki will enhance whatever talent a person has, helping them to become the best they can be with this energy force. Age makes no difference. Reiki is harmless and cannot hurt anyone. It does not destroy, but builds and protects. It will vitalize all forms of life; plants, animals, fish, fowl, and human... from infants to old age. Reiki can do ONLY GOOD.
JAPAN Cherry Blossom Time
Traditional Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai & Takata Traditional Reiki
Although there are many types of complementary healing techniques in Japan and the world, The Reiki technique has been identified with Mikao Usui.
Mikao Usui was born in 1864 and died in 1926. During his lifetime, he was a student of traditional exercize and healing techniques related to what we now consider Martial Arts. Research by Frank Arjava Petter has revealed much of the history and legends of Usui. Having Lived in Japan and Hawaii, I and my daughter totally understood and realized the reality of Arjava's Book. My daughter, Vickie, wrote an article regarding the history published in Reiki San Antonio's Newsletter regarding legends/myths, also published as a Book Review of F.A. Petter's first book "Reiki Fire" now on our blog BLOG for REIKI SAN ANTONIO click on links for more information/articles on Reiki
The legends say that Mikao Usui went to Mt. Kuriyama where he followed a tradition of the Buddhist Temple and meditated for 21 days, sometimes under a waterfall on the temple grounds. During the meditation he became aware of the Reiki Symbols and teachings. Usui practiced and taught Reiki throughout Japan for the remainder of his life. Upon his death, a president and successor in Japan was appointed. There have been 6 Presidents. In Japanese Reiki there are no Grandmasters or Linage Bearers. Quote by Frank Petter
A student of Reiki, Dr. Hayashi completed Shinpiden in June 1925, followed by Admiral Taketomi and Admiral Ushida in the fall of 1925. This is verified in the records of Dr.. Hayashi's student, Tatsumi-san who completed his training in 1931. It is also listed with the ministry of education. Dr. Hayashi was reported to have worked at one of the 40 Clinics in Japan. Incidently World War II had started in 1939 and Hayashi's trip to Hawaii to visit with Takata was suspected and not recognized as a positive adventure. Dr. Hayashi committed Hari Kari in the tradition of the Japanese Samarai in order to keep the honor and respect for the family. Hayashi had initiated Hawayo Takata into Reiki. Hawayo Takata was born in Kauai in 1900 and taught Reiki in Hawaii and is recognized for bringing it to the United States. Takata died in 1980 at the age of 80 yrs old.
What is Acupressure and Reflexology
Acupressure is an ancient healing art that uses the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body’s natural self-curative abilities. Acupuncture and acupressure use the same points, but acupuncture uses needles. Acupressure uses the gentle but firm pressure of hands or fingers on specific potent points. Acupressure is a way to balance the body and maintain good health. The healing touch of acupressure reduces tension, increases circulation, and helps the body to relax deeply. By relieving stress, acupressure strengthens resistance to disease and promotes wellness. One study performed at Liverpool Hospital in New South Wales, Australia combined the results of 19 studies on acupressure and acupuncture and found they were as effective as the usual medications and 25 % more affective than a placebo for patients suffering from pain and or nausea. In this study acupressure was extremely affective in pregnancy related nausea.
Reflexology is a complementary wellness technique that assists in increasing resilience and releasing stress in the nerves and circulatory system through the feet and hands. Reflexology evolved from acupressure which was part of the ancient healing methods used by Egypt, India and China.
Acupressure and Reflexology use the same points and meridians as acupuncture; however use no needles to facilitate balancing the bio energy flows and vibrations within the body. In the reflexology and acupressure theory, movements of the bodies’ electricity and vibration energy as identified moves through 12 main channels called meridians, each associated with a particular organ or set of organs. So benefits for the whole body are realized in just working on the feet or the hands.
Guided Imagery and Meditation
Meditation and Guided imagery are a\ relaxation techniques which take you on a journey into a peaceful location to help you relax and enjoy life. You can visualize healing within your body and your environment. This is a great addition to a Reiki Session.