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}} is a form of developed Reiki in early 20th century Japan , where he said he received the ability of ' Healing without energy depletion' after three weeks of Fasting and Meditating on Mount Kurama. Practitioners use a technique similar to the Laying On Of Hands , which they say will channel "healing energy" ( Ki ).National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. An Introduction to Reiki Practitioners state that energy flows through their palmsReiki flows through hands: (McKenzie 1998 p18); (Ellyard 2004 p27); (Boräng 1997 p9); (Veltheim,Veltheim 1995 p33) to bring about healing and that the method can be used for self-treatment as well as treatment of others. DERIVATION OF NAME The name Reiki derives from the Japanese pronunciation of two ). The Noun commonly refers to either the energy ''or'' the therapeutic method which uses the energy. ''Reiki'' is also used as a Verb and an Adjective . Japanese speakers use the term as a generic 'spiritual power' while the ''Usui Method of Reiki Healing'' is specifically ''Usui reiki shiki ryoho''. THEORY Reiki teachings state that there is a universal 'life force' energy,Reiki as universal life force energy: (Lübeck,Petter,Rand 2001 p62); (McKenzie 1998 p18); (Ellyard 2004 p75); (Lübeck 1994 p13); (Boräng 1997 p8) which can be accessed by practitioners to induce a healing effect.Reiki can induce healing: (McKenzie 1998 p18); (Lübeck,Petter,Rand 2001 p14,68); (Veltheim,Veltheim 1995 p30); (Ellyard 2004 p27) It is claimed by believers that anyone can gain access to this energyAnyone can be attuned to Reiki: (Lübeck,Petter,Rand 2001 p8); (Veltheim,Veltheim 1995 p35); (Ellyard 2004 p77) by means of an ''attunement'' processNote: The terms 'attunement' and 'initiation' are usually used interchangeably with regard to Reiki. Occasionally there is a slight difference of emphasis implied, with 'attunement' used when discussing the gaining of access to the Reiki energy and 'initiation' when discussing the personal (or spiritual) growth aspect. Both these aspects relate to the same physical procedure. carried out by a Reiki Master .Access is by means of attunement: (Ellyard 2004 p27,31); (Lübeck,Petter,Rand 2001 p22); (McKenzie 1998 p18,19); (Gollagher 1998 p26); (Boräng 1997 p12) The belief is that the energy will flow through the practitioner's hands whenever the hands are placed on, or held near a potential recipient, who can be clothed.Recipient may be clothed: (Lübeck 1994 p48); (McKenzie 1998 p81); (Boräng 1997 p10,36) Some teachings stress the importance of the practitioner's ''intention'' or presence in this process, while others claim that the energy is ''drawn'' by the recipient's injury to ''activate or enhance the natural healing processes''.Reiki activates or enhances natural healing: (McKenzie 1998 p18); (Veltheim,Veltheim 1995 p78,93); (Gollagher 1998 p24) Going further, the belief is that the 'energy' is 'intelligent',Reiki is 'intelligent': (Ellyard 2004 p28,29); (Boräng 1997 p10), making diagnosis unnecessary. A second level of Training , including another initiation, is said to equip the practitioner to perform Reiki treatments from a distance.Second level allows distance healing: (Ellyard 2004 p107); (McKenzie 1998 p56); (Lübeck 1994 p155); (Veltheim,Veltheim 1995 p119) This method, it is stated, involves the use of special ''symbols'' to form a temporary connection between the practitioner and the recipient, regardless of location, and then to send the Reiki energy.Use of symbols for connection during distant healing: (McKenzie 1998 p39); (Ellyard 2004 p110) Techniques are also taught whereby Reiki can be sent to a specific point in time, either in the past or the future.Reiki can be sent to past or future: (McKenzie 1998 p39); (Ellyard 2004 p115); (Lübeck 1994 p155) The energy involved in a Reiki treatment is said to be 'from the Universe,' rather than the personal energy of the practitioner,Reiki energy is from the Universe, not personal: (Ellyard 2004 p27,28,75); (Boräng 1997 p9) and is therefore inexhaustible.Reiki is inexhaustible. (McKenzie 1998 p18); (Boräng 1997 p9) (Some teachings say that the energy enters the practitioner through the ''crown Chakra '' at the top of the head, before being emitted from the hands.)Reiki enters practitioner through crown chakra: (Ellyard 2004 p27,28) As a consequence, Reiki practitioners are taught that they can treat ''themselves'' with Reiki.Self-treatment is possible: (Ellyard 2004 p27); (Veltheim,Veltheim 1995 ch6); (McKenzie 1998 p18,66); (Baginski,Sharamon 1988 ch7); (Gollagher 1998 ch6) Reiki is also used by practitioners as Preventative Medicine , as it is claimed that the energy encourages healing before any noticeable symptoms have emerged.Reiki as preventative medicine: (McKenzie 1998 p18); (Ellyard 2004 p69) Another consequence of the simplicity of Reiki is that it can be taught to children.Children can use Reiki: (Ellyard 2004 p55); (McKenzie 1998 p100) Some teachers state that if, on some level, the intended recipient does not wish to be healed, the energy will not flow.Reiki blocked if recipient does not want to be healed: (Lübeck 1994 p16) Reiki is described by adherents as a Holistic therapy which brings about healing on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels.Reiki is holistic, bringing healing on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels: (Baginski,Sharamon 1988 p35); (Gollagher 1998 p44); (Boräng 1997 p10); (McKenzie 1998 p81) It is said that healing may occur in any or all of these domains in a single treatment, without any conscious direction needed by either the practitioner or the recipient. PRACTICE Whole body treatment In a typical whole-body Reiki treatment,Whole body treatment: (Lübeck 1994 ch4,ch5); (McKenzie 1998 p84); (Ellyard 2004 p45); (Lübeck,Petter,Rand 2001 ch20); (Veltheim,Veltheim 1995 p79); (Petter 1997 p50,55); (Boräng 1997 p36) the practitioner asks the recipient to lie down, usually on a massage table, and relax. Loose, comfortable clothing is usually worn during the treatment. The practitioner might take a few moments to enter a calm or meditative state of mind and mentally prepare for the treatment, which is usually carried out without any unnecessary talking. The treatment proceeds with the practitioner placing his hands on the recipient in various positions. However, some practitioners use a non-touching technique, where the hands are held a few centimetres away from the recipient's body, for some or all of the positions. The hands are usually kept still for 3 to 5 minutes before moving to the next position. Overall, the hand positions usually give a general coverage of the head, the front and back of the torso, the knees and feet. Between 12 and 20 positions are used, with the whole treatment lasting 45 to 90 minutes. Some practitioners use a fixed set of hand positions. Others use their intuition to guide them as to where treatment is needed,Use of intuition: (Usui,Petter 2003 p17) sometimes starting the treatment with a 'scan' of the recipient to find such areas. The intuitive approach might also lead to individual positions being treated for much shorter or longer periods of time. It is reported that the recipient often feels warmth or tingling in the area being treated, even when a non-touching approach is being used. A state of deep relaxation, combined with a general feeling of well-being, is usually the most noticeable immediate effect of the treatment, although emotional releases can also occur.Immediate effects of treatment: (Ellyard 2004 p44) As the Reiki treatment is said to be stimulating natural healing processes, instantaneous 'cures' of specific health problems are ''not'' usually observed. A series of three or more treatments, typically at intervals of 1 to 7 days, is usually recommended if a chronic condition is being addressed. Regular treatments, on an on-going basis, can be used with the aim of maintaining well-being. The interval between such treatments is typically in the range of 1 to 4 weeks, except in the case of ''self-treatment'' when a daily practice is common. Localized treatment Localized Reiki treatments involve the practitioner's hands being held on or near a ''specific'' part of the body. Recent injuries are usually treated in this way,Treatment of injuries: (McKenzie 1998 p110); (Ellyard 2004 p70); (Veltheim,Veltheim 1995 p77) with the site of injury being targeted. There is great variation in the duration of such treatments, though 20 minutes might be typical. Some practitioners use localized treatments for certain ailments, and some publications have tabulated appropriate hand positions.Hand positions for specific ailments: (Usui,Petter 2003 p49-67); (Lübeck 1994 p173-184) However, other practitioners prefer to use the whole body treatment for all chronic conditions, on the grounds that it has a more holistic effect.Whole body treatment for chronic conditions: (McKenzie 1998 p108); (Veltheim,Veltheim 1995 p81) Another approach is to give a whole body treatment first, followed by a localized treatment.Localized treatment following on from whole body treatment: (McKenzie 1998 p105) Informal treatment Many practitioners use Reiki in an informal way, as part of social interaction with friends or family members. In this style of use, the practitioner places one or both hands on any part of the recipient: wherever feels appropriate and comfortable in the particular situation. Talking and all other aspects of social interaction continue as normal. Self treatment A Reiki practitioner can treat himself or herself with any of the methods described above. In this case, the practitioner is also the recipient. Group treatment A group treatment involves two or more Reiki practitioners treating the same recipient, simultaneously.Group treatment: (Baginski,Sharamon 1988 ch15); (Ellyard 2004 p58) This is said to have a significantly stronger effect than treatment from a single practitioner. Groups of practitioners can come together to share Reiki.Reiki share: (McKenzie 1998 p102) In these situations, each participant in turn acts as the recipient, with the rest of the group giving the treatment. The number of people involved is usually in the range 3 to 9. (Two practitioners can also meet to exchange Reiki treatments.) If there are more than 8 or 9 participants, then they split into two or more groups for practical reasons. The duration of treatment is such that the whole sharing takes one to two hours (between 10 and 30 minutes per recipient). Such a 'Reiki share' is often a social occasion, with the practitioners talking throughout. Treatment of animals and plants Animals and plants are usually treated for shorter periods than humans. The duration of treatment, and number of hand positions used, depends on factors such as the size of the recipient and the severity of the condition being addressed. In the absence of disease, some practitioners enjoy giving Reiki to animals or plants, as a loving interaction. Spiritual practice Many practitioners use Reiki as the basis of a spiritual practice, or to augment other spiritual practices. The cornerstone of Reiki spiritual practice is a daily one hour self-treatment,Self-treatment as spiritual practice: (Boräng 1997 p57) conducted in a meditative frame of mind. As well as maintaining physical, mental and emotional well-being, this practice is understood to induce spiritual growth, potentially leading to Self-realization .Reiki as path to self-realization: (Petter 1998 p9) Many Reiki practitioners also undertake to observe the 5 Reiki Principles recommended by Mikao UsuiUse of 5 Reiki Principles in spiritual practice: (Lübeck,Petter,Rand 2001 ch21) (see History ). HISTORY Origin A Japanese Tendai Buddhist named Mikao Usui is credited with discovering Reiki in 1922 after a twenty-one day retreat on Mount Kurama, involving Meditation , Fasting , and Prayer .Usui's 21 day retreat: (Lübeck,Petter,Rand 2001 p14); What is the History of Reiki? Usui claimed that by mystical revelation he had gained the knowledge and spiritual power to apply and attune others to what is called Reiki. In April of 1922, Usui moved to Tokyo and founded the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai (Usui Reiki Healing Society).Founding of Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai: (Lübeck,Petter,Rand 2001 p14) Usui was an admirer of the literary works of Emperor Meiji , and, in the process of developing his Reiki system, summarised some of the emperor's works into a set of ethical principles, which later became known as the Reiki Principles. Many Reiki teachers and practitioners aim to abide by these five principles, one translation of which is: : "The secret method of inviting good fortune. : The marvelous medicine for all sickness : : Just for today: :: Do not be angry :: Do not be worried :: Be grateful :: Work hard (on improving yourself) :: Be kind to others. : : Every morning and every night, sit in the Gassho position held palm-to-palm and speak these words out loud in your heart. : For the evolution of body and soul, Usui Reiki Ryoho" - Mikao Usui, the founder.The 5 Reiki Principles: Reiki Principles ; (Petter 1998 p29); (Lübeck,Petter,Rand 2001 p95) Usui taught over 2000 students to use Reiki. 16 of his students continued their training to reach the ''Shinpiden'' level, equivalent to the Western Third Degree , or master level.Number of people taught by Usui: (Lübeck,Petter,Rand 2001 p16) Usui died in 1926. Early development After Usui's death, Chujiro Hayashi a former student of Usui left the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai and formed his own association. Hayashi simplified the Reiki teachings, stressing physical healing and using a more codified and simpler set of Reiki techniques.Hayashi's teachings: (Lübeck,Petter,Rand 2001 p17,ch19) Hayashi initiated and trained Hawayo Takata , who travelled widely in the USA, practising Reiki and teaching the first two Levels to others. Takata stressed the importance of charging money for Reiki treatments and teachings. In 1970, Takata began teaching the ''Shinpiden'' stage and introduced the term ''Reiki master'' for this level. She also fixed a price of $10,000 for the master training. Takata died in 1980 by which time she had trained 22 Reiki masters. Almost all Reiki taught outside Japan has followed from her work. Recent developments After the death of Hawayo Takata, former studet Barbara Weber Ray founded the American Reiki Association (ARA) which later became the AIRA and is now The Radiance Technique International Association Inc. (TRTIA). The organization differentiates its teachings from those of other Reiki masters and organizations, considering itself to be the one true continuation of Takata's heritage. Soon after the founding of the ARA, Phyllis Furumoto, a granddaughter of Takata, founded The Reiki Alliance. The Alliance accepted Reiki masters from a wide range of backgrounds as members. Another Takata student, Iris Ishikuro, abandoned the practice of charging $10,000 for Reiki Master training, allowing Reiki to spread more widely. A great deal of generic New Age content is now often taught either as an adjunct to Reiki or even as an integral part of the system, and numerous schools of thought now exist, some being freely offered and some proprietary. The Reiki Network was formed as an organization to promote a standardized teaching of traditional Reiki. In addition to the teaching organizations, whose members are Reiki masters, many communities of Reiki ''practitioners'' have formed. TRAINING The teaching of Reiki outside of Japan is commonly divided into three levels, or degrees.Reiki is taught in 3 levels: (McKenzie 1998 p54); (Veltheim,Veltheim 1995 p117); (Petter 1997 p38) First degree The first degree Reiki courseFirst degree course content: (McKenzie 1998 p54); (Veltheim,Veltheim 1995 p118); (Petter 1997 p38) teaches the basic theories and procedures of how to work with Reiki energy. The channel through which Reiki energy passes to the practitioner is said to be opened or widened through four "attunements" given to the student by the teacher.Effect of 4 attunements in 1st level: (Ellyard 2004 p37) Students learn hand placement positions on the recipient's body that are thought to be most conducive to the healing process in a whole body treatment. Having completed the first degree course, the participant can treat himself and others with Reiki. The course duration is typically two days, although this varies widely. Second degree In the second degree Reiki course,Second degree course content: (McKenzie 1998 p56); (Veltheim,Veltheim 1995 p119); (Petter 1997 p43) the student learns the use of three symbols which are said to enhance the healing effect and allow for distance healing. Another attunement is given which is said to further increase the capacity for Reiki to flow through the student, as well as empowering the use of the symbols.Effect of 2nd level attunement: (Ellyard 2004 p81) Having completed the second level, the student can treat people with Reiki without being physically present with the recipient. The first degree is a prerequisite for the second degree, which is usually taught over two days, although this varies considerably. Third degree or master training Through the third degree, or "master training",Master training: (McKenzie 1998 p58); (Veltheim,Veltheim 1995 p120-124); (Petter 1997 p47-49) the student becomes a Reiki master. (In Reiki terminology, the word 'master' does not imply spiritual enlightenment.) One or more attunements are carried out and the student learns a further master-level symbol. Having completed the master training, the new Reiki master can attune other people to Reiki and teach the three degrees of Reiki. The first and second degrees are prerequisites for the master training. The duration of the master training can be anything from a day to a year or more, depending on the school and philosophy of the master giving the training. In the case of comprehensive training, the third level is often broken into two or three smaller stages of attunements and teaching. Variations There is much variation in training methods, speeds and costs, as there is no regulation of Reiki. Students on the traditional path may be made to wait up to a year or more after the first level, before being allowed to learn the second degree, and thereafter many more years before being taught the master level. Other teachers, taking a non-traditional approach, might cover all three levels within a few days. Correspondence courses over the Internet even offer Distance Training . Some traditionalists maintain that any method that teaches Reiki "quickly" cannot yield as strong an effect, because there is no substitute for experience and patient mastery of the art. The levels of Reiki Frequently Asked Questions about Reiki Whilst masters affiliated to the Reiki Alliance or the Reiki Network teach within the three level structure outlined above, The Radiance Technique®/Authentic Reiki® teaches a seven level system. Many independent teachers combine Reiki with other techniques, such as working with crystals, colour therapy, spirit guides or visualization. Such methods are sometimes included as part of a Reiki course. SCIENCE Oschman has claimed that , Vol. 11, Nr. 3, 2005: A review of Energy Medicine: The Scientific Basis, by Harriet Hall, MD CRITICISM Effectiveness Opponents of Reiki say that any therapeutic effect may be due to the reasoning and the Regressive Fallacy have also been suggested as possible factors. It has also been claimed that people receiving Reiki use it merely as a "feel-good" therapy and do not expect any significant healing effects. Some Thoughts about "CAM" Beliefs Safety Some Safety Concerns are shared with other Alternative Medicine s. In particular, it is feared that patients might avoid clinically proven treatments for serious conditions, in favour of Reiki. Some Reiki practitioners encourage their clients to consult a medical doctor for serious conditions, stating that Reiki can be used to complement conventional medicine.Reiki does not replace conventional medicine but complements it: (McKenzie 1998 p7,18,105) Religious Fr Tom Ingoldsby of the Salesian Order of the Roman Catholic church denounced Reiki as "opening the door to evil and occult forces which have later side effects". Reiki teachers hit back at priest's Satanic warning Some Christians believe Reiki "creates a closer connection for them to God." Reiki for Christians Internal controversies With the many varied ways that have been used to teach Reiki, there have emerged points of controversy between different groups, teachers and practitioners. Controversies exist on topics such as the nature of the Reiki energy itself, fees charged for courses and treatments, training methods, secrecy of symbols and attunement methods. Following the death of Hawayo Takata, through to the mid 1990s, there were rival claims to the title of "Grandmaster" of Reiki. However, this dispute largely evapourated when it was discovered that Takata herself had invented the title. SEE ALSO
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