As a practitioner of Reiki in the tradition of Usui Shiki Ryoho (Usui's Method of Natural Healing), my lineage begins in 19^th century Japan. Mikao Usui was born into a Samurai family, but with the advent of the Meiji Restoration, the Samurai were disbanded and their future became uncertain. Usui studied many traditions, among them:

Aiki Jutsu (a martial art that later branched off into Aikdo)

Shintoism

Tendai Mikkyo Buddhism (A Chinese form of Buddhism)

Shugendo (a spiritual/religeous practice with roots in Shamanism, Buddhism, Taoism and Shintoism)

And was a member of Rei Jutsu Kai

It is thought that Usui's method of Reiki was Teate (Traditional Japanese palm healing) combined with enlightenment and spirituality to deepen our connection with Universal Life Force Energy for the purpose of healing.

Although much of Usui's life is now legend, we are all free to experience the benefits of his system, Usui Shiki Ryoho, or Reiki. Below is a popular tale of the origins of Reiki, known as the Story of the Three Miracles. It resonates with me as truth, as the origin of the sacred Reiki Symbols.

While fasting at Mount Kurama, Japan, Mikao Usui had an epiphany-he was shown the sacred healing symbols and quickly ran down the mountain to share what he had learned. On the rush downward, he stubbed his toe. He stopped and placed his hands on it, and within minutes, the bleeding and pain ceased. This was miracle #1.

Once at the base of the mountain, Usui stopped at an Inn and ordered a very large breakfast. Seeing how he had not eaten in 21 days, this was a dangerous proposition, and the Innkeeper warned him against it. Still, he ate the breakfast, and remained healthy. This was miracle #2.

While at the Inn, he came upon the Innkeeper's granddaughter. She had been in great pain from a terrible toothache. Usui placed his hand on her face, and she felt better. This was miracle #3.

Later on, Usui was tapped by the Imperial Navy of Japan to teach his method of Teate, or palm healing, to their officers to be used as first aid on it's ships. It was here that he met Chujiro Hayashi, a retired naval officer and surgeon. Hayashi himself became a Sensei, or teacher, of the method. He went on to open his own clinic years later. Chujiro Hayashi is credited with the “three level” system of Reiki that we know today, as well as the basic hand positions for treatments.

An American of Japanese descent named Hawayo Takata traveled to Tokyo to deliver news of her sister's death to her family, as well as to receive surgery she needed to become well. While on the operating table, she heard a voice telling her that the surgery was not necessary. She asked one of the nurses (who was a Reiki Practitioner) , who directed her to a clinic across the street. This clinic belonged to Chujiro Hayashi.

Hawayo was cured of her ailment, but puzzled as to how this had occurred. During her sessions, she felt the sensation of heat, and began to peek up the robes of the Practitioners (who were surely scandalized) looking for small heaters. Hawayo was able to convince Hayashi to train her in Reiki, but this did not come easily as she was a Westerner; and this was very much viewed as an Eastern tradition. She trained to Reiki Level 2 in Japan, and went back to her home state of Hawaii to open her own clinic. Hayashi came to Hawaii in 1938 and trained her to become a Reiki Master in 1938.

Hawayo Takata continued to practice and teach, and trained 22 Reiki Masters in the U.S. and Canada before her passing on Dec. 11, 1980.  In my lineage, I am 8 generations removed from Takata, and 10 from Usui. For more on my lineage and training, please visit my school's website at  The Reiki School and Clinic of Philadelphia and New Jersey

The following sources were referenced in the writing of the above segment:

“The Reiki Sourcebook” By Bronwen and Frans Steine, copyright 2004, O Books

“The Japanese Art of Reiki: A Practical Guide to Self-Healing”, By Bronwen and Frans Steine, copyright 2005, O Books

"Reiki Level One Manual”, The Reiki School and Clinic of Philadelphia and New Jersey, Copyright 2005, 2006.

And information lovingly passed to me by Kim Fleisher, Laurie Elder, and Terence Newkumet of The Reiki School and Clinic of Philadelphia and New Jersey.

 
What can I expect during a session?

Sessions are typically preformed on a treatment table, similar to what you would see in a massage therapist's office. Light touch is applied to the client's body as the practitioner directs the flow of healing energy. In some cases, "hands-off-healing" may be used to maintain appropriate and professional contact between the Reiki practitioner and the client, or to compensate for physical discomfort due to illness or injury. The client may lay on their front, back, or side; and may use pillows or a face rest to maximize comfort.

Special accomidations can be made for those who are pregnant, disabled, or are subject to positional pain. You may sit in a chair, use additional pillows, or have your session preformed right in your wheelchair or hospital bed. For those with seizure disorders, sessions are typically done with the treatment table's top laying directly on the floor surrounded by pillows in the event a seizure take place during a session. If you have these or any other health or comfort concerns, please alert me when booking your appointment so we may find a way to best suit your needs.

The Five Precepts

TODAY, I WILL LET GO OF WORRY.