Therapies: Reiki

What is Reiki?

The Tao is the one
From the one comes Yin and Yang
From these two, creative Qi
From Qi, ten thousand things
The forms of all creation. Tao 42

The top character -Rei - means mysteriously guided or universally guided
The bottom character –Ki- means life force, vital energy, the stuff that makes up the universe both material and immaterial.
Reiki is therefore universally guided vital energy.

Reiki is a simple yet profound healing practice.
Reiki is non-sectarian ~ it is neither a religion nor a philosophy.
Reiki is an energetic medicine.
Reiki is a spiritual practice.
Reiki reveals the path to relaxation.
Reiki is a simple and profound self-help system that adapts itself to the user.

Practitioners work by placing their hands either directly onto the body or in the energy field of the receiver becoming a bridge or channel through which this universal life force and healing intelligence can flow.

The origins of Reiki

The origins of Reiki can be traced back to Tibet many thousands of years ago. Modern Tibetans say that what we call Reiki has always been practiced in their land. The symbols that are used to attune students to Reiki are ancient Tibetan meditation and healing symbols. Reiki is a form of ancient Buddhist Qi Gong. Qi Gong is a system of physical movements or still postures accompanied by breathing techniques and visualizations the aim of which is to activate, balance and build Qi (Ki), to promote the smooth flow of Qi and to reconnect the self with Universal Energy. Qi Gong consists of five main branches originating from Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. Buddhist Qi Gong is passive (Yin) in style, as its main focus is on the development of Inner Awareness and healing.

It was Mikaomi Usui of Kyoto, Japan who named it ‘Reiki’ towards the end of the nineteenth century. It was him that ‘rediscovered’ it and began to spread the word setting up many Reiki clinics throughout Japan, teaching many students and setting up the Reiki Shiki Ryoho- Reiki healing society.

The history of Reiki since it arrived in the west in the mid 1940’s has been surrounded by mystery and confusion. Essential information had been lost along the way, leaving the world of Reiki in conflict with different schools of thought arguing over who teaches the genuine or original Reiki! Now, thanks to Frank Arjarva Petter’s research into the origins of Reiki and the rediscovery of Usui’s original teaching manual, it seems that the cloud of confusion is lifting. Petter’s first book ‘Reiki Fire’, first published in 1997 is probably the most important book on the origins of reiki available in the West.

These are the reiki ideals that Usui passed on to his students

\"Just for today, I will let go of anger
Just for today, I will let go of worry
Just for today, I will give thanks for my many blessings
Just for today, I will do my work honestly\"

Reiki classes

Reiki is taught in 3 stages or degrees.

Reiki I is essentially about learning to heal yourself. You learn about the nature of reiki, receive your initial attunement and learn how to allow it to flow. Basic healing positions are taught for the treatment of others and relevant qi gong exercises and meditations are also taught.
Reiki II this is for those who wish to develop their use of reiki further either for their own practice or to use to help others. It is very useful for practitioners of other forms of hands on therapy such as massage to take this stage. You learn the three major healing symbols and how to use them, one of which enables healing to be sent at a distance through time and space. You receive a further attunement at this stage and learn more about how to use Reiki.

Reiki IIIa this is for those who are dedicated to the practice of Reiki have worked with it for several years and have arrived at a point where they wish to move further in their practice. Advanced techniques are taught along with the master symbols. This stage must be taken before the teacher stage.

Reiki Master/teacher for those who wish to become Reiki teachers.

Sarah Pritchard teaches Reiki at the centre regularly throughout the year. Check out our Homepage for details of the next classes. Or, feel free to contact her at sarah@healingpath.co.uk

Reiki drop in clinic

We run a Reiki drop in clinic the first Sunday of every month. All are welcome to come and receive Reiki. Payment is by donation. Reiki students are welcome to come and give Reiki under the supervision of experienced practitioners in order to gain further experience. Further information can be found by ringing the centre. The drop in clinic is run by Georgina Armstrong and Fraser Nicholson, both are Reiki masters taught by Sarah Pritchard.

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