What is Reiki?

Reiki as we know it is credited to Dr Mikao Usui of Japan who was said to rediscover it in the late 1800s. Since then, it has been passed down through various lineages including the lineage that we work through, which is called Tanran Reiki. Tanran Reiki was founded by William Bagley, and is based around 25 points that guide practitioners in ethics, characteristics and conduct in order to be of service to the highest good of all. In the Tanran lineage, the Reiki energy is considered to be the energy of unconditional love.

This energy healing modality can work on all levels of any being; physical, emotional, mental or spiritual. As the energy is intelligent, it goes where it is most needed without requiring the practitioner to know where or what that is. Rather, the practitioner is simply a channel through which the Reiki flows. As Reiki is the energy of unconditional love, it can do no harm. There are no negative side-effects to a Reiki session and there is no risk of giving too much or too little.

Reiki is a powerful modality on its own, yet is also wonderfully complementary to other modalities, from allopathic medicine to all mind- and body therapies. It is easily called upon outside of an actual session; to energise food, water, interactions with others, to calm nerves, to aid in a meditation practice… many find that just being in the energy frees them up to a more beautiful and open hearted way of life, one of greater harmony and health.

In order to become a Reiki channel, a person receives an attunement from a Reiki Master. That attunement opens them to the energy of Reiki for life, whether they practice it or not. The three levels of Reiki attunement are an opening to the Reiki energy in various degrees; at Level I this is to simply be a channel for oneself or friends and family, Level II is where the person can step into the role of healer and practitioner for others, or Reiki Master which is a commitment to living in the energy of Reiki and also allows the person to teach Reiki to others.

Reiki itself is founded on 5 ideals or precepts. These are guidelines not only for working with Reiki but for living life. They make for a lovely way to live with oneself and others, including animals and the natural world.