Usui Reiki is a holistic healing practice that originated in Japan in the early 1900s. Founded by Mikao Usui, this energy healing modality has gained worldwide recognition for its ability to promote the body's natural healing processes, balance energy, and support overall wellbeing.
Reiki can be practiced by anyone who has received an 'attunement' from a Reiki Master teacher. This is an energetic process that opens up your energy field, so you can be a channel for Reiki energy. There are different levels of attunement. Each level provides more understanding of the Reiki principles, as well as additional Reiki symbols. A Reiki practitioner will use the symbols he or she has been attuned with during a Reiki session: they are often drawn or visualised, and help to enhance the flow of Reiki energy.
What is Usui Reiki about?
Usui Reiki is fundamentally about channeling universal life energy, known as 'Rei' (universal) and 'Ki' (life force energy), to promote healing and balance. Practitioners act as conduits for this energy, allowing it to flow through their hands to the recipient.
This process is believed to restore harmony to the body's energy systems, clearing blockages, and facilitating natural healing on multiple levels.
The five Reiki precepts
Central to Usui Reiki are the five Reiki precepts (or principles), which serve as guiding principles for personal development and ethical practice. These precepts are:
Just for today: do not be angry.
Just for today: do not worry.
Just for today: be grateful.
Just for today: work hard.
Just for today: be kind to others.
These precepts encourage practitioners to cultivate a peaceful mind, compassionate heart, and ethical behaviour, thereby enhancing the overall healing process.
Reiki promotes the body's natural healing ability
Usui Reiki works by stimulating the body's inherent ability to heal itself. The universal life energy channelled through Reiki sessions helps to balance the body's energy fields (chakras), remove energetic blockages, and restore the flow of energy. Here's more information on the interrelation between Reiki and the chakras.
This balanced state is conducive to the body's natural healing processes, leading to improved physical health, emotional stability, mental clarity, and spiritual growth.
Reiki always works for our highest good
One of the fundamental principles of Usui Reiki is that it always works for the recipient's highest good. This means that Reiki energy intuitively knows where to go and what is needed, providing exactly what the individual requires at that moment. This inherent intelligence ensures that Reiki is always beneficial and never causes harm, making it a safe and effective complementary therapy for people of all ages and conditions.
Benefits of Usui Reiki
Mental benefits
On the mental level, Usui Reiki helps to reduce stress, anxiety, and negative thought patterns. It promotes mental clarity, focus, and a sense of peace. Many people find that regular Reiki sessions help them to manage stress better and maintain a more positive outlook on life.
Physical benefits
Physically, Usui Reiki may help alleviate pain, boost the immune system, and accelerate recovery from illness or injury. It supports overall physical wellbeing by balancing the body's energy systems and promoting relaxation, which is essential for healing.
Spiritual benefits
Spiritually, Usui Reiki fosters a deeper connection to one's higher self and the universe. It can enhance spiritual awareness, intuition, and a sense of purpose. Many recipients report experiencing profound spiritual insights and a greater sense of alignment with their life's path.
Emotional benefits
Emotionally, Usui Reiki aids in releasing stored emotions and trauma, leading to emotional balance and healing. It helps individuals process and let go of negative emotions such as fear, anger, and sadness, promoting emotional resilience and wellbeing.
How Usui Reiki differs from other forms of Reiki
While there are various forms of Reiki, Usui Reiki is the original system from which many other styles have evolved. It is characterised by its simplicity and focus on the foundational principles and techniques taught by Mikao Usui.
Other forms of Reiki, such as Karuna Reiki, Kundalini Reiki, and Holy Fire Reiki, have developed additional symbols, techniques, and practices.
However, Usui Reiki remains true to the original teachings, emphasising the direct channeling of universal life energy and the importance of the five Reiki precepts.