Usui Reiki Instruction Available in Many Forms

Reiki instruction can be simple or complex, lasting days or years. In English, the term "Usui Reiki" has come to mean the method of energy medicine originally practiced and taught by Mikao Usui in Japan in the 1920s.

The word "Reiki" is derived from the pronunciation of two Japanese symbols. The first "Rei" (pronounced like "ray" in English) can mean either universal or spiritual. The second "ki" (pronounced "kee") is derived from the Chinese word Qi, which can be translated as "life force" or "energy flow". China greatly influenced the written Japanese language and many words are similar.

Energy Medicine is a type of complementary or alternative medicine that deals with energy fields that are either measurable or have yet to be measured. Therapies involving measurable energy fields include the use of magnets, light, sound or vibrations to treat patients.

Energy fields that have yet to be measured are referred to as "putative". Therapies involving putative energy fields include Usui Reiki, traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine and homeopathic medicine.

In all of these forms of traditional medicines and many others, there is one common belief. There is a subtle, continuous and vital flow of energy surrounding and infusing the human body. Learning how to recognize and use this energy is a major part of Reiki instruction.

Instructors usually share their version of the history or development of the Usui Reiki technique. Over the years, many different versions of the history have been taught. Different variations of the methodology have also been taught. Reiki instruction is no more standardized now than it ever was.

Some practitioners make use of crystals, candles and other accessories. Some consider Usui Reiki a type of massage therapy. In fact, in some states, those who practice Reiki must also be licensed massage therapists.

Finding factual material regarding the exact technique used by Mikao Usui is difficult. But, it is safe to say that he did write the five principles, although he may have been inspired by others.

Reiki instruction also includes the use of symbols to focus one's intention to use the energy flow. Today, there are many different symbols in use. Usui Reiki symbols are those that were definitely used Mikao Usui, who is sometimes referred to as Dr. Usui, although he was not a medical doctor in the conventional sense.

He is sometimes referred to as Usui-sensei. Sensei is a Japanese title used to show respect to teachers, doctors and other professionals. In a sense, Usui was both a teacher and a doctor.

It is a fact that he owned and operated a dojo for Reiki instruction. Many people think of a dojo as a martial arts studio, but it literally means "place of the way" and in Japan the name may refer to a school of any type.

The term Usui Reiki-do is sometimes used, with "do" meaning way. "Usui reiki ryoho" is another term that simply means the Usui method of Reiki healing. Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkei is a Japanese society established by Usui, which still exists to this day.

No matter which type of Reiki instruction you choose to receive or the terms that the teachers use to refer to the practice, learning to accept and use the "life energy" can make a huge difference in your life. To learn more please visit Understanding Reiki.com.

About the Author

Patsy Hamilton was a health care professional for over twenty years before becoming a health writer. Currently she is writing a series of articles about Reiki. Read more at http://understanding-reiki.com.

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