Reiki is a form of healing energy that has been practiced for centuries. Dr. Mikao Usui of Japan rediscovered reiki in the late-19th century and reintroduced it to the world. Since then, his students and followers have organized reiki into a system of learning and practice for healing and personal growth. The growing needs for stress reduction, relaxation, healing and balance have contributed to the dissemination and evolution of reiki. Technology facilitates one's access to reiki around the world.
Significance
Diseases and disorders arise from an imbalance of energy. An imbalance is initiated by the mind, which pervades different levels of a person--intellect, spirituality and emotions--before it descends to the physical level. Anger, depression, doubts and fears can manifest as different ailments. The reiki energy enables a person to gain insight into patterns that cause imbalance while it supports a restoration of health. The reiki energy source is from outside the body, from the universe, and is directed through the body to restore balance. Personal magnetic energy is not depleted during energy work.
Levels
Reiki is taught in varying levels, similar to martial arts, so the practitioner gains in strength and ability. Schools of reiki abound, including Huna, Jorei, Kundalini, Karuna and the Traditional Usui method. Reiki energy is the same throughout; while schools teach different methods and techniques, ultimately the practitioner runs the reiki energy. At least three levels of reiki are taught: level 1 for self-healing; level 2 for expansion beyond oneself; level 3 and Reiki Master for advanced practitioners and teachers, which can be taught separately or combined. The philosophy behind the levels is of building a foundation: be able to heal yourself in order to help others.
Distance Healing
Reiki level 2 (or Reiki 2) expands on the foundation for healing techniques by teaching hand placements on others and sending the energy to objects or to others outside of your immediate space. Reiki 2 includes an initiation to using sacred symbols as tools to facilitate the energy. One of the symbols is for distance access: the symbol creates an energetic connection to another person to receive reiki energy. An object can be infused with reiki energy for continued benefits.
Online Courses
Reiki has been traditionally taught in person by a Reiki Master. The practice and energy of reiki is also disseminated using the Internet in online courses and video. Internet and video media are conduits for information as well as healing energy. The courses are divided into levels of self-study. Theories and demonstrations are included in the study materials. Reiki attunements that create a channel of energy and increase the capacity of the practitioner can be performed remotely, as with distance healing.
Certification
Reiki certification is issued by a Reiki Master for each level. Certification is a formal process of recognition, as advanced materials are available only to certified Reiki Masters, and some personal services companies require authentication of training. Online providers can provide certification for completing the courses, but they cannot vouch for a practitioner's level of experience.
Tags: reiki energy, Reiki Master, Certification Reiki, healing energy, level Reiki