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by: Pat Cougar, R.N., Reiki Master
Reiki (pronounced RAY-key) is a Japanese word and literally translates as "Universal Life Energy". It is an ancient form of healing using the natural energy of which all matter is created. In Chinese culture this energy is referred to as "chi", in the Japanese as "ki", in East Indian cultures as "prana", and in Western cultures as "bioenergy" (particularly when referring to the energy within plants and animals).
The practice of Reiki is believed to have originated in the Tibetan culture and was "rediscovered" in the Sutras in the late eighteen-hundreds by Dr. Mikao Usui of Japan. Those practitioners who follow the basic guidelines set forth by Dr. Usui often refer to their practice as the Usui System of Reiki. In the twentieth century, Reiki Masters have brought this form of healing to the USA, Europe, and other parts of the world
Reiki is a holistic form of healing and helps to integrate the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual components of one's self by balancing the energy centers (chakras) and the endocrine system of the body. It stimulates natural immunity, promotes relaxation, and is helpful with both chronic and acute problems. Reiki can be used for healing animals and plants. Reiki is also a complementary form of healing and can be used in conjunction with other Western and Eastern healing modalities.
The length of individual Reiki sessions generally run from a few minutes to about an hour, which is considered a "full" session by most practitioners. The human recipient is fully clothed and can be standing, lying, or sitting. The practitioner's hands are placed directly on or a few inches above the recipient's body in a series of hand positions corresponding to the chakras and endocrine glands. Although the recipient's experience is personal and varied, many people report feeling warmth, tingling, and a deep relaxation (alpha state) during the session. Over the next few days, people often report healing taking place physically, emotionally, or in the area where healing is needed. Reiki is gentle, simple, and yet profound. There is no pressure, manipulation, or massaging of the body. The Reiki practitioner doesn't "make" the healing occur. She or he is a channel for the energy that augments the recipient's ability to heal herself or himself.
Anyone who wishes to learn Reiki can do so. Often a one day workshop will include learning the guidelines, hand positions, practice and the attunements. The "attunement" ceremony is conducted by the Reiki Master, allowing the practitioner to access energy and channel it to promote healing in others, as well as oneself. Following the attunements the student practitioner experiences a personal cleansing for approximately three to four weeks. The attunements have raised the vibrational rates of the energy centers. as a result the practitioner channels greater quantities of energy. She or he can experience a detoxification on the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual planes.
Traditionally, the Usui System of Reiki consists of three levels, or degrees, of practice. The first degree of Reiki enables the practitioner to channel and balance energy for healing one's self, other people, plants, and animals. With initiation to the second degree of Reiki the practitioner is introduced to the three symbols of the Usui System of Reiki. The second degree of Reiki allows the practitioner access to higher energy vibrational rates for absentee healing across time and space. The second degree also promotes increased intuitive awareness in the practitioner. The third degree, or Master level, of Reiki is traditionally undertaken by those intending to teach and practice Reiki as one's vocation and, historically, involves a period of apprenticeship with the initiating Master. In addition to access to higher vibrational rates than those available with the second degree, the Reiki Master apprentice is given a master symbol which they are able to use in initiating students into the Usui System of Reiki.
In many areas, groups of Reiki practitioners have formed and meet on a weekly or monthly basis to share information, support, and exchange Reiki. This author suggests that those readers who are interested in becoming a Reiki practitioner first experience a Reiki session conducted by a Reiki Master, talk with this person, and decide if this is the person you feel comfortable in studying with. Reading material about Reiki can also be helpful. Recommended Reading
Pat can be reached at:
Pat
Cougar, R.N., Reiki Master
P.O. Box 546
Paradise, CA 95967-0546
voice: 530/877-2367
or by e-mail
Home Page: www.dpierce.com/pat