subject: Where Can I Learn Reiki [print this page] Developed in 1922 by Japanese Buddhist Mikao Usui, Reiki is a spiritual practice that started life as a technique called palm healing. Using various symbols Reiki practitioners can transfer healing energy in the form of ki through their palms. It is now an accepted form of complementary and alternative medicine.
There are three main levels or degrees of Reiki. The First Degree is used to heal the self and others. The Second Degree is used for distant healing. The Third Degree or Master/Teacher is used to teach and attune others to Reiki.
The traditional way of learning Reiki involves the student being given the First symbol, usually Cho Ku Rei. The student will then spend weeks (at the very least) practising drawing, chanting and channelling this symbol. When the master is happy that the student is strong enough in the Cho Ku Rei energy he will then give the Second symbol, probably Sei Hei Ki. Once again the student will have to spend weeks practising drawing, chanting and channelling this symbol. This same process would also be used for the Third symbol, usually Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen. Once the student has mastered these basic symbols they would then move on to practising healing others.
The student would experience Cho Ku Rei being most effective for physical healing, Sei Hei Ki best for emotional healing, and Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen best for mind or mental healing (also known as distant healing) for people far away,.
A typical Reiki treatment will begin with the Reiki practitioner instructing the recipient to lie down and relax usually on a massage table. To calm themselves in preparation for the treatment the practitioner will usually meditate.
The treatment proceeds with the practitioner placing their hands on various parts of the recipient's body using the various symbols to channel healing energy. Practitioners can also use a non-touching method of healing where the hands are held a few inches away from the body. Reiki can also be used for distant healing using symbols like Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen. With permission from the recipient the practitioner will calm themselves as if the recipient were in the room with them and then, while holding the intention of healing the recipient, channel the distant healing energy.
As long as you have a computer with an internet connection and the time to study Reiki techniques can easily be practised and learned at home.
