Reiki - Frequently asked questions.
What is Reiki ?
Pronounced Ray-Key, it is a Japanese word which means Universal Life Force Energy. Although i prefer to describe it as that which embodies the awareness and wilful command of the life enhancing energy which surrounds us. Derived from Raku Kei it is a powerful tool for self realisation as well as a system of natural healing. Rediscovered in ancient Buddhist scriptures, it was brought to the west in the early part of this century. Techniques whereby self realisation could more easily be achieved were made available in a more accessible form by the endeavors of Mika Usui, a Buddhist who later became known as Usui Sensei (or teacher). He lived in Kyoto, Japan. This system, given the name Reiki, was brought to the west by Hawayo Takata in the late 1940's. Today Reiki continues to be taught by Reiki Masters who have been trained in the traditions passed down from master to student. There is no belief system associated with Reiki- anyone can receive (or learn to give) Reiki healing, the only prerequisite is the desire to be healed. Animals and plants will also benefit from Reiki.
What does a full Reiki treatment involve ?
A Reiki treatment is often described as a 'laying on of hands' although it is not necessary for the practitioner to actually touch you, and because it is a non intrusive therapy, you can remain fully clothed throughout the treatment (except shoes and any heavy jewelry). Whilst Reiki can be given to you in any comfortable position, for example sitting in a chair, it is usual to lay covered on a healing table, whilst healing energy is drawn through the practitioner via a number of hand positions to both the back and front of your body. For the treatment it is recommended that you wear warm but loose fitting clothing.
Prior to your first treatment, you will have the opportunity to ask questions and to find out more about Reiki, after which there will be a consultation in which you will be invited to describe not only your manifest symptoms, but any underlying cause that you feel may be significant, since Reiki works on the mental and emotional levels in addition to the physical. You are advised that Reiki can often reduce the required dosage of prescription drugs. This has been particularly noted in the case of diabetics and their insulin requirements.
It should be noted that unless medically qualified a Reiki practitioner is unable to make clinical diagnosis.
What conditions will Reiki Treat ?
Not only is Reiki beneficial for chronic conditions but also for acute conditions. It is also a valuable first aid tool. Regular (self) treatments are an excellent way of boosting the immune system. It should be remembered that Reiki is primarily a method for self development through regular self treatment.
It is important that Reiki is not considered as a substitute for other prescribed therapies, rather it should be viewed as complementary to them. If in doubt, consult your general practitioner who may actually refer you to a complementary therapist.
How does Reiki work ?
Let us use an analogy; that of yourself as a discharged (re-chargeable!) battery. The Reiki practitioner simply enables the trickle charge from the 'cosmic battery charger' that we all draw upon every second of every day, to be boosted to supercharge. Like the battery, you will only draw the energy required, be it for a top-up charge or a full recharge. It is important to remember that the energy comes from the battery charger namely the life force energy that surrounds us all, and not from the practitioner facilitating this.
Reiki will always work for not only your highest good, but also for the highest good of the practitioner, although this may not always be in accordance with your or the practitioners expectations. Sometimes the effects are too subtle to be apparent, especially for those who are relatively healthy or otherwise not showing any outward symptoms of disease.
Can Reiki be scientifically proven ?
Reiki cannot be measured, that is quantified or qualified. You cannot determine its wavelength (for instance), spectroscopically or with any other measuring instrument. You cannot deliver 100 Usui's of Reiki as you would 100 lux of light, or 100 Watts of electricity !
What can be measured to varying degrees is the relative interaction of Reiki energy with a living system, however that of course is subjective.
Changes in haemoglobin and hematocrit levels have been measured during Reiki healing, these are presented in the book "Healing Research" by Dr. J J Benor
Science is also accepting the fact that the human energy field exists and some research has been conducted in this field. Article on Measuring The Human Energy Field
Changes in the energy field may also be observed using Kirlian photography. The two pictures below show a Reiki master's fingertip before and after giving Reiki.
Can Reiki do harm ?
Under no condition's can Reiki energy do any harm.
What will I experience during a treatment ?
During the treatment, you may experience any one of a number of sensations, from warmth to a feeling of cold, from tingling sensations to sometimes ..... nothing at all ! This does not mean that you have not been drawing Reiki energy. every experience in life is unique and personal. Most recipients however experience a very pleasant feeling, often described as one of total relaxation. Your treatment will usually last around 1 hour.
Can one feel the difference between different Reiki systems ?
Both healers and recipients alike often state that "you can feel the difference". In reply I would point out that this is subjective appraisal, and should not be seen as a gauge of the amount drawn, nor by any stretch of the imagination, the 'quality' of the energy. Depending on skin pigmentation, different people exposed to sunlight for the same time may have very different experiences. They may feel an immediate warmth and reddening of the skin, feel nothing other than a pleasant sensation, or alternatively may experience sunburn some time later. The healing experienced during a Reiki treatment may be similarly described, however you cannot get sunburn or even a tan from Reiki !
What will I experience after a Reiki treatment ?
You may experience a detoxification lasting several days, so it is advisable to drink plenty of water. Whilst some conditions will respond to a single treatment, there are others (for instance those of chronic or long term nature) which may require a succession of treatments, usually at weekly intervals, before significant improvements are realised. Ask yourself beforehand " what do I really want to gain from Reiki healing ?" Of course, virtually every recipient of Reiki will experience some degree of benefit.
Is there a governing body for Reiki ?
As with many complementary therapies, there are governing bodies who, in collaboration with the Reiki community, are working to define the standards and levels of competence that will soon need to be met by Reiki Teachers and Practitioners to move into alignment with forthcoming legislation on complementary health-care. Amongst those at the forefront are the International Guild of Professional Practitioners, and the UK Reiki Federation.
With a great deal of media attention now being given to complementary therapies and also to their practitioners, Reiki practitioners in particular need to be seen to be professional and working with integrity by both the public as well as the medical profession. It is in the interests of teachers, practitioners and members of the public alike that standards and levels of competence are upheld, and as we become more fully integrated with the European community, it is highly likely that accreditation by a recognised governing body will soon become an essential pre-requisite to both practice and teach.
I am currently one of only a few Reiki Teachers in this country registered with the International Guild of Professional Practitioners (as a Reiki Master Teacher and Practitioner) and also the Complementary Medical Association (GB).
Registered with the International Centre for Reiki Training, Lynn and I maintain the highest standards ethically and those implicit in the Reiki tradition, as well as being instrumental in the furtherance of these standards. In keeping with all healing practices, our discretion and confidentiality is guaranteed.
Where can I find a Reiki Practitioner ?
Adverts for Reiki practitioners can be found far and wide, especially in complementary health magazines. The Reiki Association will also be able to assist you in locating a practitioner in your area.
Can you tell me about the different Reiki healing systems advertised ?
In addition to the traditional Usui system there are many other Reiki healing systems being taught, some are recognised as root systems in their own right, whilst there are many that are coloured to varying degrees by the ego's of their proponents, and thus have attracted somewhat pretentious names.
The following are those root types currently known and taught in the west:
It should be stated that whilst each and every system has its own merits, the healing energy is all drawn from the same source.
Why are there so many Reiki Healing Systems ?
If we are discerning regards contemporary healing systems, dismissing those peddlers of 'gamma ray key with additional symbols flags whistles and bells, then throughout history there have been a number of core healing systems attracting different labels. These systems and their associated symbols were appropriate for the root races living at the time, each serving the same purpose, namely that of healing. Compare the different languages spoken across the planet, and their respective alphabets (symbols). Is Greek any better than Japanese or English for communicating ? Accepted, it may seem that some are more complex and difficult to learn, whilst others are more expressive, however they serve the same function - communication !
Like languages healing modalities can be considered to be dynamic, constantly evolving to meet our needs. This may in part account for the recent emergence in the west of contemporary Reiki systems with additional symbols to be used in conjunction with the Usui system of Reiki healing.
Of course, the difference is in the way the energy can be expressed by the healer rather than any difference inherent in the energy of the contemporary healing systems themselves. In other words, whilst the energy behind each and every one of these healing systems is essentially the same, it is the frequency of the healer / channel that affects the out come, which also includes that which may or may not be experienced at the time of healing. Unfortunately many Reiki healers mistake the degree of sensations felt during healing for the relative power of the or their Reiki, when in truth what the are probably experiencing is their resistance to energy flow. Remember, the greater the ego I-dentity, the greater the separation from source, ego limits !.
How do I find a Reiki Teacher ?
There is an old adage, " When the pupil is ready, the Master will come." For the most part, people are drawn to Reiki when it feels right for them. We feel that being attuned to Reiki is a very important step in one's life, and should never be forced upon someone. It is also a two - way process, in so much that not only does the student learn from the Reiki teacher, but the teacher also learns from the student. I feel this is why aspiring students are drawn to particular teachers. The Reiki attunement energy is the same amongst teachers and attunements follow similar procedures and so are alike. However, the intent of the teacher, his/her experience and understanding of the subject as well as his/her ability to teach will vary considerably.
In seeking a teacher, enquire about his/her reasons for teaching, and ask about his/her lineage. Enquire about the course content, whether the traditional Usui method is taught, and whether or not they will be at hand to advise you (should the need arise) throughout the months following your training. Above all else do you feel comfortable with him or her ?
As with many other unregistered professions, there are those teachers who prefer to take short cuts in their training rather than invest the time and money required to better develop their skills. Because of this, Reiki has become synonymous with a quick therapy training, when it is really a powerful tool for personal growth and discipline whose side effect is healing on various levels.
Reiki training will change a persons (way of ) life, and as I have stated, it is a very important step on ones individual path. If you are drawn to Reiki at this time, and have decided that it is right for you, then choose a teacher who has taken time and effort in their training. You will be greatly rewarded with the outcome.
Can anyone learn Reiki ?
Virtually anyone can learn Reiki, even young children. Once attuned, Reiki is with you for life irrespective of how often you choose to use it. The process can neither be lost of reversed.
What is the difference between a Reiki Master and a Reiki Teacher ?
None. It should be borne in mind that the term master should be viewed in the same context as schoolmaster and / or teacher .
Where can I learn more about Reiki ?
There is a wealth of information available about Reiki on the Internet, there are some links from our homepage. There are also several good books available about Reiki should you wish to know more here are some we recommend :
' The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes' -Marcel Proust