Usui Shiki Ryoho - the Usui System of Natural Healing - is a Japanese Healing Art. This form was founded in Japan a little over 100 years ago a by Mikao Usui, whose personal search to understand healing led him to Reiki. He developed his practice in Japan and in 1937 Reiki was introduced to Hawaii, by Hawayo Takata Sensei. It is passed on from Master to student through teachings, a defined form of practice and initiation.
The Japanese word ‘Reiki’ can be translated as ‘universal life energy’ and the Usui System is a way of working with reiki for healing of self and others. The word healing is used in the sense of regaining harmony and wholeness.
Reiki practitioners are taught by a Certified Reiki Master Trainer. I personally studied for the last year under the incredible Yvonne Gleason (Certified Reiki Master Teacher) of Reiki Sanctuary of Northern Virginia. Each level of training provides a detailed approach to the practice. There is a specific process that is taught during the training periods. (Level 1, Level 2, Advanced 3A & Master 3B) Based on the level of student, certain symbols and hand movements (which are kept private only to those training to honor the sacred practice) are passed on that are used to initiative the energy healing. In addition to learning the symbols and how to execute the practice, each student is given a specific attunement as well. Each of my trainings had both a written exam, demonstration exams and practice sessions observed by the trainer.
A few areas we covered in my training(s):
- Preparing the space
- Hand Placements
- Reiki Symbols
- Energy Fields
- Crystal Grids
- Aura Clearing
- Reiki Meditations
Reiki therapy is a way of guiding energy throughout the body to promote the recipient’s self-healing abilities. The Reiki practitioner doesn’t cause the healing, nor are they the source of that healing energy; they’re a channel for the energy — similar to the way a garden hose acts as a channel for water.
Each of our intention candles are sealed (or charged) with Reiki energy. The idea of Reiki “Charging” has to do with the transmission of healing or nourishing subtle energies from a person into a thing - usually an object, beverage or food. By acknowledging and accepting the energy of our intention candles, you welcome healing energy with each burn. In short, if Reiki is the "universal life energy" why not use the tools I have as a Reiki Master to spread this positive light like a ripple effect in everything that I do? When you are open to positive energy, you are ready for healing. And healing is a cyclical journey: when you begin to heal, you begin to open yourself up to light. When you are in possession of this light, truly anything is possible for your mind, body and spirit.