Reiki

At every stage of human evolution we are given certain tools to help us deal with our
problems at that particular time.
Life today is more complicated than it used to be. We go through complex and stressful
situations. What we are now looking for is something that will help us cope with life
and live it as it should be lived; in peace, joy, harmony and abundance.
There is an increasing awareness today that health deals with much more than the
physical body. The mind and spirit are equally involved. It is actually “a healthy body in
a healthy mind” rather than the other way around. This awareness has led to a search
for healing systems that lay emphasis on holistic health. Reiki is one such energy
healing system that brings about very positive and extensive changes in our health,
general well being and way of life, if practised regularly.

What is Reiki?
Definition
‘Reiki’ is a Japanese word. REI means ‘universal’ and KI is ‘energy’.
The Reiki system of healing believes the energy which is the life force or ‘prana’ is present
in all of creation.
This life force energy is what we all need in the right quantity to ensure optimum health
- physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.
It is this energy that brings forth life and sustains it. Any depletion of this causes ill
health .

Reiki- written in Japanese Kanji

Japanese Kanji [the alphabet] is unique in that each letter has seven levels of meaning. The
word REI which means ‘universal’ at a basic level also means ‘spiritually guided’ at a deeper
level. So Reiki is “spiritually guided life force energy .”
When we begin using Reiki we find that this energy, which comes to us from a higher and
unlimited source, transforms our lives positively in innumerable ways .

The Universality of Reiki

• There are no complicated procedures involved in Reiki. It is so simple that even
children are able to use it.
• You only have to be attuned or empowered by a Reiki master.
• It is a complementary form of healing which can be used in conjunction with any
other form of treatment.
• Reiki does not belong to any religion. There is no faith, belief system or cult
involved.
• Reiki is not a religion.It has been used by practitioners of Christianity, Buddhism,
Shintoism, Hinduism and Islam. Some Reiki concepts have parallels in certain
philosophical systems.

The Highlights of Reiki Healing

• Reiki changes and heals every area of life that needs healing. The healing takes
place as a result of the energy raising the vibrations of a being/object closer to that
of the original or ideal design.
• It assists in manifesting goals and desires.
• It works at healing relationships, between people or objects; wherever there is
disparity and imbalance, the energy will reinstate order and stability.
• The energy can be used to heal and balance anything in the past or the present .
• Reiki can be sent to any situation that will occur in the future, to ensure the best
results possible (to be balanced and harmonious).
• Reiki brings healing to situations that you may not yet be aware of. When an area in
your life is healed, the altered energy will bring change to all other areas of your life.
• This is not just a state of mind, but brings real benefits.
• Once attuned to Reiki the energy is constantly available to the healer. With Reiki
we can heal ourselves, our family and anybody or any thing in need of healing. In
the process of healing we are never drained of our own energy. This is ensured by
the attunement given by the Reiki master.
• Reiki practitioners often channel this energy for world peace. Healing can also be
sent to distressing situations. There is no limit to the ways in which this wonderful
healing energy can be used for the good of all.

The Reiki view of Pain and Healing

.What causes Pain?

Apart from the physical body, which is visible, each of us is surrounded by an energy body,
which is called the aura.
This energy body (which consists of several layers, each layer of a certain colour) acts as a
natural protective shell around us and prevents negative energy from the outside entering
our body. Blocks in this energy body or aura directly affect our mental and physical
well being. These blocks cause weak points in the aura through which negative energy can
enter. They also hamper the absorption of positive energy or life force energy. Diseases
manifest in the aura before they attack the body. The state of the aura determines how
healthy or unhealthy we are.
Blocks in the aura are caused by various factors. Unhealthy thought patterns, negative
emotions, inactive and overindulgent lifestyle patterns, addictions and trauma cause blocks
in the aura slowing down the flow of energy resulting in disease; physical, emotional or
mental. This is because it is the life force energy or ‘ki’ that is responsible for the state of
our health. Any depletion of life force energy causes organs to malfunction.

.What remedies it?

When a teacher attunes you, Reiki, the spiritually guided life force energy' starts healing at
the root of the problem. The energy goes directly to the block causing the problem and
starts clearing it so that ultimately the problem disappears. The amount of healing required
depends on the intensity of the block. Deep set blocks, causing chronic diseases such as
diabetes, arthritis, etc, would naturally require sustained healing over long periods while
headaches, sprains etc, would generally require short periods of healing.

Some Key Reiki Concepts

.The Aura
The entire physical world is surrounded and permeated by an energy field, which is
constantly vibrating. This has been proved scientifically and these electro-magnetic fields
around the body can be measured with a sensitive device called the SQUID. This device
does not touch the body while measuring the energy field around it. Dr. Samuel Williamson
of New York University says that the SQUID offers more information about the state of brain
functioning than an EEG. Kirlian photography has made it possible to capture the image of
the aura in a photograph. This is a special high frequency photography process developed
by two Russian scientists; Semjon. D and Valentina. K. Kirlian. Kirlian photography is a way
of representing the energy of the body in visual form. Since its initial development in 1939,
the technique has been researched and refined by independent labs and health practitioners
throughout the globe. The aura is a storehouse of all that we are. It contains the
essence of who we are. Which is why, very often, we feel comfortable in the presence of
some people who may be total strangers. Similarly from others we receive negative
vibrations leaving us uncomfortable. Often the presence of a truly spiritual person brings
about a sense of calm and peace to hundreds of people in the vicinity. That is because the
aura of that person contains the essence of his spirituality and inherent goodness and is
said to stretch over a large area. Negative emotions and thought patterns create blocks in
the aura.
The Chakras
Apart from the aura our energy body also consists of chakras and nadis [energy channels].
The chakras are swirling, funnel shaped vortexes that open out from our physical body into
the aura. These constantly rotating funnels are the energy processors of our body. They
draw in energy from the outside into our body. There are innumerable chakras in our body
of which a large majority are small ones. We will concern ourselves with only the seven
main chakras.
The seven main chakras correspond to the endocrine or glandular system in our body. Each
chakra is in charge of supplying energy to a particular gland, which in turn is in
charge of a particular set of organs. Besides this physical aspect each chakra is also
responsible for specific emotional and mental aspects.
Just as blocks are created in the aura they are also created in the chakras. These blocks
cause the chakras to slow down their rotation or become overactive which interferes with
the amount of energy being supplied to the body so that the glands and the corresponding
organs are adversely affected. This also has a negative effect on our mental-emotional
health, creating diseases, which are psychosomatic in nature.
When Reiki energy is given to the chakras at specific positions in the body, blocks are
cleared off, so that the chakras rotate at the ideal speed and provide optimum energy to the
organs ensuring physical and mental-emotional well being.
The aura and chakras are very vast subjects. Given here is very basic information. There is
no need for detailed knowledge of chakras though it would help the layman understand how
healing takes place. The best way of understanding Reiki is to practice it. Given below
is a depiction of the seven major chakras, the colours surrounding the body are of the aura.
1. Root Chakra

Location: Between our legs.

Colour: Red.
Indian name: Muladhara.
Adrenal. Deals with the excretory system and also blood distribution. It
Gland governed:
has a dominating influence on body temperature.
It is our rooting chakra. Gives us the will to live life enthusiastically. It
Mental- represents the element earth, and is therefore related to our survival
emotional instincts, and to our sense of grounding and connection to our
aspect: bodies and the physical plane. Ideally this chakra brings us health,
prosperity, security, and dynamic presence.
Malfunctioning Lack of enthusiasm and stamina. Life is viewed as a burden. Over
results in: functioning often results in aggression, violence and a need to dominate.
2. Sacral Chakra

Location: Two inches below the navel.

The colour: Orange.
Indian name: Swadishta.
Gland governed: Gonads. Deals with reproductive system and its organs.
 Balances the yin and yang, i.e. the masculine and feminine aspects present
in everyone. Our relationship with other people and our sense of self is also
Mental- controlled by this chakra. Creative expression of being is dealt with by the
emotional sacral chakra. It connects us to others through feeling, desire,
aspect: sensation, and movement. Ideally this chakra brings us fluidity and
grace, depth of feeling, sexual fulfillment, and the ability to accept
change.
Malfunctioning Unfulfilling relationships, uncertainty, lack of confidence and emotional
results in: paralysis.
3. Solar Plexus

Location: Upper part of the abdomen.

The colour: Yellow.
Indian name: Manipura
Pancreas. Controls digestive system . Associated with lower back. Plays
an important role in the digestion of food. The pancreas secretes insulin,
Gland governed:
which regulates the amount of blood sugar in the body. So this is an
important chakra for diabetics.
This chakra plays an important role in the formation of our personality. It is
also our mood centre. When the chakra is open we feel joy and inner
Mental- richness but a blocked solar plexus results in gloom and depression. This
emotional acts as our shock absorber where trauma shocks are absorbed so that we
aspect: do not collapse. It rules our personal power, will, and autonomy, as
well as our metabolism. When healthy, this chakra brings us energy,
effectiveness, spontaneity, and non-dominating power.
Malfunctioning A desire to manipulate and control. Frequent mood swings occur resulting
results in: in an unstable personality.
4. Heart Chakra

Location: Centre of the chest.

Colour: Green.
Indian name: Anahata
Thymus. Organs-heart, lower area of the lungs. Regulates circulation. Also
Gland governed:
strengthens the immune system .
unconditional love, emotional warmth and sincerity, generosity. A very
important chakra, which is at the centre of the chakra system. Once this
Mental- chakra is open it helps in the healthy functioning of the other chakras. It is
emotional related to love and is the integrator of opposites in the psyche: mind
aspect: and body, male and female, persona and shadow, ego and unity. A
healthy fourth chakra allows us to love deeply, feel compassion,
have a deep sense of peace and centeredness
Malfunctioning An inability to give and receive love. It could also make one vulnerable and
results in: overly dependent on the affection of others.
5. Throat Chakra

Location: the throat.

Colour: Light blue.
Indian name: Vishuddha.
 Thyroid. Governs the neck, throat, ears, trachea, bronchial tubes, upper
Gland governed:
lungs and oesophagus.
Communication and creative expression. An open throat chakra helps us to
effectively communicate our innermost thoughts and feelings without fear.
Mental-
Creativity is also an aspect of this chakra. Outward expression of this
emotional
creativity requires an open throat chakra. Here we experience the world
aspect:
symbolically through vibration, such as the vibration of sound
representing language.
Malfunctioning Inability to express oneself. Fear of and dependence on the opinions of
results in: others resulting in withdrawal into oneself.
6.Third Eye Or Forehead Chakra

Location: Centre of the forehead.

Colour: Indigo.
Indian name: Ajna
Pituitary. The left eye, nose, ears, sinuses, cerebellum and the central
Gland governed:
nervous system , all come under this gland.
It is our intuition centre. An open third eye chakra results in a composed
mind. Advanced intellectual skills are present when this chakra is healthy.
Mental–
It is related to the act of seeing, both physically and intuitively. As
emotional
such it opens our psychic faculties and our understanding of
aspect:
archetypal levels. When healthy it allows us to see clearly, in effect,
letting us "see the big picture."
An over dependence on rationality and the intellect and a lack of
Malfunctioning spirituality. There is a rejection of everything that cannot be proven
results in: scientifically. A considerably large block in this chakra causes a low intellect
and a confused mind. The person will be overly materialistic.
7. Crown Chakra

Location: The top of the head.

Colour: Violet.
Indian name: Sahasrara
Gland governed: Pineal. Affects the upper brain and right eye.
Spirituality. A sense of unity with the divine. The consciousness is
completely calm and open. It is our connection to the greater world
Mental-emotional
beyond, to a timeless, spaceless place of all-knowing. When
aspect:
developed, this chakra brings us knowledge, wisdom,
understanding, spiritual connection, and bliss.
A feeling of separation and a feeling of being abandoned. An uncertainty
Malfunctioning
and lack of purpose ensues. Such people could become hyper active since
results in:
they feel they have to justify their existence.
 The Power of the Universal Energy
Since Reiki is spiritually guided, it has its own intelligence. This explains why a Reiki
practitioner need not possess any knowledge of medicine. Thus, even children can be
attuned to first degree Reiki. The practitioner has only to place his/her hands on a person
and Reiki does the healing.
The difference between life force energy and universal life force energy:
Life force energy is also called ‘ki’ in Japanese, ‘chi’ in Chinese and ‘prana’ in Sanskrit and
other Indian languages. This is the non-physical energy that flows in every thing and
ensures life. When the level of this life force energy is high in a person, they are healthy,
strong and confident but a lowering of this energy level results in weakness and ill health.
Upon death this life force energy or ‘prana’ leaves the body rendering it lifeless. This life
force energy is present in everything.
Universal life force energy, on the other hand is spiritually guided energy that comes
from a ‘higher intelligence’ or higher source. It is available to the healer to apply where
there are cases of disease- mental, physical or emotional, caused by the depletion of life
force energy. Being spiritually guided, it has it’s own intelligence, starts healing at the root
cause and compensates the depletion of life force energy. Reiki Master, William Rand says in
an article on Reiki “It must be kept in mind that Reiki is not the same as simple life force
energy as life force energy by itself can be influenced by the mind and because of this, can
create benefit as well as create problems including ill health.” Universal life force energy, on
the other hand, is spiritually guided and cannot be influenced by the mind. Because of its
spiritual nature Reiki also acts as a guiding force in our lives and is available to help us in
times of need. It acts for the highest good at all times.

The Reiki Master

The Reiki master is somebody who has undertaken to teach others Reiki, thereby helping
them to help themselves. It is not necessary that the teacher is somebody who is spiritually
enlightened. What is needed is a commitment to teach and help others on to the path of
personal growth and healing. It certainly helps to have an inspiring teacher. It would also be
helpful If the teacher is available for interaction after the course.
 The Process of Healing

The Attunement
The attunements are very precise and can be transmitted only by a Reiki master
trained in the method of Dr. Mikao Usui; the founder of Reiki.
The attunement or initiation is given by means of an ancient Tibetan method; enabling the
student to absorb and channel Reiki. This process opens up a purified channel in the body
through which energy flows. The student now becomes a “channel”. The “channel” only has
to place his/her hands gently on or slightly above the person in need of healing and Reiki
flows automatically. When a Reiki practitioner starts healing, the energy enters through the
crown chakra and flows down to the ‘hara’ or root chakra and during the process of healing
the energy flows out through a small chakra in each palm. The Reiki practitioner does not
get depleted of his/her own energy as energy required is drawn from the source through the
purified channel. Attunements are a common factor in all three degrees of Reiki where
students of each level receive higher levels of attunement. With each attunement the
amount of energy channelled goes up. Without an attunement one cannot be a Reiki
channel.
On completing the second degree one can also do distant healing, ie, Reiki can be sent to
anyone, anywhere. Very often, a group of second degree Reiki healers get together to do
group healing. The level of energy channelled in such cases is much more. There are
voluntary organisations on the internet, like the D.H.N. ( DISTANCE HEALING NETWORK)
which have groups of healers sending healing to persons who send in requests through the
net. Reiki healers can join them as volunteers.

Reiki Healing - How It Works

The entire physical world is surrounded and permeated by an energy field called Aura. The
funnels that open from the physical body to the aura are called the chakras.
For the healthy functioning of our body, mind and soul directly depends on the chakras. A
healthy energy network is necessary for optimum health. When a master starts healing with
Reiki all the chakras begin to get cleared of blocks. They also become balanced so that
none of them are over active in relation to the others. In a Reiki class one will be taught to
give Reiki at all the chakra positions by placing one’s hands on them. It is important for all
the chakras to be healthy as they are all connected through energy meridians or ‘nadis’. The
nadis are responsible for circulating energy in the body just as the circulatory system
distributes blood.
With Reiki healing the problem starts getting solved at the root. Healing takes place at
all levels; physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. This is why Reiki is called holistic. The
word originates from the Greek ‘Holos’ which means ‘The whole’. For maximum benefit one
should practice Reiki every day, covering all the chakras. It has to become a way of life.
Reiki will flow through us and guide us in whatever we do. And since Reiki is always ‘on call’
all we have to do is think of it for our life to be filled with this wonderful energy. Amazing
changes take place in our attitudes and the way we view life. Things fall into perspective
and we start being positive so that life gives us more to be positive about. We are able to
deal with challenging situations without getting bogged down.
The photographs given below show the energy emanating from the finger tips before and
after a Reiki healing session. Gary Phipps is a Reiki Master who is experimenting a lot with
the Kirlian camera and working on it’s development.

Photo before a Reiki healing Photo after a Reiki healing section. Notice the stronger and
section. balanced area.

Benefits Of Reiki
Reiki Healing benefits a person on many planes. Miracles are not unusual. Usually Reiki
healing can:
• Support the body’s natural ability to heal itself.
• Clear the body of toxins thus encouraging natural cleansing.
• Promote healing by balancing the chakras.
• Support and enhance other healing systems and reduce side effects.
• Provide complete relaxation.
• Relieve pain and discomforts.
• Increase creativity.
• Establish mental equilibrium and emotional balance.
• Bring about spiritual upliftment.
• Stimulate growth in children,animals and plants.
• Increase confidence and help in overcoming fear and anxiety.
• Improve quality of life.
• Improve communication.
• Speed up recovery in prolonged illness,post operative period and trauma cases.

Three levels of Learning

Reiki training is divided into three degrees. In each degree attunements are given which
progressively increase the amount of energy being channeled. Each degree also deals with a
different aspect of Reiki.
 • The First Degree
• The Second Degree
• The Third Degree
The First Degree
The first-degree class usually comprises of two half-day sessions or one full day. In the first
degree the student will be given an introduction to Reiki,the first-degree attunement and
explanation about how to heal. All the positions to be covered are explained in detail and
hands-on training is given. With the first degree one will be able to heal by placing one’s
hands on or a few inches above the body. At the end of the class most teachers provide a
manual.
The Second Degree
The second degree also comprises of four half days or two full day session. The second-
degree attunement is given. Three symbols are taught. With the help of these symbols Reiki
can be sent through time and space. This is also called distant healing. People anywhere
can be healed , space is no longer a barrier. Neither is time, because Reiki can be sent to
the future and to the past. Intentions can be given energy to help in manifestation.
Additional methods of healing are explained. The second-degree manual is given. Many
healers use Reiki to send healing to our planet.
The Third Degree
The third degree is generally divided into two parts—3-A and3-B.
3-A is the master healers’ course. It is also called A.R.T. or Advanced Reiki Training. This
course is done by those who want to do a higher level of healing but are not interested in
teaching. An additional symbol is taught. The master healers’ attunement is given.
The 3.A manual is given. Instruction is given on how to make a crystal grid. This grid is
used in manifestation and healing.
Master’s Degree
The 3-B degree is the master’s degree for those who are drawn to teaching Reiki. The
master symbol is taught and training is given in doing attunements. The master’s manual is
given.

‘YOUR REALITY WILL

CHANGE IN ORDER TO
REFLECT YOU, NOT TO
PLEASE OR DISPLEASE
YOU’

……Paul Walsh-
Roberts