Reiki Yoga: A Complete Guide Explained 2023

Reiki is a form of alternative therapy that has grown in popularity across the world, yet it remains shrouded in mystique and intrigue for many. Originating from Japan, this non-invasive practice involves the transmission of universal energy from the practitioner’s palms to their patient, intending to encourage emotional and physical healing. 

Although relatively simple in concept, the principles and techniques of Reiki run deep, and their understanding can offer transformative benefits.

Whether you’re a curious skeptic, a beginner on the path of holistic healing, or a seasoned practitioner, our exploration into the world of Reiki seeks to demystify, inform, and possibly even inspire. The journey of understanding Reiki is a journey of self-discovery and healing, and we invite you to explore this ancient practice through the various sections of this article.

History of Reiki

Reiki is a spiritual practice that involves the use of energy healing. The history of Reiki dates back to the early 20th century in Japan, where it was developed by Mikao Usui .Usui was a lifelong spiritual aspirant who developed the practice after a profound revelation in 1922. 

With Usui’s help, one of his master students, Chujiro Hayashi, extracted the healing practices from the larger body of practices. 

Usui founded his first Reiki clinic and school in Tokyo in 1922, and before he died, he taught several Reiki masters to ensure that his system would not be forgotten. Among them was Dr. Chujiro Hayashi, who set up a Reiki clinic in Tokyo. 

One of Hayashi’s patients and students was Mrs. Hawayo Takata, a first-generation Japanese-American who was healed of several serious health conditions through Reiki. Takata brought Reiki to Hawaii in 1937 and eventually to the US mainland.

Unique Fact: Usui did not set out with the intention of creating a new system of healing. He was originally searching for the ways in which Buddha had healed people.

There have been many attempts to explain the history of Reiki, but unfortunately, in the past, many of them have been based more on myth and an attempt to validate a particular style of Reiki and for the most part, lacked accurate information. 

Realizing the need for a factually based history of Reiki, William Lee Rand spent over twenty years researching this information based on written records and interviews with those close to its development. 

Rand’s research is based on verified information from dependable sources and is considered to be a reliable source of information on the history of Reiki

Science Behind Reiki

At its core, Reiki is a holistic healing technique based on the principle of channeling energy into another person to activate the natural healing processes in their body. 

This energy, referred to as ‘ki’ or ‘life force energy,’ helps restore physical and emotional well-being. When one’s life force energy is low, they are more likely to get sick or feel stressed; when it’s high, they are more capable of being happy and healthy. 

As a Reiki practitioner channels energy, they can help to balance the recipient’s life force, promoting overall wellness.

Unique Fact: While Reiki originated from Japan, the concept of life force energy is common in many ancient cultures. In India, it is known as ‘prana’, and in China, it is called ‘chi’ or ‘qi’.

The Reiki Principles: Five Tenets of Practice

The Five Reiki Principles are a set of spiritual tenets that guide the practice of Reiki. These principles were taught by Dr. Usui, the founder of Usui Reiki, which is the most commonly practiced form of Reiki. 

The principles are similar to affirmations or intentions and are meant to promote natural healing of the body and mind. Here are the Five Reiki Principles:

• Just for today, do not worry
• Just for today, do not anger
• Just for today, be grateful
• Just for today, work hard
• Just for today, be kind to others

These principles encourage practitioners to focus on the present moment and embody the Reiki energy throughout the day, every day. 

They are meant to be practiced one day at a time and are a reminder to live in the present moment. By focusing on the present moment, the principles offer guidance for connecting with Reiki energy, which may help boost one’s sense of well-being in various ways.

Reiki Process Explained

The Healing Session: What to Expect?

A Reiki healing session is a time for relaxation and rejuvenation. The process is simple, yet profound. The session usually lasts between 50 to 90 minutes, with the recipient lying fully clothed on a massage table or sitting comfortably in a chair. The Reiki practitioner places their hands lightly on or just above the body, moving them around to different locations based on the flow of energy.

During the session, you may feel a variety of sensations such as heat, tingling, or pulsing where the practitioner’s hands are placed. Some people report feeling a sense of calm and peace, while others may experience a surge of emotions or memories. It’s important to remember that each person’s experience with Reiki is unique and can vary from session to session.

The Role of a Reiki Practitioner

The role of a Reiki practitioner is to act as a conduit for the universal life force energy, guiding it to where it’s needed most in the recipient’s body. They are not healers in the traditional sense, but facilitators of the healing process. The practitioner’s role is to create a safe and comfortable environment for the healing to take place and to support the recipient in their healing journey.

Understanding Reiki Symbols

Reiki symbols play a significant role in the Reiki process. These symbols, passed down from master to student during the attunement process, are used to focus the energy and perform different functions during a Reiki session. While the symbols themselves do not hold power, they serve as keys that unlock the flow of universal life force energy and help the practitioner connect to the energy on a deeper level.

The Levels of Reiki Mastery

Reiki mastery is not just about acquiring skills; it’s a journey of personal growth and spiritual development. The path to Reiki mastery is typically divided into three levels, each with its unique focus and teachings.

Level One: Self-Healing

The first level of Reiki, often referred to as Shoden, is the beginning of your Reiki journey. This level focuses on self-healing and physical well-being. During this stage, students are introduced to the universal life force energy and learn how to channel it through their hands to promote healing. The primary goal of this level is to harmonize the body’s energy, enhance the immune system, and improve overall health.

Level Two: Healing Others

The second level, known as Okuden, takes the practitioner deeper into the realm of Reiki. This level is about healing others and includes learning about sacred symbols and mantras that enhance the healing process. The practitioner’s intuition often develops significantly at this stage, growing stronger with regular practice. This level allows practitioners to perform distance healing, sending energy across space and time.

Level Three: Becoming a Reiki Master

The third level, Shinpiden, is the Master level. This level is about deepening your spiritual connection and learning to teach and attune others to Reiki. Becoming a Reiki Master is a significant commitment that requires a deep understanding of Reiki principles and practices. It’s about embodying the Reiki principles in your life and sharing this healing energy with others.

How Is Reiki Different From Other Forms Of Energy Healing

Reiki is a type of energy healing that involves channeling Universal Energy through the hands to promote healing and balance in the body. Here are some ways in which Reiki differs from other forms of energy healing:

• Reiki is considered the most basic form of channelled energy healing and provides a foundation for safe energy healing practices
• Reiki is often used in hospitals and hospices to complement other forms of health treatments
• Reiki is a subset of energy work that involves the channeling of Reiki, or Universal Energy, and is considered intelligent and only does what is good for the person
• Intuitive energy healing, on the other hand, uses intuition to direct energy with the intention of promoting the highest good of the client
• Intuitive energy healing is said to work three to five times more effectively than Reiki, so fewer treatments may be needed
• While Reiki is considered part of the energy healing practice, there are other systems of hands-on energy healing techniques that originate within different cultures, religions, long-standing traditions from folk medicine, and from ancient practices
• No two practitioners of energy healing are the same, although many use similar tools

Benefits of Reiki

Reiki is a holistic healing technique that can provide numerous benefits for both your physical and mental health. Here are some of the key benefits:

Physical Health Benefits

• Promotes Relaxation: Reiki can help to reduce stress and promote a state of deep relaxation, which is essential for the body’s healing and recovery processes.
• Enhances Body’s Self-Healing Mechanisms: By improving the flow of energy in the body, Reiki can support and enhance the body’s natural ability to heal itself.
• Pain Relief: Many people experience a reduction in pain and discomfort following Reiki sessions, making it a beneficial complementary therapy for those dealing with chronic pain conditions.
• Improves Sleep: Reiki can help to improve sleep quality by promoting a state of calm and relaxation.
• Boosts Immune System: Reiki can help to strengthen the immune system, making it more effective at fighting off illnesses and infections.

Mental and Emotional Health Benefits

• Reduces Stress and Anxiety: The calming and relaxing effects of Reiki can help to significantly reduce levels of stress and anxiety.
• Promotes Emotional Balance: Reiki can help to release emotional blockages and promote emotional balance, leading to improved mental health and well-being.
• Enhances Self-Awareness: Reiki sessions can lead to increased self-awareness and personal insight, helping individuals to better understand themselves and their needs.
• Improves Focus and Clarity: Reiki can help to clear mental fog, leading to improved focus and mental clarity.
• Promotes Positive Mindset: Regular Reiki sessions can help to cultivate a positive mindset and a more optimistic outlook on life.

It’s important to note that while Reiki can offer these benefits, it should not be used as a replacement for conventional medical treatment. Always consult with a healthcare professional for any health concerns.

Reiki and Other Holistic Practices

Reiki, while a powerful practice in its own right, can also be combined with other holistic practices for enhanced well-being. Here’s how Reiki intersects with other holistic modalities:

Reiki and Yoga

Reiki and yoga are both practices that promote balance and harmony in the body and mind. 

Yoga focuses on physical postures and breath control to enhance physical health and mindfulness, while Reiki works on the energetic level to promote healing and well-being. 

When combined, these practices can enhance each other, leading to deeper relaxation, increased energy, and greater self-awareness.

Reiki and Meditation

Reiki and meditation are both practices that promote relaxation and mental clarity. 

While meditation is a practice of focusing the mind to achieve mental clarity and emotional calm, Reiki is a practice of channeling healing energy to promote physical and emotional well-being. 

Combining Reiki with meditation can deepen the meditative experience, promoting greater relaxation and a deeper sense of peace.

Reiki and Crystal Healing

Reiki and crystal healing are both energy-based practices that can complement each other well.

Crystal healing uses different types of crystals and gemstones to balance the body’s energy centers, or chakras. 

Reiki can enhance the effects of crystal healing by channeling healing energy into the crystals, amplifying their energy and directing it where it’s needed most.

How to Find a Qualified Reiki Practitioner

Finding a qualified Reiki practitioner is an important step in your journey towards holistic well-being. Here are some tips to help you find the right practitioner for you:

Tips for Choosing a Reiki Practitioner

Research and Recommendations: Start by asking for recommendations from friends, family, or healthcare professionals. You can also do online research to find practitioners in your area. Look for reviews and testimonials to get a sense of their reputation.

Credentials and Training: Check the practitioner’s credentials and training. They should have completed the necessary training and be able to provide proof of their qualifications. Remember, Reiki should be learned from a qualified Reiki Master through direct transmission, not just online courses.

Experience: Consider the practitioner’s experience, especially with your specific health concerns. Don’t hesitate to ask about their experience and how they’ve helped others with similar issues.

Personal Comfort: It’s important to feel comfortable with your Reiki practitioner. You should feel at ease discussing your health concerns and feel relaxed during the sessions. Consider scheduling an initial consultation to see if you feel a good rapport.

Certifications And Training

Reiki practitioners should have completed a series of training levels, from Level 1 (self-healing) to Level 3 (Reiki Master). Some practitioners may also choose to become a Reiki Master Teacher, which allows them to teach and attune others to Reiki. Ask potential practitioners about their level of training and any additional certifications they may have.

Remember, the most important thing is to choose a Reiki practitioner who feels right for you. Listen to your intuition and choose a practitioner who aligns with your needs and goals.

Frequently Asked Questions