The attunement is the core of the Usui System of Natural Healing and is the process that opens the mental and physical inner-healing channel that enables us to do Reiki. The attunement prepares the student for the higher vibration process, thereby creating an open and pure channel for the energy. It is like an ignition switch, activating the body and enabling it to channel the gentle, but very powerful Reiki energy. An attunement is a life-changing event and everyone has his or her own personal experience. Each person reacts differently and absorbs different amounts of energy. A student may have unique experiences during this process that can vary greatly from increased psychic sensitivity to receiving messages, having visions, receiving healing or experiencing nothing at all. Most often, the attunement process lasts only a few minutes and opens the student to receive a very deep, personal healing. The Reiki attunement is a powerful and spiritual experience.

Traditionally, there are four attunements given during Reiki I, two during Reiki II and one during Reiki III. During the attunement procedure, the Reiki Master uses an ancient “Tibetan procedure” that transfers energy to the student in an amplified state. Unique Reiki symbols are used, with their mantras, enabling the Reiki power to flow. The Reiki symbols are the means by which the Reiki Master channels the energies of the God-consciousness and (through intention) passes them through the Crown Chakra, located on the top of the head, then down into the receiver’s Heart Chakra. 

The attunements given during First-degree Reiki (Level I) increase the vibration frequency of the four upper Chakras – the Fourth (Heart), Fifth (Throat), Sixth (Third Eye) and the Seventh (Crown.) They adjust the Chakras and energy pathways to allow the student to channel Reiki energy while linking her / him to the Source. During the process, Heavenly Ki energy carrying the five Reiki symbols moves from the Crown to the receiver’s Heart, while Earthly Ki is drawn up through the legs and lower centers from the Hara Line to the Heart as well. During Second-degree Reiki (Level II) the attunements are at a higher vibration level and are several times stronger than those given during First-degree. With Reiki III (Master Level)  training you are taught the Master symbols. This allows you to transfer energy at an even greater vibration when using it for personal growth or to work with others.

In addition, during each attunement, the vibratory rate of the body is increased triggering a 21-day cleansing period as blockages in the energy centers are cleared. Some Reiki Masters do additional attunements after the 21-day cleansing period, since this will benefit the students by increasing the strength and refinement of the energy they channel. Also, the extra attunements will further heal any personal problems and give the student greater clarity of mind and a higher level of consciousness.

Once a student receives an attunement, he or she will always have the ability to channel Reiki for the rest of their life. It does not wear off and can never be lost. Regardless of what experiences you have during the attunement process, even if you feel there were none, your inner healing channels are open and you are able to immediately use Reiki energy. All that need be done is to place your hands on the person in need of healing with the “intention” of helping them heal; there is nothing else you have to do. It is important to remember to use your healing channel as often as possible; the more you use it, the stronger the energy flow will become.

Gentle Energy Touch teachers incorporate Prana healing techniques with the Reiki attunements. The teacher (through intention) will scan and sweep the aura prior to the attunement. This facilitates energy flow, breaking up blockages of negative energy that may have become attached to the aura. By removing the negative energy, the Life Force energy can be absorbed and distributed throughout the whole physical body. This will help to assist the healing process and the student usually becomes a clearer channel for receiving the energy.

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The 21-Day Cleansing Period

Whether we are aware of it or not, often we make the decision to learn energy healing because we are in need of healing some part of ourselves. In order to find happiness, we need to look deep within ourselves and understand that our happiness is closely related to our state of mind. Yes, having a great job, money in the bank, a wonderful partner, nice clothes and a new car, etc. brings about temporary happiness. Unfortunately, these external possessions bring only temporary feelings of happiness and before long we are looking for something else to stimulate our ever restless need for more and better. We tend to live our lives conditionally. We say to ourselves: “I will be happy when this event happens or when that new possession is mine.” However, when the condition or possession does manifest, too often we find our joy is temporary; we do not stay happy. This process tends to lead us to a never ending frustrating chain of: “I will be happy when, and if …” 

Understanding this process, I ask my students some “food for thought” questions prior to their attunements.  

You are here to learn for a reason, which is …. ?

You are here because you want to heal what …. ?

  1. Do you want things to change?

  2. Do you want to change things? Or

  3. Do you want to change?

Most students choose the third question. Once we change, all other things fall into place. Look for your happiness to come from within, not from an external conditional reality. Reach deep inside for the choice and wisdom to heal. Since all of us wish to avoid suffering and want to feel only happiness, knowledge is simply the ability to understand which mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual actions will bring us lasting happiness. Happiness in loving and being who we are can happen, here and now, in this moment. I once read the following from an unknown author: “Observe your life through your actions. They’ll teach you all you need to know.”  This is what healing is all about - seeing, feeling and knowing to make the choice to change. Remember there are no quick fixes, and there will be those times when you are feeling emotionally up and down. Trust in yourself that you have made the choice best for you. The path towards growth is a lifelong one.

As a result of the attunements you receive during the three levels of Gentle Energy Touch classes or while giving or receiving a Gentle Energy Touch treatment, you may experience a cleansing period afterwards. It manifests differently for each person. You may experience sweating, headache, minor illnesses such as a cold or influenza, the need to sleep more, the need to drink more fluids, mood changes, unusual dreams, or other emotional and physical changes. You may notice that certain physical symptoms may appear immediately or not for a few days. We suggest that you keep a journal during this process to record changes that do occur. Your mind and body are being stimulated to release toxins, via the cleansing process, along with feelings and emotions that you no longer need. This is beneficial since it shows that the healing process is active within you and the toxins are leaving your body. The opposite is also possible and you may feel totally revitalized. Each attunement may activate a different form of cleansing as the energy centers adjust to the higher vibration. When cleansing of the emotional body occurs, deeply held emotions such as anger, frustration, grief, fear, sadness and others might surface for no obvious reason. These emotions may have been repressed or suppressed from earlier in this lifetime or even from past-life experiences. They are being released at the cellular level of the body and mind. Do not judge these feelings. Experience them as they appear and then let them go. This may not always occur, but if it should, it is important to understand what is happening so you can support it until its conclusion. Some changes may be minor, while others change your whole perspective and how you approach life, opening you to a new outlook.

Issues long forgotten may emerge and require they be addressed so you can go on with life in a healthy way. Usually, a period of adjustment is necessary in some way to become accustomed to a healthier state of being. More rest or quiet time may be required to contemplate the changes that need to be made. Look at this as a period of cleansing. Do not be afraid; rather, work with it to put your life back on track for a fresh new beginning.

Everything has its own vibration rate. Negative energy and emotional patterns have a lower vibratory rate than the thought waves of energy we create when thinking positive thoughts. When we receive an attunement or a Gentle Energy Touchsm treatment, the sudden increase of positive energy that flows helps to loosen the negative energy that has been blocked within our bodies. This allows old blockages of stored up negative emotions and memories to be released, as this is necessary for further growth. Although this change is sudden, it takes time for the adjustments to become effective. It takes approximately three days for the energy to move through each of the seven Major Chakras. The opening of the Reiki channel occurs between the Crown and the Heart Chakra (channeling Heavenly energy) and the energy centers in the lower part of the body from the legs up through the Root, also ending at the Heart Chakra (channeling earth energy.)

Many times students and clients have said that life has become more difficult since they received their attunement or a Gentle Energy Touch treatment. The truth is that Gentle Energy Touch has dredged up deep-seated blocks (emotional, physical, mental or spiritual) and those individuals have become more sensitive and aware of these issues and must now work harder to focus and resolve them. 

Dreams are another way of monitoring changes that may occur. By continually reinforcing the suggestion to remember dreams before retiring at night, one will eventually be able to recall them when waking and in better detail. Dreams are a tool that helps tune into the subconscious. Although they may seem senseless or unclear at times, with persistence, a pattern will begin to emerge that tells us about our inner-self. It will usually disclose issues that need to be confronted. This is a good time to develop a habit of giving oneself Reiki before going to sleep at night and when waking (after writing down your dreams) in the morning.

Continual treatment after the initial cleansing process will help spiritual growth and further refinement of energy flow. With spiritual cleansing, beliefs may be shaken and challenged. How you see the world operating, how you think relationships should be, what you feel about religion, what is important in your life, etc., could be questioned or re-examined. As this occurs, insights, revelations and new understanding can become clear; these can become the building blocks of your newly forming and ever-changing spiritual foundation. A feeling of gratitude can increase and in turn create a greater level of abundance in many areas of one’s life. No area is left untouched by Reiki’s and Prana’s positive effects. It can help to manifest goals and desires, as well as heal troubling relationships. Where there is inconsistency and imbalance, Reiki and Prana energy can reinstate order and stability.

After receiving your First-Degree Level I attunement, make sure to give yourself a full healing treatment every day for 21 to 30 days. Do not skip a day otherwise the cleansing process will have to begin all over. It takes 3 days per Chakra for cleansing and there are seven Major Chakras. Doing daily self-healing is an excellent way to shorten the cleansing time and negative effects that need to be cleared. This is a period for you to recognize and acknowledge what you are experiencing, then allow your feelings to heal by releasing the resentment and letting it go. The 21-day cleansing period is a positive process and is needed to fully cleanse and heal each person’s energy centers.

The healing/cleansing period can last a few days to a few weeks; for each person it varies. It is important to know that this is a temporary condition and part of a much-needed healing alignment for the individual. Be good to yourself and do not fear or stop the healing process that occurs. Let what needs to heal surface and be released. Receive it with open arms, knowing you’ve taken the first step in helping yourself heal.   

The following are suggestions that can help during the 21-day cleansing period:

  1. Keep a daily journal of all your feelings and experiences (including dreams).

  2. Be open to receiving the healing.

  3. Perform Gentle Energy Touch self-healing along with the Chakra balancing and energy grounding techniques daily for 21 to 30 days. Remember to do your self-healing every day. If you miss a day, you will need to start at day one again, which just delays the cleansing process.

  4. Meditate or pray for at least twenty to thirty minutes daily.

  5. Keep a peaceful, relaxed and positive mind.

  6. Get adequate rest.

  7. Drink plenty of water to flush any toxins that need to be released from the body.

  8. Eat healthy foods and consider a brief water or juice fast, but only if you have experienced fasting in the past.

  9. Reduce or eliminate alcohol, coffee, tea, chocolate, sweets, sugar intake or other refined foods.

  10. Share your feelings or experiences with a supportive and trusted person.

  11. Do all things in moderation.

  12. Avoid confrontational or stressful situations.

  13. Reduce time watching television unless the programs are positive.

  14. Be aware of your actions and surroundings.

  15. Be conscious of your own feelings and attitude.

  16. Understand and appreciate the feeling of calmness.

  17. Be open to loving yourself, the people around you, and your surroundings.

  18. Respect yourself and say aloud the Reiki principles at least once a day or as many times as needed.

It is very important to recognize and understand the healing process and its implications. If anything negative surfaces as a result of the attunements or treatments, it is the body’s way of releasing what it does not need anymore. This is necessary and should be looked at as something good. This is a learning and growth process. Trust and listen to your inner guidance. Your new beginning has just begun!

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Reiki, (pronounced “ray-key”,) is a natural hands-on technique that works to promote healing by bringing balance to the body in a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual way. Reiki increases inner harmony and inner peacefulness.

 

 

What Is Reiki?

 

               

Rei - the Cosmic Universal Energy, Wisdom of God or the Higher Power

Ki - the fundamental Vital Life Force energy of an individual

 

          

 

Reiki is for everyone who is open to the concept of how it functions and is willing to receive it. As a “healing” modality, it allows us to direct and channel the flow of “Ki” (Vital Life Force energy in the individual) from its source, Divine energy or Universal Life Force energy while being in a meditative and spiritual state of mind. Universal Life Force energy flows through all living things. This energy is what keeps us alive. As a “spiritual” healing modality, it connects us with Universal Consciousness, bringing spiritual growth by healing core patterns and issues and helps us remember the fullness of who we are. Reiki increases our intuitive abilities, thereby helping us to become more aware of listening to and trusting our inner guidance.

Reiki is a gift from the Universe. Reiki is a simple technique of channeling Divine energy to a receiver (client) or yourself. The receiver often experiences relief of pain, stress reduction and relaxation. The receiver can also experience a replenishment of Vital Life Force energy and a strengthening of the immune system. Reiki is a pure form of healing, not dependent on individual talent or acquired ability, and is suitable for the sick and healthy, young and old alike. So the question to many of us is then: Are we ready to heal? Are we ready to change? Are we ready to truly see and understand who and what we are?

        Generally, the definition of the Japanese word “Rei” is universal, cosmic, God-consciousness, transcendental spirit or vital essence. Research into the esoteric meaning of the Japanese Kanji character for Rei has provided a much deeper understanding and is more accurately interpreted to mean higher knowledge of spiritual consciousness. This is the wisdom that comes from God and/or the Higher Self and is the “all knowing.” It understands each person completely. It knows the cause of all problems and/or difficulties and how to heal them.

Universal Life Force energy is an intangible, formless, subtle field of energy that is the essence of all life that contains “Ki,” the Vital Life Force energy found in all living things. Ki is known by different names in other cultures but is the same as Chi (Chinese), Prana (India), Shakti (Yoga), Ti or Ki (Hawaiian), Ru’ach Chayim (Hebrew), Vitality (in the West) and Bioplasmic Energy (to researchers). There is an unlimited source of Universal Life Force energy available that can be channeled with Reiki, thus allowing us to help renew a living body and improve its quality of life physically and spiritually.

“Ki” is an invisible stream of Vital Life Force energy that flows through all living organisms, giving them life and animation, but departs when we die. We bring with us a certain amount of “Ki” at birth. In our daily living, we use up a certain amount of this flowing and pulsating energy. When we are unable to renew our energy consumption for a prolonged period of time we can become physically, emotionally and/or mentally ill. Proper flowing “Ki” helps to heal the inner-self on all these levels as well as spiritually. Reiki uses this Life Force energy, rather than an individual’s personal energy, bringing  healing to the whole person. It does this in harmony with the natural intelligence of the mind and body that work together to preserve and protect health as well as increase well-being.

         The Reiki modality is a powerful, yet gentle, natural system that unblocks the inner flow of vital energy, restoring and balancing the energy systems in all living things. Guided by Divine energy, Reiki would never hurt you. It is called an intelligent energy because it knows what a person needs and will leave a positive effect accordingly. It knows where to go and what to do without the need for you to direct it. The Reiki energy flows automatically and works in conjunction with a person’s Higher Self. One need never worry whether to give Reiki or not; it is always helpful. While spiritual in nature, it is not a religion. There are no religious beliefs necessary to learn or use Reiki; it comes directly from Divine energy and is available to everyone regardless of religious or spiritual orientation.

          Simple, yet sophisticated and powerful, Reiki provides the structure for the energy connection (flow of Life Force energy) that occurs between the practitioner and client during a treatment. The ability to provide self-healing and client healing through Reiki is brought about during a special ceremony, called the attunement, which prepares the practitioner to channel the Universal energy. Because it is a channeled healing, the Reiki practitioner’s energies are never depleted. In fact, the Reiki consciousness considers both practitioner and client to be in need of healing; therefore, both receive treatment. Giving a treatment always increases one’s energy and feeling of well-being. Reiki facilitates the understanding of the “true purpose of life” with the ‘Self’ as part of the Universal Consciousness and brings us to higher levels of awareness. Our love grows as Reiki helps us to understand the true meaning of unconditional love. Love is the connection between all healing and is truly an unconditional way of opening the heart. When your heart opens, you open to heal.

Who Discovered Reiki


 

 

 

 

      Dr. Mikao Usui                         Dr. Chujiro Hayashi                         Hawayo Takata   

 Reiki, one of the most ancient healing methods known to mankind, originated in Tibet. It was rediscovered in the nineteenth century and given its name by the Japanese theologist, monk and teacher Dr. Mikao Usui. Usui was born on August 15, 1865 near what is now known as Nagoya, Japan. He was a Christian minister and principal of Doshisha University in Kyoto Japan. One day, Usui was approached by his students and asked about the healing technique Christ had used. What began with a question ended in a ten-year quest to find and learn about, what is known today as, “Reiki.”

According to Christian authorities, little was known about Christ’s healing method and whatever was known wasn’t spoken about. Usui had to study Buddhism to ultimately find the answers. He discovered that Jesus’ life, including his healing methods, closely paralleled that of Buddha in India. However, Buddhist monks told him that the ancient spiritual healing methods were lost. Usui then studied the Buddhist texts for answers but to no avail. Still searching for answers, Mikao Usui returned to Japan where he lived in a Zen monastery. Here, he found texts describing the energy healing formula written in Sanskrit. However, there was no information showing how to activate the energy. Usui discovered three things he had to do before he could obtain the information he searched for: meditate, fast and pray for three weeks. He chose to do this on top of Mt. Kurama in Japan where he collected 21 stones, throwing one away each day until one remained. On the twenty-first day, before dawn, he saw a projectile of light approaching him. He waited there for an answer to his meditation despite fear that he might be harmed. The light struck him in the Third Eye Chakra and he lost consciousness for a while. This is when Mikao Usui received the Reiki symbols and information on how to activate the healing energy. It was in itself an attunement and psychic discovery of an ancient method. Mikao Usui descended Mt. Kurama knowing how to heal as Buddha and Jesus did before him. During the time it took him to get down from the top of the mountain and back to the monastery he encountered four occasions where he used his just learned Reiki. First, while climbing down the mountain, Usui stubbed his toe, which began to bleed. Instinctively he put his hands on it. His toe became very hot and he discovered that his toe was instantly healed. Second, when he reached the bottom of the mountain he stopped in a house that served pilgrims. He was able to eat a full meal after fasting for 21 days. With the Reiki, he had no discomfort after the meal. Third, the woman serving the meal had a toothache, which Usui healed when he placed his hands on the sides of her face. Fourth, when he returned to the monastery, he healed the director who was in bed with an arthritis attack. Usiu now had the answers he had long searched for.

Usiu set up a clinic called the Beggars Quarters in the slums of Kyoto, Japan to practice his healing method that he now called Reiki. He lived there for several years doing healing work with people who had deformities, missing limbs and disease. In fact, some became upset that their body was healed and they could no longer live the life of a beggar, because they were now physically able to do work. He soon discovered though that without healing the mind and spirit of people he treated, they would eventually return again for help. He also learned another important lesson. Unless there was some sort of exchange (payment) for the healing received by the patient, the treatment was not appreciated. This is the reason that justified, at the time, the high price of Reiki training. Also, it showed real commitment by the prospective student when they were willing to pay the high price in order to learn.

Eventually, Mikeo Usui left the Beggars Quarters to travel throughout Japan to lecture and teach Reiki. One of the people he met and then trained was a retired navel officer, Dr. Chujiro Hayashi born in 1878. Dr. Hayashi received his Reiki Master training from Usui in 1925 at the age of 47. Dr. Hayashi opened a Reiki clinic in Tokyo and went on to document the Usui system of healing. At the clinic he kept detailed records of the treatments given and used this information to create the standard hand positions, the system of three levels of training and their initiation procedures. Usui trained approximately sixteen Reiki Masters before he died in 1930. Chujiro Hayashi in turn trained many practitioners including thirteen Masters in his lifetime. Many people came to Chujiro Hayashi’s Shina No Machi Clinic in Tokyo to be treated and this is where Hawayo Takata came for healing in 1935.

Hawayo (Kawamuru) Takata was born in Kauai, Hawaii on December 24, 1900.  Her parents were Japanese immigrants and her father worked in the sugar cane fields. She became a bookkeeper for the wealthy plantation owner her father worked for. Eventually Takata married an accountant who also worked for the same plantation owner. Her husband’s name was Saichi Takata and eventually they had two daughters. In October of 1930, her husband died at the age of thirty-four, leaving Mrs. Takata alone to raise their children. In order to provide for her family, she worked very hard with little rest. After five years she developed severe abdominal pain, a lung condition and had a nervous breakdown. Her physical problems required surgery, but her respiratory condition made the use of anesthesia very dangerous for her. She was faced with the dilemma of dying from her medical condition without surgery or dying from the surgery itself. In Maeda Medical Hospital, while on the operating table being prepared for surgery, she kept hearing a voice saying, “Operation not necessary.” She then asked her surgeon if there was another way to treat her condition. The surgeon suggested she speak with his sister who was a Reiki practitioner and had been cured of dysentery at Dr. Hayashi’s clinic in Japan. Takata cancelled her surgery and went to Dr. Hayashi’s clinic where she lived for four months while receiving Reiki treatment. She was completely healed without surgery and became emotionally, spiritually and physically healthy. After becoming well, Mrs. Takata wanted to learn Reiki but Dr. Hayashi was not willing to teach her because she was a foreigner. Reiki was Japanese and it was intended to stay in Japan only. Mrs. Takata talked to the surgeon at the hospital and persuaded him to ask Dr. Hayashi to allow her to learn Reiki. Since Dr. Hayashi wanted to teach Reiki to another woman besides his wife and since Takata was so persistent, he decided that she should be the one. In the spring of 1936, Mrs. Takata received First-Degree Reiki and became a healer in the clinic. She lived in Japan for one year before going back to Hawaii in 1937 as a Reiki II practitioner where she set up her own clinic. When Takata returned, she was soon followed by Dr. Hayashi to help establish Reiki in Hawaii.

In 1938, Chujiro Hayashi visited Takata in Hawaii again where they did a lecture together. She received her Reiki III training at that time and on February 22, 1938 she was pronounced Hayashi’s successor. In 1941 she was summoned to Tokyo where Hayashi and other Japanese Reiki Masters met at the Hayashi Clinic. Hayashi expressed concern about his sense of impending war. He also feared Reiki would be lost and instructed Takata in the preparations to make to protect it. Hayashi was a naval officer and knew he would be called to serve, but since he was also a healer, he felt he could not participate in the violence of war. On May 10th, 1941, in front of his students, Chujiro Hayhasi stopped his own heart by psychic means.

 It was because of Hawayo Takata that Reiki continued to thrive. She brought it to the United States, Canada and Europe. Before she died on December 11, 1980 she had trained hundreds of Reiki practitioners and twenty-two Reiki Masters. Reiki is now practiced throughout North and South America, New Zealand, Australia and other parts of the world. There are now an estimated 50,000 Reiki Masters with as many as 1,000,000 people practicing Reiki throughout the world. 

Note: There are many books and variations about the history of Reiki. Some of this information was obtained from Rand, William. “Reiki, The Healing Touch”, Southfield, MI: Vision Publications 1991. 

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What are the Reiki Attunements

 Positive Holistic

    Approaches