What is Reiki?
As defined by the Shibumi International Reiki Association:Reiki is a 'Japanese healing technique for the self and others.The system of Reiki is unique, which explains why it has become the model for many contemporary energetic forms of healing. You can either experience a Reiki treatment or undertake a Reiki course.A course will teach you a spiritual practice and how to perform Reiki treatments. Comprising a simple structure of three levels for those wishing to learn it, after training at the first level it is possible to offer treatments to friends and family and begin your spiritual journey. Once the second level is completed, and the practitioner has gained treatment experience, it is possible to begin treating clients professionally. The second course also takes you deeper into your personal spiritual journey. At the third level, students begin to train as teachers of the system while continuing their spiritual journey. Reiki is the energy that moves through your body, in fact Reiki practitioners understand that Reiki is the energy that moves through everything and is technically translated from the Japanese to mean 'Spiritual Energy'. This energy is what is utilised within the system of Reiki teachings. Origins - The founder of the system of Reiki was a Japanese man called Mikao Usui (1865-1926). The influences upon his teachings included his Japanese martial arts practice, Shintoism (the traditional Japanese folk religion), Japanese Buddhism (namely Tendai) and Shugendo (a spiritual mountain practice). Naturally, the Japanese culture and philosophy that was apparent during Mikao Usui’s lifetime was also a great influence upon what has developed as the system of Reiki. Reiki Treatments - A Reiki treatment is approximately one-hour long and is useful for specific healing or general relaxation. The client remains fully clothed at all times as the Reiki practitioner goes through a set healing process placing hands on, or just off, the body as agreed with the client prior to the treatment. Sex, age and condition are of no concern as the client’s own body controls this energetic process. During the treatment the body will only take the amount of energy that it requires. A treatment is not intrusive and clients do not remove clothing and no private parts of the body are touched. Reiki Courses - There are three levels of training within the system of Reiki:Shoden Reiki Level IA minimum of two full days in-person Reiki training plus receiving ongoing support including:Reiki meditations and techniques to strengthen and clear your energy are taught for personal benefitLearning about the Japanese energetic system (the three diamonds)Gaining a clearer understanding of the working of energy in your life and its benefitsFinding a spiritual connection to life helping you to feel happier and healthierA method of healing the self and others using hand positions on or near the body Okuden Reiki Level IIA minimum of 1 full day in-person Reiki training plus extra training in professional Reiki treatments and receiving ongoing support including:Studying further Reiki meditations and techniques for moving deeper into your personal spiritual practiceLearn the three Reiki mantras and symbols and their relationships to the Japanese energetic systemHow to treat others using a variety of Reiki methodsShinpiden Reiki Level IIIA minimum of three full days in-person Reiki training plus receiving ongoing support and the option of ongoingtraining as a professional Reiki teacher including:Further Reiki meditations and techniques for moving deeper into your personal spiritual practiceThe fourth Reiki mantra and symbol and its relationship to Japanese cosmology