Usui Reiki and Attunement Guide For You

Can You Learn Reiki?

By Johanna Kee

Can You Learn Reiki? Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by "laying on hands" and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.

A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you. Reiki healing treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit, creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and wellbeing. Many have reported miraculous results.

Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of spiritual healing and self-improvement that everyone can use. It has been effective in helping virtually every known illness and malady and always creates a beneficial effect. It also works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery.

Amazingly simple to learn, the ability to use Reiki is not taught in the usual sense, but is transferred to the student during an "attunement" given by a Reiki master and allows the student to tap into an unlimited supply of "life force energy" to improve one's health and enhance the quality of life. Its' use is not dependent on one's intellectual capacity or spiritual development and is therefore available to everyone. It has been successfully taught to thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds.

While Reiki is spiritual in nature, it is not a religion and there is nothing you must believe in order to learn and use Reiki. In fact, Reiki is not dependent on belief at all and will work whether you believe in it or not. Because Reiki comes from God, many people find that using Reiki puts them more in touch with the experience of their religion rather than having only an intellectual concept of it.

Reiki Attunement - Welcome to the World of Reiki

By Resko Zukic

Learning Reiki is so fascinating process. With each new step we discover more about ourselves, about the life itself and of course about the world of reiki. But how it all starts? How one start his or her journey into this amazing world of reiki. Well, that is exactly what this article is about.

What is reiki attunement?

You might already have heard about the reiki attunement and have ever since wonderedd what it really is and what happens during the attunementprocess.. The reiki learning process is a little bit different than we could expect it from common sense of the word "learning". Access to reiki is gained through so called reiki attunement or initiation process. This is ceremony in which reiki teacher performs pre-set number of positions which can varie between different reiki styles. There are several types of reiki attunements:

Attunement in person
Attunement via absent reiki or distant attunement
Self attunement

Let's now look into each one of these:

Reiki attunement in person

This is probably most known type of reiki attunements. As the word itself implies reiki student will attend "life" reiki 1 seminar which is usually done in two days (but can vary depending on reiki style and reiki teacher). Ones the administrative task is out of way teacher usually introduce the class and give opportunity to all student to say few words about themselves and what they expect from this class. Also if there are some questions they are answered.

This is great opportunity for both the student and the reiki teacher to clear the reasons why one wants to receive reiki attunement. It is expected that reiki teacher will advise student if he was mislead that he would become immortal or holly as the result of reiki attunement.

It is common that during reiki 1 attunement reiki student receives four attunements spread over two days. This of course varies from teacher to teacher. Each attunement last fro about 15-20 minutes. During the attunement student sits comfortable in the chair, keeps his/her eyes closed and other than that isn't required to do anything else. Some teachers recommend some preparation regime such as but reiki attunement will work without that as well.

Distant or absent reiki attunement

Distant attunement is viable option to in person attunement but the opinion about it varies among reiki teacher and goes anywhere from simply dismissal to full acceptance. Some of the reason against say that student misses the opportunity to have first hand experience and of course ask the question he/she might have. This of course if valid objection but thanks to today technologies this seems almost to be obsolete. In addition most if not all reiki teacher who offered distant attunements are accessible either via e-mail or even more popular via Skype.

The technical aspect of distant attunement itself is the same as attunement in person and it is done via absent reiki (using the symbols for distant reiki). Student and teacher would set the time for this attunement and student would ensure that he/she is not disturbed during this process. Usually reiki student will receive some material before the attunement process itself so he/she can read about that and ask the question before the attunement process itself. I was on both end of distant attunement and know for sure that it works.

Reiki self attunement

This kind of reiki attunement is rather little bit controversial to say the last. Many reiki teachers flatly dismiss it while others are open for the possibility that it might work.

The system itself is based on empowering the student to believe in his/her own abilities and power to take charge of his or her life. No need to have guru who will tell you if you are ready or not. In addition this system attunes all the chakras and not only two as most of other reiki styles do so this is more powerful attunement. So, yes this is totally different type of attunemetnt that in my opinion will change the way Reiki is thought. And yes, this is very effective attunement.

The attunement itself is also based on the power of intention and water. Yes, the water. Water has the ability to accept, store and transfer information. Reiki student will prepare and carry out the self attunement ceremony. He/she will get all she needs to carry out this type of attunement.

Reiki Training - What Do The Different Reiki Training Levels Signify?

By Katie Merryfield

Reiki is a traditional style of healing through the use of energy. Reiki is usually learned,taught and put to use, in different stages. Normally, this specific Reiki training is actually separated into three major categories, with every one advancing to a higher level in comparison to the earlier level. The major sections of Reiki training are mainly referred to as first, second, and also third degree Reiki stages.

First Degree Reiki Training

Reiki first degree is concentrated on training a person all the things they have to know about the art of Reiki. At this point, you'll be trained precisely what Reiki really means and also exactly what it can do for you. It's the point in time at which Reiki masters give the students an in-depth description about the Reiki. This can include where it originated, just how to administer it, as well as the appropriate way of using it. Once the principles are shown along and also the mental, emotional, and physical natures of the student are thoroughly equipped, some hands-on training normally takes place.

On finishing the initial level of Reiki training, a student will know how to use the Reiki energy for self-healing. The exact same energy may well also be channeled to assist other folks, more expressly their particular relatives and acquaintances. First degree Reiki might also stimulate personal as well as spiritual growth in a person.

This specific level of Reiki is for those who basically wish to uncover what Reiki is. Also, it is for the people who want to discover ways to heal themselves and others. Following this level, you'll be able to elevate your own spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical state. It could actually successfully prevent sickness in the family, also letting you restore by way of massage and physiotherapy.

Second Degree Reiki Training

Second degree Reiki training leads people to the deeper understanding of the ancient method of Reiki healing. Here, you will not just simply be ready to heal ailments right on you will be taught more advanced techniques. It is possible to surpass time and space with your healing powers also. Additionally, you will be shown the sacred Reiki symbols at this level, which you can use to cultivate your own awareness of self, healing others, and being able to help them with their lives as much as you strengthen yours.

Throughout the second degree of Reiki training, this flow of Reiki energy inside of you actually intensifies. You are able to further improve your abilities through the use of the great Reiki symbols bestowed upon you. Long range healing will become possible. Consequently, you can potentially heal someone else even when they are miles apart from you. Moreover, it is possible to improve your self-healing abilities together with your spiritual and personal growth. You may be qualified to apply Reiki on other people following the second degree of Reiki training.

Third Degree Reiki Training

The 3rd degree of Reiki training might possibly be broken into two subgroups. The first group is the actual teaching when you become a Reiki master capable of assisting Reiki students. The next group focuses on purely strengthening oneself, without the further training to be a teacher.

Third degree Reiki is only for the men and women who would like to further establish themselves into a Reiki Master. Here, they will have the ways to access each of the Reiki Master symbols and are allowed to conduct Reiki attunement processes on others. More advanced healing cycles would be taught at this level, with the purpose of expanding your own Reiki influence.

The actual aim with this final level of training is to let you end up as a Reiki Master that can introduce, educate, and train people in to the art of Reiki. Maybe one day you to can go on and educate others through the levels of Reiki training.

Reiki Healing - An Introduction

By Roger F Marlow

I began to study and practice Reiki several years ago, the reaction at that time I might say was "interesting" as to stay on a positive note. During the following years, and as my study and knowledge progressed, the benefits to myself and close family became very noticeable. Needless to say I am indeed pleased with the progress it has made in regard to the acceptance and understanding of this beautiful and powerful healing modality....

Reiki which is an ancient form of healing art was rediscovered by Dr. Mikao Usui, a Japanese monk in1920. Dr. Usui was an eminent scholar who did an endless research in the field of psychology, medicine, spirituality and religion.

Story goes like this- Dr. Usui had been to the top of Mt. Kurama in Japan in the year 1922 on a three-week trip. While meditating at Mt. Kurama, he had a vision on the 21st day where he was adjudged as a healer himself in an ancient healing system. On his way back to his home, he could realize he was in a position to heal injuries of people including his own with amazing perfection and speed.

Thereafter, he began a clinic in Tokyo and treated many patients. He also trained many people to be Reiki practitioners. After the devastating earthquake in Kanto in the year 1923, Reiki as a form of healing art had proved its worth. For his healing service Dr. Usui was awarded by the Japanese government. During 1930s a Hawaiian woman of Japanese origin named Hawayo Takata developed Reiki in the United States. Takata herself gained great benefit for her health problems on account of Reiki application.

After her personal healing experience, she began to learn, practice and then teach Reiki in Hawaii. She imparted Reiki for several years until her death in 1980. Thereafter, Reiki spread to various other countries where Reiki clinics and Reiki Masters played their part to provide healing touch for various ailments through this ancient system. Eventually, Reiki has gained acceptance, recognition and prominence being an ancient form of healing technique. Though the Reiki treatments offered these days are bit different from the ancient ones, yet they are basically they belong to the same form of healing energy of Reiki.

Reiki adopts the technique of energy healing for stress relaxation and reduction. Despite advancement of medical sciences, Reiki is being increasingly used as a complementary therapy to resolve various health problems. In Reiki everything is a miracle because in this form of treatment holistic, intangible, invisible delicate form of energy is at work. Reiki employs the energy to promote harmony in living things that facilitates the healing of the mind, body and spirit. In short Reiki heals at the physical, emotional, and spiritual level of an individual.

With increased level of awareness amongst masses, people started expecting providers of health care provide benefits through different natural healing processes including Reiki. Keeping in view the demands of the patients needing natural health care benefits, the popularity of Reiki has been growing day by day with its increased application of Reiki in various clinics and hospitals. Initial Reiki training programs are now being imparted in Hospitals. These classes facilitate in preparing the physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals to use this natural healing technique while interacting with patients.

Several hospitals, Clinics, medical institutions have been researching on the effectiveness of Reiki Healing. There are over one hundred facilities in the U.S. that use Reiki and or other complementary/alternative modalities (CAM) plus several hundred more worldwide. Additionally, research is being conducted in partnership with the National Institutes of Health at a growing number of well-respected facilities. There currently Reiki programs at Sharp Memorial Hospital - San Diego, St. Joseph Medical Center - Stockton and Hearst Cancer Resource Center - San Luis Obispo to name a very few.

Reiki techniques provide healing through energy, reduces the stress during a diagnostic procedure, controls emotional reaction to a shocking diagnosis, relaxes the body and mind and improves the quality of sleep and calms down helpless parents of children who are seriously ill. As per the Reiki, life energy enters into the Chakra where its requirements for healing energy are the most. Babies and children often get effective result as they don't have any mental block in receiving energy through Reiki. For example, a crying baby gets quick comfort when he is touched or picked up. Similarly, while dealing with elderly people in the hospitals, unlike touching babies for healing, Reiki uses two fold benefits one is providing energy and relaxation and the other one is emotional nourishment.

The results coming through such studies are encouraging and the same has tremendously increased the faith and reliability of the masses on Reiki as an alternative form of treatment. You need to remember the fact that the life force is based on the energy and Reiki philosophy is based on energy and energy only. Reiki has passed through a long journey providing health and healing to its practitioners and beneficiaries equally well. Reiki is becoming more widely accepted in the current systems of Natural medicines including Allopathic, Homoeopathic and Acupuncture. We should take careful note that the use of Reiki is vital as a supplementary if not complementary form of treatments and its popular use will ensure that Reiki unfurl its importance, acceptance and prominence as a totally legitimate form of natural healing therapy.

Reiki is Not Difficult and has No Odd Rituals

By Roberta R. Barnes

Is Reiki one of those fad things? Is it one of those things for the simple minded?

Simple minded, brainiacs, and such labels do not exist in the spiritual practice of Usui Reiki Ryoho, commonly called Reiki. Neither is it a new age fad. It is a practice using the vibrations of love and harmony of ageless universal energy. Many of the ideas Mikao Usui, the founder, blended into his practice are based upon things practiced for thousands of years, such things as the law of attraction.

Mikao Usui/Usui-Sensei/O-Sensei connected to the universal vibrations of love and harmony through a disciplined mediation, following three years of Zen studies in 1921. This was his second awakening. He first called the spiritual practice he created in 1922 my method/system. Later he called it Usui Reiki Ryoho. He passed on in his sleep the 9th day of March 1926 following a full day of giving sessions. He is sometimes called Dr. Usui, but he did not receive any doctorate; he followed a different path and openly shared his gift with others. He was a very intelligent and insightful man that spent his life searching for knowledge of all kinds.

People of all ages, all educational levels and an overwhelming number of occupations practice some style of Usui Reiki Ryoho. No style honoring the tradition of Usui Reiki Ryoho is difficult or has odd rituals. Various styles of Usui Reiki Ryoho are taught simply because once a person completes the level allowing him or her to teach they sometimes change the way in which he or she was taught. Nevertheless, the unique form of universal energy used has not changed. The form of the energy used is a combination of the vibrations of love and harmony of ageless universal energy.

When a person decides to study Usui Reiki Ryoho, what style he or she should study depends upon the direction in which he or she wishes to face in life. Reiki Shihans (teachers) are always pleased to show their certificates, and energy and technique lineage back to Mikao Usui, the founder.

If you feel you do not have the time to study, following one of the Mikao Usui's precepts, "no anxious worry". You can experience the benefits of Usui Reiki Ryoho without study. Simply schedule a Reiki healing session given by a person that has devoted time to study and practice. A healing session includes no odd rituals; you simply lie back and enjoy the relaxing energy of love and harmony flowing through all your cells. A Reiki healing session gives balance to your whole self and surrounds you with harmony. Some people schedule regular Reiki sessions to maintain homeostasis.

Various styles, such as those that have not strayed far from the spiritual roots Mikao Usui created, teach how to blend Reiki into every day life. As Reiki blends into your life it becomes like your breath, automatically flowing yet taking you into that peaceful altered state when you focus on it. The hours of study and practice might seem unappealing, but think of the quote, "If something is worth doing, it is worth doing right."

While Reiki is not something you can teach yourself, learn from a book, or download from the internet, it is not difficult. Hiroshi Doi, a member of the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai says about Reiki, "nothing fishy, nothing odd, nothing difficult'". If you have heard unsettling things about Reiki reflect on Dr. H.C.F. Meyer. In the 1800s, he patented an oil he proved to be helpful for such things as snakebites. "Snake oil" has become a term for things that do not work because others altered Dr. Meyer's method using different herbs and procedures, but using the same name.

Y Usui Reiki Ryoho is a spiritual practice, but it is neither a belief system nor a religion. Reiki is best described as a journey of self-growth and self-healing, which touches others along the way.

Y Reiki is energy. The core of all our cells is energy. Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) molecules are one of the most important biological compounds for all living organisms. The reason being is that these molecules serve as the direct source of energy for doing cellular work.

Y The meaning of Reiki can be broken down. "Rei" means something mysterious, miraculous, and sacred. "Ki" means the atmosphere of something unseen or the energy of the universe. "Ki" does in some instances means an individual's life force energy, however Reiki is universal energy. Universal energy is inexhaustible energy that can replenish life force energy as needed.

Y Science states energy can be neither created nor destroyed; it can only be changed from one form to another. Reiki is a unique form of universal energy coming from the vibrations of love and harmony.

Y Reiki requires no directions; when it flows through a practitioner to the receiver, it knows where to go and what to do when it gets there. As Hiroshi Doi and Rev. Hyakuten Inamoto said in 2002, "Trust in Reiki".

Y Memorizing hand positions and symbols is not required. Reiki symbols are the finger pointing or the training wheels used by the teacher to aid the student in understanding the cords of energy that some cannot see, feel, smell, taste or hear. Symbols, techniques, and attunements are tools in each teacher's toolbox. The tools vary, and the use of those tools varies with different teachers. It is when devotion to study and practice are added to the tools that the masterpiece of embracing universal energy evolves.

Y The energy named Reiki will flow as soon as a person has received an attunement from a qualified Reiki Shihan (teacher). Once a person is invited/initiated into Reiki (attunement), he or she will never loose the connection to universal love and harmony.

Y Mikao Usui was Buddhist all his life, but the only similarities between Usui Reiki Ryoho and Buddhism are only discipline and practice. Anyone of any religion can practice Reiki.

Y Regardless of the style of Usui Reiki Ryoho practiced the form of energy named Reiki retains the same strength as long as the mind steps aside and allows it to flow uninterrupted. The actions, mindset, or the spirit of the person through which it flows can taint the flow of Reiki. Tainting or blocks can easily be removed by a focused hands-on technique given by a qualified Reiki Shihan (teacher).

Y Love and harmony do not harm any life form; nothing negative ever comes from any style honoring Usui Reiki Ryoho.

Y Reiki practitioners/teachers do not diagnose, manipulate tissues, nor prescribe any medications, changes in diet, or exercise, unless he or she holds a professional medical license. Reiki practitioners/teachers like herbalist try to educate and awaken the healer within each person. Reiki is a safe antidote for stress, but does not replace professional medical care. Reiki is complementary to professional medical care, and other healing modalities.

Y Reiki practitioners move his or her hands to gently rest on non-invasive areas guided by Byosen, the feel of inharmonic vibrations given off by the source of a disease or distressed cells. Reiki flows through hands, eyes, breath, and all pores, but sessions are most commonly hands-on with the client remaining clothed. Encumbrances in mind, body and spirit, which can cause emotional distress, are released in the way best for each individual, and positive energy then fills the void.

Y The Gokai (Reiki precepts or principles) is five simple lines. This is easy to remember and practice, and enriching to all areas of life.

Y Reiki will only flow as much as the cells receiving are capable of holding at that moment in time. Reiki will stop flowing when it is no longer required. The person allowing Reiki to flow to the imbalance of another cannot catch any imbalance unless it is a contagious disease.

Y Reiki practitioners do not take on the ills of others. Reiki Shihans (teachers) can easily tell anyone developing empathic abilities how to erase any distress he or she feels.

Y Reiki is a beautiful method of using universal energy to promote and speed healing via balance and harmony. While it requires time to assimilate, following the hours you spend with your teacher, you can practice wherever and when ever is good for you. Technology has added to the ease in learning by making our Reiki teachers available for our questions even after we have received our Reiki certificate.

Y Everyone has a healer within and some people have a natural ability to help others heal. The method Mikao Usui named Reiki Ryoho can enhance all when allowed to do.

The Sacred Tools of Usui Reiki Ryoho

By Roberta R. Barnes

These tools enhance health and happiness. Reiki balances and surrounds with harmony. In all ancient scripts, the search for knowledge is spoken of as one of the most noble. Knowledge is stored in many places. Usui Mikao, the founder of Usui Reiki Ryoho, commonly shortened to Reiki, searched for knowledge beginning in childhood. He never attended any college or university. He held various types of employment, traveled, was a parent, and studied among other things Zen under Japanese Zen monks. While not searching for any specific thing, through disciplined meditation in 1921 he connected to the vibrations of love and harmony of universal energy and called the system he developed Reiki Ryoho.

Plato once asked, "What whole way of life would make living more worthwhile for each of us". Mikao Usui in the early 1920s said Reiki Ryoho is the "secret to health and happiness". The Gokai (five precepts or principles) is the backbone of Reiki. The five simple lines directly translated are actually three concepts and although the words are few, the meanings go to the core of balance and harmony that promote health and happiness. The first line is to be without anger and worry, ultimately leaving space for happiness. Happiness is a subjective state of mind, and much research has been done on the topic. Focusing on happiness, "Positive Psychology" is now being taught in such well-regarded US universities as Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania.

Various people since Mikao Usui's passing in 1926 have blended other practices into their practice of Reiki. Some practices such as Chakra healing use other forms of energy. In scientific English terms, energy can neither be created nor destroyed, but changes form. Reiki is a unique form of universal energy. A physic healer tunes the transmitted pulse of energy to the level required to heal a specific illness. Reiki automatically tunes to the level needed to promote healing of mind and body, and promote spiritual growth. In Chakra healing, it is helpful to know the chakric connections of the coccygeal and sacral vertebrae. In Reiki practice, it is only required to have an enough discipline to keep the mind from causing interference, as in trying to direct. Some healing practices require material tools, Reiki requires only a trained body to flow through. Reiki practitioners listen to the ills of others, but they trust in the wisdom of the universe leaving any diagnosing up to licensed medical care professionals. Reiki knows where to go and what to do when it gets there, neither the practitioner nor the receiver needs to know.

One simple law of the universe is that you will attract to yourself what you put out. Isaac Newton said, "Every action has an equal and opposite reaction"; energy pushes back on its source. Living by Usui-Sensei's concepts neither anger nor worry will be attracted to you, but kindness will be.

I am very fortunate to have studied under three Reiki Shihans (teachers also called masters) that each in his own way pointed the way to the sacred tools of Usui Reiki Ryoho. I will never stop learning, but my Gendai Reiki-ho (Reiki method for healing) and Komyo (light bright) Reiki practices are rooted in my studies with those three Reiki Shihans. One is member of the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai, the original Usui Reiki Ryoho society in Japan. Another is also a Buddhist monk in Japan. Another living in Canada has done an unbelievable amount of research in factual, not created, history. There are only two Reiki teachers between two of my Reiki Shihans and Mikao Usui, and another of my Shihans has only three Reiki teachers between himself and Mikao Usui.

The sacred tools of the spiritual practice of Reiki can humble any man or women. Mikao Usui shared some with 2,000 students. Three of those students he shared enough with so that each could connect others with universal energy. The transfer of energy that allows another to connect to universal energy was called Reiju. From the nineteen twenties and thirties Reiju has a factual history that is too lengthy to go into at this time. Because of world events at the time Reiki first crossed the oceans, created history was best told and techniques were altered. The Gendai Reiju I practice, which was shared with me by a member of the URR Gakkai, is a very powerful focused energy, but different from what is called an attunement.

Where are the sacred tools hidden? They began to be covered over around the time Reiki crossed the oceans in 1938. Reiki began being practiced in many altered ways in the nineteen eighties and nineties, and new names created. One person from the US and another from Australia had books published showing numerous Reiki symbols that countless Reiki teachers had created to help students learn. Reiki symbols have no power and are not sacred tools; they are excellent training wheels as one learns the feel of the energies new to him or her.

Recently I was asked if the Reiki guides would be angry if certain symbols were not drawn correctly. The practice of Reiki is a blissful journey to the higher dimensions where anger and worry do not exist. How can any being in the highest dimensions be angry if no anger exists? As far as worrying about which symbol is used for which illness, worry does not exist either. Note that the translation is the word "worry", but the meaning is the kind surrounding things you can do nothing about except loose sleep over. As Mikao Usui taught, he created three symbols to help certain students learn to feel the energies. If a person continues on his or her Reiki journey, training wheels and any material supports are discarded so that the person can continue on the journey without excess weight.

For Reiki to flow at its full strength a person not only must have studied with a qualified Reiki Shihan, but also be ready to have his or her channel opened to its complete width. A person's channel will only open as much as he or she is ready for at that time. Benching the mind to allow Reiki to flow uninterrupted requires guidance, discipline, and much practice. Reiki replenishes any life force energy, or Chi, that may attach to Reiki flowing through a practitioner or teacher. Some people refer to Reiki as Chi, implying that Reiki is life force energy. A closer look shows that life force energy is only one kind of Chi. Having completed the highest level in several styles of Reiki I know that Reiki is different then life force energy, and is very different then the electrical energy that by accident one day gave me an unexpected zap.

Sometimes it is hard to accept what usually cannot be identified by any of the functioning five common senses, but at the same time most people put faith in his or her "gut feelings". Reiki learned from a qualified Reiki Shihan makes putting faith in unconditional Reiki automatic. At Usui Reiki Ryoho International 2002 while listening to a presentation given by Hiroshi Doi I saw what I never had before. Besides being thankful for the other Reiki master/teachers I met at URRI, I will always be grateful for the clearer understanding I received of Reiki's sacred tools.

No manual came with the connection Mikao Usui made in 1921, so the system he developed required a great deal from his prior knowledge and practice. Many of the things Mikao Usui shared are kept sacred within the walls of URR Gakkai. Beginning in 1999 Hiroshi Doi, a member of the URR Gakkai began sharing some with a few Reiki Shihans outside of the URR Gakkai. More is being revealed and many canards and symbols have been put to rest, but the sacred tools remain as they always have been.

There is nothing wrong with adding anything to the spiritual practice of Reiki, unless it is something the person adding does not fully understand and harm is caused by the addition. No style of Usui Reiki Ryoho is better then another, and every level is honorable. There are many wise qualified Reiki Shihans, each with his or her own guidelines to share; through guidelines, discipline, trust in the universe, letting go the ego, and practice the sacred tools of Reiki can be seen.

I point the way for my students just as my Reiki Shihans did for me. Each attunement opens a person's channel wider, but it is the sacred tools of Reiki rather then symbols or any added supports that allow the end of the journey, enlightment, to be reached. The sacred tools of Reiki cannot be purchased nor can they be written in words that everyone understands. With Reiki's sacred tools, a person is in a state where the mind is perpetually filled with the peace, tranquility, and joy that is health of the whole person.

What is a Reiki Attunement?

Executive summary about reiki usui By Roberta R. Barnes

What is a Reiki Attunement? The word attunement became a popular way to refer to opening another's pathway to universal energy around the 1980s. The dictionary meaning for attunement is being or bringing into harmony, or a feeling of being at one with another being. Being in harmony with anything requires balance within and being in a state able to receive. Therefore, to be opened to the form of energy commonly called Reiki you must be in a receiving mode, and no one can force Reiki on anyone.

The spiritual practice of Usui Reiki Ryoho uses one unique form of universal energy different from life force energy, which is why you must be opened to that form of universal energy by a qualified Reiki Shihan (teacher).

Each time you receive an initiation/empowerment/attunement from a Reiki Shihan (teacher) a shift happen es within your mind, body or spirit as your pathway to the universe opens a bit wider to allow more universal energy to flow through you. To completely open up to be one with the universe, which is beyond human comprehension, would take years of study, discipline, and practice.

Healing is a by-product of Usui Reiki Ryoho; the form of energy called Reiki balances and surrounds with harmony so that health and happiness can happen.

Once you have been opened to universal energy (attunement) and you have learned how to bench the logical mind and ego Reiki can flow into and enhance everything positive in your life.

Reiki Training - What Do The Different Reiki Training Levels Signify?

Executive summary about reiki usui By Katie Merryfield

First Degree Reiki Training

Second Degree Reiki Training

Charging For Reiki

Reiki and charging money - a highly charged subject indeed!

If you are not of the Reiki community, you could be forgiven for thinking that anyone working for free or almost free is totally mad.

So what is it about Reiki that is contradictory to charging for one's time? When Reiki first came to the West, people were charged obscene amounts of money to become a Reiki healer. Most of us come to Reiki because of a need for physical or emotional healing. Immediately after the initiation, a Reiki healer starts self-healing each day, and soon progresses onto healing loved ones in need. The Reiki healer then spends months or years in this relationship with Reiki, and it is very hard to suddenly switch to having a financial relationship with Reiki too.

I feel that Reiki is about unconditional love, and that spirituality is about abundance for the highest good. Sandra has also learned Reiki to professional level but since Reiki is spiritual, she will not charge for her Reiki sessions. Reiki is gaining popularity in the

as a healing modality. Many clients come to me for healing anxiety, depression, joint pain, arthritis, and many other conditions with Reiki. Quite rightly, these Reiki healers, although on paper possessing the Reiki healer certificate, know that they are in no position to charge. Add to the above the proliferation of Reiki healers in the

today, where competition drives prices down. The fact is that if you charge less, you starve. Hence many Reiki practitioners give up the idea of doing Reiki full-time, as they need to make a living and cannot survive on what they charge. This leads to many Reiki healers competing for even less money, as they can afford to offer it for less part-time.

Many Reiki healers have been drawn to Reiki in order to heal low self-esteem. Somehow along the line, they take professional training but do not complete their self-healing. Then there is the weirdness of the Reiki session as a process. With time and experience, a Reiki healer becomes an active participant in the healing process, and even if this never happens, the results that clients report back are too astounding to be ignored! Since it is unofficial, they do not view the Reiki as paid employment, even though they are being paid and are working as Reiki healers.

My hope is that as Reiki becomes more accepted, this will lead to the support of the Reiki healers that do want to work professionally. This way, more Reiki healers will be able to work full-time. Freedom for chickens would be nice!

10 Tips to Find the Right Reiki Master

By Samantha Hall

If you're looking for a Reiki Master and are willing to enroll in a Reiki school, here are the things that you have to know before enlisting:

1. Reiki proficiency
It is very important that your master has been working with Reiki long enough to know everything about it, including the techniques not written in any book or manual. His own training is going to be very relevant as well. As much as possible, the teacher should spend ample time teaching the craft and is using it personally.

2. Lineage
There are different types of Reiki and each of them follows certain techniques and teachings. If you want to learn Usui Reiki, it is very important that you learn the art from a real Usui Reiki master. Know the lineage of your Reiki master as it will determine what type of Reiki he'll teach you.

3. Qualifications
Certain institutions require qualifications before students are taught the basic principles of the art. But for Usui Reiki, there are rarely any qualifications required. For advanced Reiki classes though, like Karuna Reiki, you would have to be a certified Usui Reiki master first.

4. Classes Coverage
When learning Reiki, you have to know beforehand what are the things you will learn once you have decided to enroll. Know the total class hours required and how much time is allotted to theoretical instructions and the amount of time given for hands-on practice.

5. Application
Students should also ask the Reiki master about the things they will be able to do after the training. It should be clear right from the start if the lessons that will be given to you would make you an advanced Reiki practitioner or it would be more for personal use.

6. Fees and certification
Reiki instructions correspond to a certain amount of money. Know how much you have to pay for the training sessions and whether you'll get a manual and a certification after completing the course.

7. Taking Notes
Some Reiki masters forbid the use of notes or recorders in their class. This practice can be traced back during the time when Reiki and its symbols are regarded to be sacred. As such, the whole lesson has to be memorized and not written down.

8. Symbols
The most important elements of the art of Reiki are its symbols. Know straight from the Reiki master whom you'll train under the actual number of symbols you will learn in the course.

9. Support
A Reiki support group is very essential because through it, you will be able to enrich your knowledge in the art after completing the training sessions. There should be adequate support from your master too - even after you have finished all the necessary sessions with him.

10. Respect and reputation
Before enlisting for a Reiki training under a master or an institution, it is necessary that you know first whether they enjoy good reputations as Reiki masters and practitioners. They should also be respectful of other practitioners and masters who don't belong to their lineage.

5 Tips to Enhance Reiki Energy Flow for Business and Personal Practice

Executive summary about reiki usui By Patrick Ray

These techniques are designed to enhance your Reiki practice and ensure comfort between yourself and your client.

1) Before channeling Reiki, rub your hands together briskly for a few seconds. This simple technique stimulates the energy centers in your hands and can enhance your ability to establish a connection to your client. This technique also helps to signal your intent to begin.

2) Coordinate the flow of Reiki with your breathing. Place your hands on or near your client, and take a deep breath inward. Exhale fully and allow Reiki healing energy to flow along with the breath. When you inhale again, allow the energy to build and let it out again with the exhale. This technique is tremendously effective and enhances your own health by encouraging healthy breathing habits. If you are giving a Reiki massage, this technique can help you entrain your breath with your client.

3) When using Reiki hand positions, remember to keep your fingers together and your hands lightly cupped. This isn't absolutely necessary, it's important to follow your own intuition in the healing arts, but most of the time, this simple technique enhances the flow of Reiki energy.

4) Maintain contact. When using hands-on Reiki, you can maintain strong connection with your client by always maintaining light physical contact. When shifting hand positions, simply move one hand to the new location, then follow with your second hand. This ensures a smooth, harmonious, and uninterrupted Reiki session.

5) At the beginning of a Reiki healing session, holding your hands a few inches above your client, scan over their body and pay attention to sensations in your hands. This technique, sometimes called Byosen scanning, helps to locate areas that need special attention. It's a technique based on trusting Reiki to know where it will do the most good. Sensations include feelings of warmth, cold, or tingling. These sensations can also be felt in your own body, oftentimes as a feeling in your stomach or chest. Trust your instincts. Any sensation, no matter how small, indicates an area you should stop and give Reiki for a few moments.

De-Stressing with Reiki

Executive summary about usui reiki By Bronwen Stiene

The purpose of a Reiki treatment is to re-align and bring the body into a natural balance physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. The energy washes down through the body clearing energetic obstructions and strengthening the flow of this energetic 'river', or the meridians. Therefore, there are similarities between the system of Reiki and other therapies such as acupuncture. The differences are that this system does not manipulate the energy or body, is not intrusive and is an extremely simple technique that anyone can learn and use in complete safety.

A client will find that Reiki works on many levels. This system is not diagnostic and does not aim to achieve specific results. It is believed that the client's body is always in survival mode and will therefore draw the energy where he/she needs it rather than where the practitioner believes it is beneficial. This is why the practitioner cannot harm the client, as it the client's body that is in control of what is energetically happening.

To be aligned or balanced sounds wonderful but what does it mean for the client? Initially, one moves into a deep, restful space and may or may not actually sense the energy according to one's sensitivity. Benefits of this 'giving over' to the energy may be clarity of thought, renewed physical strength, calmness, reduced stress levels, a sense of connectedness as well as the easing of conditions such as insomnia, depression and addiction. True relaxation is reflected in one's face after a Reiki treatment. Stress tightens the muscles and skin and when we relax we look and feel years younger.

Clients do not need to remove any clothing during a treatment and hands are placed either on or just off the body. Practitioners are taught to channel energy from around them through their bodies and out through their hands. The client then draws on this energy. This means that the practitioner does not use his/her own energy and feels refreshed afterwards rather than exhausted. In fact the practitioner is receiving a treatment at the same time as the client -making it beneficial for all involved.

To practise this system it is necessary to learn from a Reiki teacher (often called a Reiki Master). It is possible to integrate Reiki into any health or beauty modality once the practitioner has completed the first level of the 3-part system. If the practitioner wished to work solely with the system of Reiki then it would be suggested that the practitioner complete the second level of the system and join a student clinic to build experience with the energy and on-on-one client skills. The third level of the system continues the practitioner's own personal development and may be used to begin studying toward becoming a Reiki teacher.

Clients today are more interested in spirituality and well-being than ever before. To be able to bring these elements into the traditional clinic environment of a salon or spa, a special atmosphere is created. Clients today expect 'Holistic' treatments. This meaning that they wish to be pampered from every direction including the more mystical and spiritual paths.

It is exciting for clients to know that when they come for a treatment there is likely to be a new element added to the more traditional salon and spa techniques. If a client knows that the practitioner is continually upgrading their knowledge and abilities then the client will also feel confident in such capable hands.

Reiki Psychic Attunement Explained

Executive summary about reiki usui By Tamara Baruhovich

A Simple Explanation

Let's start by explaining what an attunement is. The word attunement comes from "in tune" and this refers to manipulating the energy to fine-tune or bring into balance the patient's spirit, emotions, feelings, mental processes, and physical body to create synchrony within and oneness with Life Force as a whole.

This procedure may also help in the opening and expanding of the patient's innate psychic abilities. Some advocates of Reiki emphasize that it assists in clearing the concerns that tend to clog the spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical bodies which are the cause of turmoil and disease. Moreover, the attunement process brings about the healing energies from the Life Force Energy into the being.

Although Life Force Energy is around us at all times, not every person can easily access and absorb it into their system because if the chakras are out of balance, the blocks prevent the energy to be absorbed and utilized properly.

During the course of the attunement process, all of the metaphysical and universal laws as well as the Law of Similarity and the Law of Correspondence are called for. The Law of Similarity states that if a person, object, event or condition bears any resemblance or similarity -like color, shape, action, etc.- to those of the patient, it can be used for healing purposes as if it were the person or condition itself. And the Law of Correspondence states that every component of a system retains its own characteristics but also takes on the characteristics of the system as a whole, much like a holographic image in which each piece is composed of the total sum of its parts.

These concepts are widely used in distant healing, for example, a photo of the patient is similar to and corresponds to the patient himself.

Reiki and Psychic Ability - Clearing the Misconception

The name psychic attunement is often utilized to describe the process when a Reiki student or patient is being harmonized with Reiki Energy. It's important to make clear that while Reiki may awaken psychic abilities in the receiver, the Reiki Energy, the attunement itself or Reiki practice as a whole is not in any way a psychic phenomena since the practitioner does not make use of his mind's power in the treatment session. Simply put, Reiki is often compared to ESP, telepathy, and mind reading, but it is something quite different in concept and execution.

The term 'psychic' tends to be associated to horoscopes, divination, future tellers, and even the obscure, but this association doesn't reflect the truth. The word psychic comes from a Greek root that means "the mind of the soul." It basically refers to the perception of information without the use of the readily available and well known five senses. In this sense, we are all psychic, even though some of us may have our psychic sense more or less developed than others.

On the other hand, Reiki is the word used in describing the Life Force Energy that encompasses every living creature. "Life force" may exist through different terms and names in various cultures and countries but the entire concept remains the same: it's the energy that encompasses all.

Thus, the practitioners of Reiki are not in any way psychic, so to say. They are people who have gone through rigorous training in expanding their knowledge about life and Life Force Energy in general. They have also learned how the human physical body works from the physiological standpoint, as well as how it responds to the energy around.

Therefore, even though people refer to Reiki treatment as Reiki psychic attunement, it is important to understand that it does not fall under the category called psychic phenomena. During an attunement session, the healer senses the illness or pain when they feel warmth or vibration over one area of the patient's body while they touch or pass their hands over it. Through the attunement they can readily channel Life Force Energy to the ill area to aid in the balance of energy of that particular region, organ or system.

This in turn brings about healing. All the energy channeling is done just with the use of their bare hands, and no psychic phenomena takes place.

The Significance of Crystals in Reiki Courses

Executive summary about reiki usui By Carl U Romero

Crystals are used in the practice of Reiki. The crystals are not a must but they are another dimension to the Reiki experience. Reiki is based on the change in energy fields in the body and the matching of Reiki crystals to the change enhances the treatment. The crystals are beautiful to look at but their main purpose though is to amplify the Reiki healing.

The list is long of the crystals that can be used in the Reiki experience, but here are a few more common ones.

Amethyst is a beautiful translucent purple to clear colored stone that resonates to the Reiki experience. It serves to heighten the consciousness and help forge a connection to the divine; Aventurine is pale to mid green semi-translucent. This stone has connections to both healing and nature, and can helplessness heartache or sorrow; Blue Lace Agate is a pale blue stone and has quartz running through it. The Reiki courses teach this stone has been used for many years as a healing stone.

Citrine, another Reiki crystal varies in color from pale yellow to a golden orange. Reiki courses teach that citrine helps promote wisdom and energy.

Clear Quartz, the Reiki courses suggest helps promote the removal of blockages, as well a cleansing.

Gold Tiger Eye is a banded stone that is brown and golden yellow with a shimmery cat eye effect. Reiki courses suggest that Gold Tiger Eye helps with strength, grounding and material matters and is a stone of protection.

Hematite is opaque and looks black with a metallic sheen, very dense and heavy. Many suggest hematite has associations with fate and predestined events.

The Reiki crystal Red Jasper is also opaque, a deep terracotta color. Red jasper is useful to tell the difference between what is and what is not and to help inspire creativity.

Rose Quartz is translucent and pink. It is a soothing stone that has the properties of forgiveness, comfort and softness. It is great for all things related to feminine reproductive anatomy.

Another Reiki crystal, often mentioned is Snowflake Obisdian, a black crystal with white spots. This stone helps to clear blockages and guide one in the right direction. It also helps give motivation and encouragement by helping one to recognize their potential.

Snow Quartz, a white, opaque stone. This Reiki crystal is known for cleansing and rejuvenation for body and mind.

Sodalite is a blue opaque stone that often has veins of white running through it. Reiki teach that solalite helps one to feel more youthful, bringing joy and relieving a heavy heart.

Unakite is Reiki crystal that is pale green and salmon colored. It is taught that it is great for harmonizing, balancing and blending energy. It helps with grounding and can help resolve conflict.

Reiki and the Care of Pregnant Women

Executive summary about reiki usui By Peter Tremayne

The concept of motherhood is extolled in many cultures. It is sanctified and women are expected to feel fulfilled by it. Yet women have an ambiguous attitude towards it. Some look forward to it with joy. Others would rather not have a baby as they feel it would ruin their figure or they are convinced that they would die during delivery.

The more aggressive women would simply dismiss it as unwanted responsibility. The attitude would make all the difference to the way in which the woman handles her womanhood and pregnancy. The attitude would also impact the unborn child in more ways than one.

Reiki clinics are flooded with women who have physical and psychological problems related to pregnancy. Reiki alleviates many of the symptoms of pregnancy such as morning sickness, excessive tiredness and backache. Reiki helps them adjust to the changes in their body and gives them a positive attitude towards the birth of the child. It emotionally supports the mother and makes her aware of the meaning of motherhood. It also helps the fetus grow normally and often delivery becomes easy for those who have had Reiki just before or during the course of delivery. Reiki improves the bond between the mother and child.

Fathers who wish to support their wives through the pregnancy and develop a bond with the unborn child should consider taking a course in Reiki. They can assist the mother nurture the fetus and ensure its psychological and physical well being by giving Reiki to their wives during pregnancy and delivery. Many fathers who have participated in this exercise have excitedly reported that they can actually feel the fetus move towards the energy when Reiki is given. They have also reported that their bonding with the child is better and they feel that they have contributed to the nurturing of the child in the womb.

Reiki is a gentle energy that brings about transformation of attitudes and even the personality of an individual. Reiki provides the required stimulus to access a different level of awareness and the patient no longer experiences the discomfort and attitudes of the former level of awareness.

Top Five Benefits of Reiki

Executive summary about reiki usui By Meenu Kohli

Now let's take a look at top 5 benefits of Reiki:

1. Reiki will bring stability in not only your life but also in life of those who live around you. I have often noticed that reiki healers are surrounded by such wonderful vibes that their mere presence can resolve difficult situations. Reiki masters have to undergo a lot of transformation in order to enhance the healing abilities. Dr. Mikao Usui has defined five principles which a reiki healer must follow in order to maintain high level of healing ability. The five reiki principles are given below:

• Just For Today I will not be angry
• Just For Today I will not worry
• Just For Today I will count my blessings
• Just For today I will be kind to all living beings
• Just For Today I will be honest

Those who religiously practice these principles attain peace of mind and are able to tune with the positive energies of the universe.

2. You can expect miracles from these healing techniques. We all have heard about how reiki helps in healing physical ailments but besides that how many of us know that reiki can be effective in resolving problems of all kinds. Intention manifestation is possible with the help of reiki. I have myself used combination of reiki and Feng Shui, reiki & laws of attraction and reiki & angel communication to achieve what I desire. Reiki can solve problems of all kind whether you believe it or not.

3. Reiki work for the highest good of all which means it doesn't harm anyone. Suppose, you are in a difficult situation like you are not getting along with your boss. If you apply reiki to this situation then it will work for the highest good of both of you. Which means that either all the issues will be resolved or good career opportunities will happily separate both of you from each other.

4. It enhances the intuitive abilities. Many times when you are stuck in a difficult situation and you are not able to decide what to do reiki will guide you. Sometimes you can actually feel what's going to happen. Reiki will not allow you to take a wrong step.

5. It is good for healing pets. Animals too respond well to reiki therapy. Reiki is a very soothing and positive energy that helps in reducing physical pain and discomfort especially in animals because animals have pure soul.

Manifesting Your Dreams With Reiki

Executive summary about reiki usui By Ikemesit A Etuknwa

Creative uses of Reiki

With Reiki the possibilities are numerous. But there are basic requirements that must be fulfilled in order to achieve success. These are:

1. Our motives must not be wholly selfish. You should, at least, in seeking for something always have some other person(s) in mind. Reiki works better when one is motivated by higher emotions like love, compassion, kindness and so on. So, if you want to work miracles, then let love be the source of all your actions. It as simple as that.

2. Have a clear cut vision about what you want. Build it up within your mind, will it to manifest and take action.

3. We must not doubt the process. Doubt happens to be one of the worst enemies of progress in any field of specialty. Doubt actually blinds us to our capabilities. I don't really understand why one should doubt unnecessarily. If you haven't done a thing before then how do you know it will or won't work? Keep an open mind. If you happen to entertain doubt about the process then it is better you forget it.

4. Let go. When you have done your own part, its time to let your silent partner take over... release it to the universe. It is done.

5. Also, you have to understand that this is no short cut but an application of natural laws, as such, it doesn't eliminate the requirement of physical endeavour. You have to also work physically as you are working spiritually.

Whenever you want to engage in any energy work with Reiki, the above guidelines will prove to be an indispensable companion. Try it, it works...

Reiki can be used for various other purposes apart from healing. Reiki is very powerful when it comes to manifestation, also, it can be used for protection, for cleansing, for contact with spirits, for virtually anything! All that is needed is just your decision to do it!

Schools of Reiki: Traditional Vs Western

Executive summary about reiki usui by Yaheem B

Here are 5 differences between the traditional Reiki as practiced by Dr. Usui and the western schools:

1. The traditional school of Reiki, founded by Dr. Usui Mikao in

Japan

in 1925, classifies the students into 3 levels: "Shoden" for beginners, "Okuden" for advanced Reiki practitioners, and "Shinpiden" for Reiki masters. Most western schools teach Reiki in 3 levels as well but under these different names: Reiki I (or Reiki level 1) for beginners, Reiki II for advanced and distance healing, and Reiki III for masters who can teach and attune others.

2. In the traditional school of Reiki a student must be invited by a sponsor, while in the western Reiki schools any one can learn Reiki as long as they pay the fee. However, some people paid the fees, got the classes and attunement according to some western schools, and proved that they just don't have it.

3. It takes longer in the Traditional Reiki school to finish any of the above levels, and any level of Reiki can only be granted after years of practicing in the presence of a supervisor. It took Dr. Usui all of his Reiki-practicing life time to teach only 18 students up to the master level. Western Reiki doesn't involve that long time of one-on-one training. Rather it takes as little as 1 day to finish any of the three Reiki levels. A student can even buy the training online and do it all without seeing their master.

4. Buddhist practices, including meditation and contemplation, are involved in the traditional Reiki training. In the west, where Christianity is the religion of the majority, they either stick it to Jesus, or teach it in a totally atheist theory.

5. There is one traditional Reiki school, while in the west there are hundreds of them. This is even too confusing for a beginner, for instance, in knowing which one is the true Reiki science to begin with. The result is either rejecting them all or the opposite; adopting one and criticizing the others.