What does Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki mean?

Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki, or just Reiki for short, is an energy healing method that originated in Japan. Rei means universal, supernatural knowledge or spiritual consciousness. Ki is the Japanese word for life force or life energy and is also known as Chi in Chinese, Prana in Sanskrit, and Ti or Ki in Hawaiian. It has also been called orgone or bioplasma. Thus, Reiki can be translated into Spiritually Guided Life Force Energy.

In Japan the word reiki is used to describe any kind of healing method. To distinguish it from other healing methods the founder, Dr. Usui, referred to it as Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki or the Usui System of Natural Healing.

The History of Reiki.

The Usui system of Natural Healing was discovered or rediscovered around the end of the 19th century by Dr. Mikao Usui. We say rediscovered because it is believed that Reiki is based on ancient knowledge that can be traced back thousands of years to Tibet. Dr. Usui studied sacred literature extensively in Japan, China and Europe, and was searching for a way to do healing work without depleting one’s own energy. During a mystical experience at Mt Kurama, Japan, Dr Usui received a Reiki attunement. He also received the symbols that are used in Reiki and the ability to use and teach Reiki.

Reiki was first taken outside Japan in 1937 when Mrs. Hawayo Takata brought it to the Hawaiian Islands. Since then Reiki has spread worldwide and it is estimated that there are 50,000 Reiki Masters and as many as 1 million Reiki practitioners.

What is Reiki?

Reiki is based on the idea that what causes us to be alive is an unseen universal life energy that flows through the body’s different systems such as the meridians, chakras and the aura.

When this life energy is at its optimal high we feel good on all levels; physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. When this life energy is low we don’t feel well and we may get ill. Many things such as negative thought patterns and/or emotions can disrupt this energy.

In a Reiki session the reiki energy flows to and recharges the affected parts of the energy field and breaks up negative energy allowing the life energy to flow in a healthy, normal and natural way again.

Even though Reiki is spiritual in nature it is not a religion.

How is Reiki performed?

Usually the client lies down on a massage table fully clothed and the practitioner places his/her hands on or above the client’s body at different locations such as the head, stomach, back, feet, legs and/or arms. Reiki can also be performed with the client sitting up or even standing.

What are the benefits of Reiki?

People experience Reiki sessions in many different ways. Most experience a relaxing effect or increased energy and some improvement in any physical or emotional disorder. Some experience altered states of consciousness or have a spiritual experience.

Reiki has shown a positive effect on many types of illnesses and negative conditions including headaches, colds, anxiety, heart disease, cancer, leukemia, and postoperative pain. It can also be used to reduce side effects of medication and chemotherapy and speed healing from injuries and surgeries. There have also been reported almost miraculous recoveries from serious illnesses but that is not common and not guaranteed.

If the client has any kind of medical or mental condition Reiki should not be used alone. It should be used in conjunction with a course of treatment prescribed by a licensed health care practitioner.

Reiki is always beneficial and cannot be harmful.

More information can be obtained at the website of the International Center for Reiki Training - www.reiki.org.