What is Reiki?
The word Reiki comes from the Japanese word Rei which means Universal LIfe and Ki which means Energy. It is a spiritual healing art and it is believed that everyone has the ability to connect with their own healing energy and use it to strengthen energy in themselves and assist others. This practice was started in Japan by Dr. Mikao Usui (born in 1865). It is believed his interest began in a Buddhist school and later in his studies of kiko, the Japanese version of quigong (a health/healing discipline based on use of life energy). His goal was to find a way to do healing work without depleting one’s own energy.
Mrs. Hawayo Takata studied under Dr. Usui in the 1930’s and brought this to the Western hemisphere, practicing in Hawaii. Students taught by Mrs. Takata brought this practice to the mainland after initiating 22 Reiki Masters who continued her work and taught others.
Reiki is being offered in Carlisle by Anne Leedy and in the Camp Hill office by Sierra McCulloch.
Reiki is a great tool for stress reduction and relaxation and is believed that it helps the body to create an environment to facilitate healing. It is used in many hospitals and medical practices nationwide. While it is spiritual in nature, it is not religiously based. Dr. Usui created a set of Reiki ideals, which were developed to add spiritual balance and help people realize that healing the spirit by consciously deciding to improve oneself is a necessary part of this experience. These ideals are:
“The secret art of inviting happiness
The miraculous medicine of all diseases
Just for today, do not anger
Do not worry and be filled with gratitude
Devote yourself to your work. Be kind to people.
Eery morning and evening, join your hands in prayer.
Pray these words to your heart
and chant these words with your mouth.”