Usui Reiki Ryoho Shoden Manual

USUI RE IK I RYOHO

Shoden Training Manual

2006 Infinite Harmony Randall Hall

San Antonio, TX Phone 210.410.4980

Parts of this manual are copyrighted by

www.reiki.nu All rights reserved

Mikao Usui Founder of Usui Reiki Ryoho

Introduction to Reiki

For centuries, people from Tibet, India, China, and all across Asia have practices fitness and health that goes beyond the body. They understood that there was more to good health the eating right and exercise. A life force called prana, chi, or ki flowed through all living things. This energy came from all around them and they learned to develop and strengthen the life forces in their own bodies; and eventually learned to channel the life forces from the outside world into other people.

Reiki, as we practice it, was developed by Dr. Mikao Usui in Japan in the early twentieth century. Mikao Usui was a Buddhist and very interested with advanced energy healing. He studies Tibetan and Chinese scrolls to learn these techniques. But while he understood the words, the true ideas behind them were still a mystery to him. So on a twenty-one day retreat, Mikao meditated on the scrolls until he finally realized the deeper meanings. Mikao opened a clinic in Japan and began to perform Reiki treatments. When others asked to learn this system, he would have them work at his clinic. He worked with them daily to ensure only those people who would not abuse Reiki were given the gift.

Later, in the 1930’s, a woman by the name of Mrs. Hayawo Takata was suffering illness and heard of this system back in Japan. She received Reiki treatments from one of Dr Usui’s students, Dr Chijiro Hayashi, and then she studied with Hayashi to learn this Reiki system.

Takata later spread the Reiki system to the west, teaching 22 students who have each taught many more. With each new generation of Reiki practitioner, new insights are learned, new understandings of the system revealed, and new teachings are spread though the world.

Essence of Shoden

Shoden means “the entrance” or “beginning teachings”

What is “Reiki-ho”? It involves techniques to utilize Reiki (Energy of higher dimension) for healing • Mind and body health (Healing by “Ki”) Energy Healing • Spiritual growth (Healing by “Rei”) Spiritual Healing Purpose of Reiki-ho Accomplishing the purpose of life (Reaching higher level of spiritual dimension) • Establishing “self” (Becoming aware of the true meaning of life and being part of the universal life ) • Exercising love (Spreading the vibration, mingling with people, growing together) • Exercising harmony (Raising your level of vibration, contributing to the world peace and the happiness of human beings) The meaning of healing Healing expresses one’s personality and level • Transmit vibratory energy corresponding to the channeler • Try to establish one's self as a clear channel of light

Reiki Primer What is Reiki?

Reiki (pronounced RAY-KEE) is universal energy. Cultures throughout the world have systems of drawing energy from the universe and projecting into a patient. Reiki is a Japanese practice that utilizes Buddhist and Shinto techniques to tap into the Universal Life Force and project it into a patient. This energy seeks to correct any imbalances in the energy of the patient, so that they can heal themselves.

Some find Reiki to be a simple energy exercise, but others find a spiritual path. Reiki energy is about eternal love, universal compassion. Reiki is pure and simple, and Reiki can do no harm.

How Does Reiki Work?

Some people liken Reiki to recharging a battery. I like to think of it as restoring the flow of energy. Just as your body has veins that move blood, so it has energy pathways called meridian. Just like any pathway, there can be blockages. Energy becomes depleted in some areas and pools in excess in others.

Think of this energy as water. What happens to a stream that gets dammed up. On one side you have stagnant water that grow foul. On the other side, you have dried up dirt no longer able to support the life that was once there. Your energy pathways are very similar.

Reiki seeks to remove these blockages, drain of these excesses and fill in the depletions. Dirty, stagnant energy is directed out of the body and clean energy replaces it.

What does Reiki energy feel like?

Reiki treatments are different for everyone. Some people feel Reiki as warm, some people feel it as cool. Some people will feel a tingle, and some people will feel nothing at all. Regardless of the actual sensation, Reiki treatments are relaxing, calming, and soothing.

What happens during a Reiki treatment?

During a Reiki treatment, the client is fully clothed and asked to sit in a chair, or lay down on a massage table.. The practitioner will place his hands over, and sometimes touch, certain areas of the body and direct Reiki energy into the body. Sometimes, the practitioner will wave their hands over the body. This is a scanning techniques where they seek to “feel” energy imbalances.

Each practitioner develops a different style in their practice. Some work on chakras or meridians, some work on specific organs, and some just treat the whole body from head to toe, using specific hand positions. No one system is more correct than the others; they all benefit the patient equally.

What will an attunement feel like?

Attunements are an initiation process in Reiki system. Everybody experiences it differently – some people see colors and some hear music; some people are energized and others are relaxed. And some feel nothing at all. In the end, the sensation is not the important factor, but the event.

The attunement does not give you anything, it simply helps you use what you already have. An attunement process is an aligning and opening of the individual’s energy body. Some equate the process to tuning an antennae to the proper frequencies.

What happens after an attunement?

The attunement brings your energy closer into alignment with Reiki energy, allowing you to draw the energy from the Universe. The attunement can have a powerful healing effect on the recipient. Often times, a student may experience a detox after an attunement. During this time, a student must try to connect to Reiki often, drink plenty of water, and perform self treatments daily.

Who can benefit from Reiki?

Anyone can benefit from Reiki. Reiki is performed with loving intent, and the energy will naturally flow to where it is most needed. Many ancient cultures have long believed the illnesses of the body are just symptoms of greater problems with the mind or spirit. Reiki seeks to treat the body, mind, and spirit and to create harmony in all three.

Does the client have to believe in Reiki for it to work?

All that is required is the client’s intention to be helped. You do not have to believe Reiki will work for it to work. As long as the client’s desire for help is present, the Reiki practitioner’s intention and healing love can help anyone.

The Traditional History of Reiki

Dr. Mikao Usui rediscovered Reiki in the late 1800's. He was the director of a Religious school in Japan. Ask by a student if he believed the Bible to be literally true, did he believe that Jesus really healed the sick. Dr. Usui said, He believed that the Bible was literally true and yes Jesus did perform miracles. The students asked him how Jesus performed the miracle of healing. Dr. Usui said he did not know how Jesus performed the miracle.

Dr. Usui traveled to the United States and entered the Chicago School of Divinity, where he earned his Doctorate in Theology. However, he did not find the answer to his question, How may you heal the body?

He returned to Japan and entered a Zen monastery. There he studied ancient Buddhist, Sanskrit, and Tibetan texts for many years. Dr. Usui felt like he had failed and expressed his feeling to one of the monks. The Zen never say this is the end "everything is a beginning." Do not give up your quest, because everything know to man can be know again.

Finally in the original Sanskrit he found the formula for healing the body in the ancient texts, but he did not have the ability or understanding to use it. So he decided to Fast and Meditate.

He traveled to the holy mountain of Kuriyama. He climbed the mountain chose the spot for his meditation then gathered 21 stones and piled them before him. Each day he threw one stone down the mountain.

On the final morning just before dawn, Dr. Usui saw a beam of white light coming toward him. His first reaction was to run. However he decided to stay still. The light entered his third eye and he lost consciousness. He reported that he saw millions of rainbow bubbles and little known Sanskrit symbols glowing in gold. As he saw each of the symbols he was given the names and uses for each as well as information on how to activate the healing energy. Dr. Usui came down the mountain and experienced what is known as the miracles.

1. Coming down from the mountain he stubbed his toe on a rock and fell to the ground. His toe was bleeding he instinctively grabbed his toe after a few minutes, the bleeding stopped and the pain disappeared.

2. Dr. Usui had fasted for 21 days and then ate a very large breakfast without any adverse effects.

3. The innkeeper's granddaughter had a bad toothache for several days. Dr. Usui laid his hands on her face and she immediately felt better.

Dr. Usui began to practice Reiki in the slums of Kyoto, where he healed the beggars at no cost asking only that they start a new life. He worked for seven years in an asylum treating many illnesses However he found the same people returning who although healed of their physical ailments still chose to live by begging. Dr Usui was deeply shaken. He realized that he had forgotten something very important in his healing work: To teach gratitude. Following this he thought out the Reiki principles.

Before his death, Dr Usui passed the teaching of Reiki to his closest associate Dr. Chijiro Hayashi. Dr. Hayashi opened a clinic in Tokyo where he practiced Reiki. Hawayo Takata was Hawaiian of Japanese decent. She was in Japan facing surgery for gallbladder disease, appendicitis, and a tumor. On the operating table she heard a voice telling her, “The surgery is not necessary.” She got up off the table and asked the surgeon if there was another way for her to heal. He directed her to Dr. Hayashi's clinic. She was completely healed in four months. She decided she would like to be trained in Reiki so she stayed in Japan and became a student of Dr. Hayashi. Takata later spread Usui's system into North America through 22 students.

Updated History The above version of the “History of Reiki” is one told by Takata and can even be found in a recorded interview. Much of the authenticity of this version seems mythical and illogical. We can not know the entire story of the development of the Reiki system, but we do have some confirmable facts about it.

Mikao Usui was born on August 15, 1865 in the Japanese province of Gifu. He took an interest in the natural healing systems that were being practiced around him but they all required the use of the practitioner's personal energy which required 'recharging', usually by performing chi kung (qigong) exercises.

Usui had no connection with any Christian school and did not attend the University of Chicago. He is unlikely ever to have left his native Japan; the sum of Buddhist knowledge including all the sutras are freely available in Japan. Takata probably added the Christian ties in her version of the history to make it more palatable to the West. Christ was a more acceptable role model for hands on healing than Buddha to most Western minds.

Usui began to research a 'lost' healing method that tapped directly into the energy source. He studied in the Kyoto libraries and temples and was eventually guided to meditate on Kuramayama north of Kyoto in 1914. During this meditation he was granted a vision that enabled him to develop his healing system. He spent seven years in the poor district of Kyoto as part of this development and then opened a school in Tokyo in 1922 in order to pass on the system to others. He trained 16 students to sensei (teacher) level. In 1923 he trained a man named Eguchi. Eguchi was already an accomplished healer at that time and his successors are still teaching and practicing the system in Japan to this day. In 1925 he taught 3 naval officers: Taketomi, Hayashi and Guida. Usui died on March 9, 1926 during a visit to Fukuyama.

Many Reiki Masters suggest that Takata’s version of the “History of Reiki” to be more of a teaching parable than honest truth. There are many lessons in the story and an overall morale to it. Students can learn much about Reiki philosophy by treating Takata’s “History of Reiki” in that fashion.

Reiki Principles

The secret art of inviting happiness The wonderful medicine for all diseases

Just for today Do not anger Do not worry Be grateful Work hard

Be kind to others

Mornings and evenings, sit in gassho position And repeat these words out loud and in your heart

For the improvement of body and soul, Usui Reiki Ryoho

The Founder, Usui Mikao

Five Reiki Principles (Gokai) of Usui Sensei (the essence of Reiki explained in simple terms)

Just for today (Kyo dake wa) – Being in the here and now is a strong principle of many spiritual practices. You can’t achieve much if you are constantly looking at the past and/or future. Your practice is not for the next fifty years, or even the next fifty days, your practice is just for today.

Do not get angry (Ikaruna) – Anger is usually tied to expectations, and expectations prevent us from enjoying the moment. Negative emotions are a step backwards. Seek to substitute patience for anger.

Do not worry (Shinpai suna) –Worry is also tied to expectations. Worry is also tied to the future. As long as you do the best you can with what you have, you have nothing to worry about and nothing to regret.

Be thankful (Kansha shite) – The world around you is a gift. All of the people in your life, good or bad, are a gift. Every moment, every breath, every sight/smell/sound/taste/touch is a gift. Be appreciative of everything you have been given. And share that appreciation with people around you.

Work hard (Gyo wo hageme) – Work can mean everyday activities or spiritual pursuits. Do the best you can do in every situation. No one situation is more important than any other, and each moment deserves the best you can do.

Be kind to others (Hito ni shinsetsu ni) – We are all connected – physically, mentally, and spiritually. From a universal view, there is no separation between people; there is only oneness. Being kind to others is the same as being kind to yourself.

Reiki Degrees

These are the “standard” Reiki degrees. Students should understand, that much like the symbols, these were added on later.

Shoden (Level 1)

Shoden means “beginning teachings.” This is the first level of training of any Reiki student. At Shoden, the Empowerment/Attunement opens the student to the flow of Reiki (some would say: opens them to the awareness of the flow of Reiki).

Traditionally, the 'outer' focus of Level 1 Reiki is on hands-on therapy at a purely physical level [both for self-treatment and for treating others]. However, the 'inner' focus of Level 1 is about learning to become 'a clear channel' for Reiki.

Level 1 is about learning to 'let go and let the energy flow' - about learning to 'step out of the way' - learning to override the desire of ones conscious mind to interfere in the therapeutic process, and instead, simply let the Reiki phenomenon 'happen'.

Developing this attitude early on will greatly enhance the quality of ones journey with Reiki.

Okuden (Level 2)

Okuden means “inner teachings.” This builds on Shoden teachings to develop and expand new abilities. Where Level 1 opens the student to the (awareness of the) flow of Reiki the Level 2 Empowerment/Attunement deepens the quality of that flow.

Having developed the attitude of 'compassionate detachment from outcomes' at level 1, the Level 2 student is provided with a number of symbolic tools enabling them to 'set' intentions - and broaden the scope of their therapeutic interventions.

With Level 2 training, the student is introduced to three sacred symbols, and is instructed in their use as a means of: enhancing the effectiveness of physical level treatment (both hands-on and.non-contact - i.e. in the clients aura); carrying out treatment at deeper psycho-emotional levels.and performing 'distant' or 'remote' treatments - i.e. for people not physically present.

Shinpiden (Level 3/Master)

Shinpiden means “mystery teachings.” These are the inner secrets of the practice. Students who have mastered the “mystery teachings” are called Shinpidan. The term Sensei is often used for Reiki Master/Teachers.

Level 3 is the level at which the practitioner will manifest the ability to impart Empowerment/Attunements to others. This level's Empowerment/Attunement brings yet a greater deepening of connection to the Reiki phenomenon.

The practitioner is introduced to a fourth sacred symbol - the Master symbol, and is instructed in its uses, including its significance in the Initiation/Attunement process.

Note: Some systems break this up into 2 separate degrees – Master Practitioner and Master Teacher.

Reiki Ethics Reiki practitioners should maintain a professional attitude with clients and maintain appropriate boundaries. There are many ethical guidelines written for health care, both medical and holistic. Below are the International Association of Reiki Practitioners’ Code of Ethics.

1. Abide by a vow of confidentiality. Any information that is discussed within the context of a Reiki session is confidential between the client and the practitioner.

2. Provide a safe and comfortable area for client sessions and work to provide an empowering and supportive environment for clients.

3. Always treat clients with the utmost respect and honor.

4. Provide a brief oral or written description of what happens during a session and what to expect before a client's initial session.

5. Be respectful of all others' Reiki views and paths.

6. Educate clients on the value of Reiki and explain that sessions do not guarantee a cure, nor are they a substitute for qualified medical or professional care. Reiki is one part of an integrative healing plan or wellness program.

7. Suggest a consultation or referral to qualified licensed professionals (medical doctor, licensed therapist, etc.) when appropriate.

8. Never diagnose or prescribe. Never suggest that the client change prescribed treatment or interfere with treatment of a licensed health care provider.

9. Never ask clients to disrobe (unless in the context of a licensed massage therapy session at the client's option). Be sensitive to the boundary needs of individual clients as well as respectful of your own boundary needs. Do not touch the genital area or breasts of a client, practice hands-off healing of these areas if treatment is needed.

10. Be actively working on your own healing so as to embody and fully express the essence of Reiki in everything that you do.

Reiki Mudras

The following mudras are used to balance your energy system. It is good practice to perform these three mudras before a Reiki treatment or empowerment/attunement, or any time you feel disconnected, buzzed, or unfocused.

Kanji Position #1 - Sha

Sha position assists you to bring the life force energy. Place the tips of your index fingers together and interlace the other fingers of both hands.

Kanji Position #2 - Rin

Rin position focuses the life force energy. Place the tips of your middle fingers together and interlace the fingers of both hands.

Kanji Position #3 - Kai

Kai position assists you in knowing where to focus the life force energy. Interlace your fingers so that when you move your palms together, your fingers are between your palms. Your palms do not need to touch.

Reiki 21 Day Cleanse or Purification

There is no area of life that Reiki will not change and effect. It brings healing as a result of raising the vibrations of a being/object closer to that of the original design. It will assist in bringing goals and desires into manifested form. It will work at healing relationships, between people or objects; wherever there is disparity and imbalance, the energy will reinstate order and stability. The energy can be used to heal and balance anything in the past or the present, and Reiki can be sent to any situation that will occur in the future, to insure the best results possible (to be balanced and harmonious). Reiki will bring healing to situations that you may not yet be aware of. When an area of life is healed, the altered energy will bring change to all other areas of your life.

Many times, new Reiki practitioners have been heard to say that life has become more difficult ever since they were attuned to Reiki. The truth is that Reiki has dredged up deep-seated emotional blocks (or physical, mental, spiritual) and you have become more sensitive and aware of these additional issues, and you suddenly have to work a little harder at focusing and balancing the energies.

Every man, woman, and child carries within their cells and DNA the memories of all that has ever happened to them in previous lives, especially the issues that are yet unresolved (karma). We protect ourselves, consciously or unconsciously, from dealing with these issues by armoring; locking these issues into some part of our physical body. Usually this takes place in muscle tissue and joints and can bring the onset of conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis, tumors and many of the diseases that afflict humankind today. Even accidents are often traced to times that our consciousness has shifted and our awareness is no longer on the physical state of affairs, but rather non-consciously turned inward to the deeper emotional feelings of what is bothering us. This caused imbalance on all level of our being, and stresses the body/mind unit.

When stress has accumulated to the point that it affects organs, we have the beginning of the inflammatory (subacute) stage of healing (or as called by most people - illness). The stress (cause) is toxic to the body (effect) and must be cleared (purification) in order for the body to regain balance. When the body detoxes faster than it normally does, the purification triggers a fever to burn away the toxic matter, the lymphatic system becomes overburdened and swollen, the joints ache, and the mind begins to shut down other bodily systems to prevent spreading infection. Sounds like the flu, doesn't it? Most people at this time, would make themselves unavailable to the world, load the physical body with chemical drugs, crawl into bed and remain there until the symptoms lessen. Then they would get out of bed and become active and would experience a "relapse". In reality, what has happened is that the lymphatic system was unable to drain the toxins from the body because movement acts as a pump, eliminating the toxins through the urine, perspiration and respiration. This can not happen if the body is completely still during bed rest. The mind decreases the body's sensitivities, by releasing endorphins (natural pain killers created in the brain), tricking the body into thinking the condition is eliminated. When activity is resumed, the toxins then begin to move through the system and the body is once more made aware that healing is not yet finished. Then comes the second onslaught of drugs and bed rest. All of the medications that are taken into the body to mask the symptom, are also toxic to the body and must be removed themselves, in order for the body to regain energy and balance.

Physical Purification

When Reiki is purifying the physical body, flu-like symptoms may be experienced: minor discomforts including achy muscles, fever, headache, sore throat, excessive mucus, coughing, constipation, diarrhea, and other symptoms. As toxins are being released, odors in the urine and feces may change. Pressures or pains throughout the body, tingling, nausea, or spinning sensations may also be felt in the chakras as Reiki opens, cleanses and balances them.

To lessen the effects: spend extra time doing Reiki over back position #3 and over symptomatic areas. Take long walks in country settings; exercise the entire body mildly or do yoga; breathe clean, fresh air deeply into the lungs, and drink lots of pure, fresh water. Eat light nourishing meals which include fresh fruits, vegetables and juices. A cleansing fast would also be beneficial.

Emotional Purification

As the purification of the emotional body occurs, deeply held emotions may surface for no apparent reason: anger, frustration, grief, fear, sadness and others. These emotions have been repressed or suppressed from earlier times in this lifetime or from past-life experiences. They are being released from the depths of your physical matrix - from the cellular level of body and mind. Do not allow yourself to become emotionally affected by what you are experiencing. Do not place blame on anyone or anything for these feelings. Just experience them as they surface and let them go.

To lessen the effects: Place one hand on your forehead and the other over your navel. Breathe in and visualize beautiful white light coming into your crown chakra, circling throughout your body, and collecting all of the emotional remains; then breathe out forcefully. making a "Bah" sound, while visualizing the emotions blowing out from your solar plexus chakra. Keep this up until you feel calm. Take a long hot bath in dead sea salts, Epsom salts or a combination of 1 pound each of sea salt and baking soda. Soak about 1/2 hour. This will relax you and help to cleanse your emotional body. Don't do this if you happen to be allergic to any of the items recommended.

Mental Purification

When purification of the mental body occurs, old thought forms, behavior patterns and/or habits may come to the surface. Addictive desires for food, beverages, nicotine, caffeine, alcohol, etc. may increase or resurface. Thoughts of judgment, blame, victimization, abuse, denial, self-destruction, self-pity, etc. may prevail. These issues are being healed on every level of your being, from this lifetime and others. Do not be hard on your self or allow these impulses and thoughts to get the better of you. Acknowledge them, let them go, then change your thoughts willfully to those of a more positive nature.

To lessen the effects: Spend extra time on head positions. Be kind to yourself. Do things that make you feel good; nurture and pamper yourself as you would a friend who was experiencing the same. Repeating positive affirmations, mantras, and listening to your favorite music eases the intensity of the potentially negative effects of the thoughts.

Spiritual Purification

When spiritual purification is in process, your beliefs may be shaken and challenged: beliefs in how the world operates, how relationships should be, about religion, what is important in your life, etc. As this occurs, insights, revelations, and new understanding will become clear; these will be the building blocks of your newly forming and ever-changing spiritual foundation.

To lessen the effects: spend extra time doing Reiki on head position #3, and front #1 & #2. Talk to like-minded people about your experiences, read uplifting spiritual books, listen to motivational tapes, and treat yourself with love and kindness. You are gaining new levels of understanding. During this process, you may feel lonely and perhaps fearful that you are going insane. Know that all is well and this process is perfectly normal. Be at peace. Let go and let God move through you. And continue to do Reiki on yourself; this alone can and will move you through the purification process, bringing you closer to that which you truly are: Divine Spirit experiencing the physical realm of existence through the sensations of a magnificent vehicle - your body.

A person who goes through all levels of Reiki training, over a period of time (usually 2-3 years) will experience this cycle many times. They will come to experience imbalance, disease, illness, whatever condition or name applied, as a detoxification or cleansing. This knowledge added to the ability to channel Reiki energy, will help everyone understand what habits and traits, conditions, thoughts must be changed or eliminated, and as they are, better health will be the result. This is enlightenment!

With this understanding and knowledge, one can teach another, and that one can teach someone else (lineage), and eventually help to shift the perception of humanity; from the thought of illness to that of purification. When all of humankind acts on this knowledge and self-treats any and all conditions as a toxic assault, then disease will no longer be rampant; this is empowerment! Reiki can and will bring on this next stage in the human evolution of consciousness.

Reiki Treatment Guidelines

Before going into specific treatment practices, here are some guidelines for Reiki treatments. They apply no matter which treatment you use.

Before You Begin the Treatment:

o Check your body hygiene - do you need to use deodorant or brush your teeth?

o Review any notes you have made of past Reiki treatments with this recipient.

o Demonstrate for the recipient the hand positions you will be using during the treatment.

o Tell recipient about the possible detox (purification) of 3 to 21 days (flu-like symptoms).

o Ask about the condition of the recipients body, disorders/previous surgery and what their goals are for the Reiki treatments.

o Do not remove clothing (recipient or practitioner).

o Ask recipient to remove bulky jewelry, shoes, belts and to loosen tight garments.

o Wash your hands before and after giving a Reiki treatment if you can.

o Put a pillow under the recipient's knees and head (for their comfort).

o Both your legs, and your client's legs, should be uncrossed. It is said that crossing the legs inhibits the proper flow of energy through the body’s meridian system.

o Keep tissue and blanket handy (recipient may experience emotional or physical releases).

o Never promise a healing, you can tell someone Reiki will balance and relax the body, and may relieve pain.

During The Treatment:

o Place your hands on your client slowly and gently and remove them in the same way. Keep your hands still when holding each position.

o Keep fingers and thumb together - hands touching. Open fingers create scattered energy, close fingers focus and direct the energy.

o When your hands are over your client's face, be careful not to press on their eyelids or against their nostrils. I always carry out the head positions with my hands about an inch away from the skin because I think it is a more pleasant experience for the recipient - better than having someone’s hands plastered all over their face.

o When working on your client's head, be careful not to breathe on their face. Turn your head away slightly to breathe, as a matter of course.

o When working on the client's neck, take care not to let the weight of your hands rest on their throat. Again, I have my hands about an inch or so off the skin, resting on the collarbones, or place my hands along the collarbones.

o Do not lean on your client or apply undue pressure. This is Reiki, not massage!

o Do not try to force the outcome; just let the energy flow.

o Your hands may feel different sensations: heat, cold, tingling, pulling, etc. Hands may not get hot. Do not judge the effectiveness - the Reiki energy is working.

o Music is good during a treatment - soft and quiet.

o It is not necessary to be in a meditative state during a treatment.

o Talking during treatment is permitted, but silence enhances your awareness of energy and changes in the body. In some cases, talking can have a cleansing effect for the recipient.

o When the person is asleep, the energy seems to be more readily accepted (there is no resistance from the conscious mind).

o Reiki adjusts to the needs and conditions of the receiver.

After The Treatment:

o Rinse your hands and arms in cold water (breaks contact with the person).

o Both you and the recipient drink water.

o You may also wish to do one or more of the following techniques to break energetic connection to your client: put fingertips of both hands together; rub hands together and shake vigorously at your sides; karate chop with your dominant hand the astral cords that collect at your solar plexus.

o Provide the client with a way to contact you in case they have an unusual reaction. Be available to that client by phone for 24 to 48 hours.

o Make notes about the treatment to properly track the recipient’s progress.

o Smudge your healing room with smoke from white sage and cedar. Any kind of energetic cleansing is good.

o If you have done treatments during the day, take a shower in the evening to clean the excess energy from your aura and smudge yourself.

Things to Remember:

o Do not diagnose or prescribe anything, unless you are licensed to do so.

o Never perform Reiki on somebody else without their permission.

o Reiki works on all levels. It covers the nervous, circulatory and endocrine systems, all major organs and the seven major chakras.

o Both hands channel Reiki equally. It is not necessary to consider the positive or negative sides of the body for hand placement. Reiki is a complete or bi-polar energy (contains both positive and negative aspects).

o Reiki is not just for when you are sick.

o A little Reiki is better than no Reiki at all.

o Can use Reiki on plants, animals, food, etc. Every living thing will benefit from Reiki.

o Anything with a vibration (which is all that is) will hold Reiki and can add to your treatments (like crystals/stones, healing tools, pillows, tables, even water).

o Every time you do Reiki, you increase the level of energy, love, and light brought into the planet.

o You cannot wear out Reiki - it is unlimited.

Basic Hand Positions

Reiki treatments are based on resting your real hands in a series of standard hand positions on the head, shoulders and torso, and letting Reiki flow into the client. There are many, many different hand positions. The main focus is general coverage of the body and internal organs.

Takata taught twelve general positions. These positions are considered the basic hand positions by many schools of Reiki. More advanced treatments using specific hand position combinations for specific problems and ailments will be discussed at Okuden level.

Students should hold their hands in each position until they feel the energy flow begin to slow down. If students are unable to feel the energy flow, then they should leave their hands in each position for 3 to 5 minutes.

Twelve Basic Hand Positions:

Eyes/third eye Temples Back of the head

Throat Heart Upper Belly

Below the Naval Pelvis Shoulders

Upper Back Lower Back Base of Spine Pictures © 2000, 2001 www.reiki.nu All rights reserved

Self Treatments

A common practice in Reiki is to treat yourself. Especially after your first attunement, self treatment is important. It keeps the flow of Reiki going and cleans out your system of a lot of toxicity.

There is a common practice in many forms of Reiki to perform a 21 day cleanse after your first attunement. Part in deference to Mikao Usui’s twenty-one day meditation; but more so to cleanse you so that you do not have and bad energy floating around when you start performing Reiki on others.

Eyes Temples Back of the

head The throat Heart Upper Belly

Below the navel

Pelvis Lower Back Base of Spine

Pictures © 2000, 2001 www.reiki.nu All rights reserved

Gendai Reiki Techniques

Nentatsu-ho Source: Essence of Gendai Reiki ho - Sensei Hiroshi Doi; translation by Yukio Miura; editing by Richard R. Rivard, Tom Rigler.

Purpose:

The tradtional method for sending a thought or wish while using Reiki to assist.. This is a technique for

getting a silent message across to the recipient’s subconscious with the Reiki vibration transmitted through

your hands. There is a wide range of use for it, such as breaking bad habits, getting across Usui-sensei’s

five Reiki principles to people in serious disease, etc. (Do not get this mixed up with the concept of healing

with mind power.)

Method:

1. The recipient can be seated or standing. Ask them what habit or difficulty they wish to work on. Suggest

a positive affirmation that you can transmit.

2. Gassho, and call Reiki to yourself. (this may be done by extending your hands and arms upwards,

bringing in the Reiki light).

3. Say silently “I begin Nentatsu-ho now”

4. Place your hands (or just one) on the person’s forehead where the hair starts to grow.

5. Think the thought that they have asked you to help them with. Make sure it is positive and in their

highest interest.

6. Transmit the message with a pure mind and confidence.

7. Remove your hands. If this is part of a normal treatment, then proceed. Otherwise:

8. Gassho, and finish. Shake your wrists well.

Comments:

You can apply this technique to others and yourself.

Jakikiri Joka-ho Source: Essence of Gendai Reiki ho - Sensei Hiroshi Doi; translation by Yukio Miura; editing by Richard R. Rivard, Tom Rigler.

Purpose:

Energy purification or cleansing and energy boosting of an object. A technique for removing strong

negative energy and vibratory disorder within an object (like a crystal) by purifying it with Reiki energy

and putting in positive energy.

Method:

1. Gassho, and call Reiki to yourself. (this may be done by extending your hands and arms upwards,

bringing in the Reiki light).

2. Say silently “I begin Jakikiri Joka-ho now”

3. Pick up the object you wish to clear in your non-dominant hand

4. Using your dominant hand, chop the space about 5 cm above the object with your hand horizontally and

make a sudden stop of your hand movement. . When you do the chopping action, focus your attention on

your “tanden” (3 cm below your navel) while holding your breath, and chop the length of your hand.

5. Repeat this three times. This means you are doing 3 abrupt chops. This will turn the vibration into a good

one.

6. Give Reiki for purification and boosting the object's energy

7. You can repeat from step 4 again in order to keep the negative vibration away, and do this as often as

you feel necessary.

8. When finished, lay the object down, Gassho, and shake your wrists well.

Comments:

This technique can be applied to crystals, charms, or any object, regardless of size.

If it is a large object, do the actions to selected points or visualize a miniature version of

the object in the palm of your hand, and then treat it as above.

Shudan Reiki Shuchu Reiki (Reiki Group Treatment) and Renzoku Reiki (Reiki Marathon) Source: Essence of Gendai Reiki ho - Sensei Hiroshi Doi; translation by Yukio Miura; editing by Richard R. Rivard, Tom Rigler.

Purpose:

Shudan Reiki is concentrated Reiki. It implies a Group Treatment or Reiki Marathon. It is used to increase

the effectiveness of a Reiki healing session.

Method:

1. There are two very effective ways:

a) Group Reiki - many Reiki healers may perform Reiki healing on one person,

b) Reiki Marathon - each healer takes a turn performing Reiki healing, all over a long period of time.

2. Many cases are reported that diseases that were incurable for modern medical science were healed by

this method. The remarkable point of the Reiki Marathon (especially the first way as mentioned above) is

that the effectiveness is multiplied by the squared number of the healers. In other words, it is four times as

effective when two healers perform and it is twenty five times as effective when five healers perform.

3. The hands are placed at the basic positions, especially the ones where this is an unhealthy, bad condition

(the ones with self symptoms). These can be located by using scanning (Byosen Reikan-ho) or allowing

Reiki to guide you

4. If there are too many hands for the points, the healers can send Reiki energy, indirectly placing the hands

on the shoulder or the back of the healers who have their hands on the positions.

Comments:

This is a very useful technique for serious illnesses, or even as a way to share Reiki at a Reiki gathering. In

the case of the latter, 4 or 5 people can work at one healing table at a time, and each person can take a turn

receiving. In this situation, 20 minutes can produce a very effective treatment. If you do not have a massage

or healing table, use a chair and the senders can place their hands on the receiver, or one of the senders to

increase the energy.

Reiki Undo Source: Sensei Kimiko Koyama via Sensei Fumio Ogawa's notes given to F. Arjava Petter; Thanks to Karen Agopsowicz for sharing this on urri@onelist.com ; editing by Richard R. Rivard, Tom Rigler.

Purpose:

Reiki Undo means Reiki exercise. This technique is similar to Hikari no Kokyu-ho but with the addition of

body movement. Doi Sensei explained that while this is not a formal technique of traditional Reiki Ryoho,

it was practised by some members of the Gakkai whose bodies moved by accident during Hatsurei-ho (see

Okuden pages.)

Method:

1. Stand or sit. Make yourself comfortable.

2. Do Gassho.

3. Raise your hands up as high as possible, and feel the vibrations of the Reiki showering into the whole of

the body.

4. Slowly move your hands downwards to your lap, palms facing up and keeping the hands relaxed.

5. Consciously say to yourself, "Reiki Undo begin."

6. Focus on your breath, allow it to be deep and exhale with the intention to release as much as you can

while exhaling.

7. After several breaths you may find your body movement to be guided by the flow of energy. Allow this

movement to happen. Sometimes this will be slow and rhythmic, or it may become more vigorous. Allow

Reiki to guide the body, do not put your mental effort into making your body move.

8. Gassho again, then finish. Shake the wrists well.

Comments:

This can be done with a partner, or in a group as well, simply by placing your hands gently on the person in

front of you. Very nice in a group circle. It is recommended to do this exercise daily for at least three

months. Some find a "natural" detoxification of the physical body starts after practising for three months.

Note: while this was not presented by Mr. Doi at the Japanese Reiki workshop, Arjava Petter was told it

was a technique the late Ms. Kimiko Koyama-sensei would teach to her students. She was past chairperson

of the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai in Japan.

Byosen Reikan-ho Source: Essence of Gendai Reiki ho - Sensei Hiroshi Doi; translation by Yukio Miura; editing by Richard R. Rivard, Tom Rigler.

Purpose:

Healing by way of feeling a resonance or hand sensation.

When a person has a disease, you can feel ‘something’ transmitted from the source of the disease. This is

called "Byosen". What you feel as Byosen varies depending on the type, severity and status of the disease,

and from person to person. But some samples are: sensations of something moving, pulsating, or piercing,

or of a bug crawling, biting or of pain, numbness, heat, coldness, tickling, tingling, etc.

The sensation you have in your hands is called “Hibiki” or “Resonance” and by it you can learn to judge

the cause of the disease, the status of it and the time it will take to heal.

As long as a person has a disease (even if the person is not aware of it), there never fails to be a byosen. So

if you are careful enough to detect the byosen, it is possible to treat the disease a couple of days before it

actually shows up. Also there could be a byosen in people who are said to have recovered completely from

his/her disease. If you get rid of the byosen in these cases, you can prevent the disease from developing

again.

A byosen could show up in the obvious problem area but also could be sensed in areas different from the

problem area. For example, the byosen for stomach disease often shows up in one’s forehead; for

roundworm it can show up under one’s nose; for liver problems it can show up in the eyes, etc.

Method:

1. The recipient can be seated or lying on a massage table, or on a mat on the floor.

2. Gassho, and call Reiki to yourself. (this may be done by extending your hands and arms upwards,

bringing in the Reiki light).

3. It is recommended that you perform Aura Cleansing before a Reiki treatment.

4. You place your hands on the basic Western Reiki hand positions until you develop your sensory power

of your hands. You may also simply perform the 5 original Usui head positions.

5. Once you develop byosen (the ability to feel a special sensation from the problem area of the body),

practice your healing using the following procedure.

6. First put your hands (one hand or two) on or above the body and move them around scanning the whole

body. Hold your hands where you feel the strongest hibiki or sensation of pain, heat, coolness, vibration or

numbness.

The part is often different from where the symptom is. It takes experience to judge the sensation.

7. The hibiki gradually increases until it reaches its peak then starts to subside. That makes “one pass” or

“one cycle”. You should at least hold your hands for one cycle. As it repeats it's cycle, the peak of hibiki

will decrease.

8. Move your hands to the next byosen and repeat .

9. You are finished when there are no more points of hibiki. When treating oneself, this is usually when

your hands simply flow down to your lap.

10. It is recommended that you perform Aura Cleansing after a Reiki treatment.

11. Gassho and finish. Shake your wrists well. Revive the recipient.

Comments:

At first, the ability to sense Byosen differs depending on individuals but as you practice

healing others anyone can develop the ability gradually.

In the Usui Reik Ryoho Gakkai, this technique is taught once a person has begun their

Reiki training. Usually the average person at this point has an energy rating of 6 (on a

scale of 6 to 1, 1 being the highest). Once this technique is taught, your energy rating is

at 5.

Usui-sensei rated himself as 2 in the hopes that one of his students would surpass his

abilities. To this day, out of respect for Sensei, no one is ever rated higher than 3.

Once this technique is mastered, you are taught Reiji-ho and your rating increases to a

4. Upon mastering Reij--ho, you are rated a 3 and are allowed to have Okuden training.

Reiji-ho Source: Essence of Gendai Reiki ho - Sensei Hiroshi Doi; translation by Yukio Miura; editing by Richard R. Rivard, Tom Rigler.

Purpose:

Allowing Reiki to guide you to the place of greatest need of healing. This technique is taught once you

have devloped a very good ability for Bysoen Reikan-ho.

Method:

1. The recipient can be seated or lying on a massage table, or on a mat on the floor.

2. Gassho, and call Reiki to yourself. (this may be done by extending your hands and arms upwards,

bringing in the Reiki light).

3. It is recommended that you perform Aura Cleansing before a Reiki treatment.

4. With your hands back in Gassho, tell yourself you will begin Reiji-ho now.

5. Ask Reiki to guide you to the place of greatest need in the receiver's body (or your own body if this is a

personal treatment). You can say something like "Reiki, please guide me to where this person most needs

Reiki".

6. Allow your hands to intuitively move to a location above or in front of the person's body. You can lay

hands on or just above the body. Or you may be guided to apply Reiki in the aura.

7. You will feel the hibiki or sensation of pain, heat, coolness, vibration or numbness in your hands.

8. The hibiki gradually increases till it reaches its peak then starts to subside that makes “one pass” or “one

cycle”. You should at least hold your hands for one cycle. As it repeats it's cycle, the peak of hibiki will

decrease.

9. Move your hands back to Gassho and repeat from step 5 until you are no longer guided to a point. When

treating oneself, this is usually when your hands simply flow down to your lap.

10. When finished, it is recommended that you perform Aura Cleansing after a Reiki treatment. Gassho and

finish. Shake your wrists well. Revive the recipient.

Comments:

In the Usui Reik Ryoho Gakkai, this technique is taught to students once they have

mastered the technique called Byosen Reikan-ho. After learning Reiji-ho the student's

energy level is rated at 4. Upon mastering Reij-ho, the student's energy is rated as 3

and they are allowed to have Okuden training

Usui-sensei rated himself as 2 in the hopes that one of his students would surpass his

abilities. To this day, out of respect for Sensei, no one is ever rated higher than 3.

Gassho Kokyu-ho (Source: Essence of Gendai Reiki ho - Sensei Hiroshi Doi; translation by Yukio Miura; editing by Richard R. Rivard, Tom Rigler.

Purpose:

Gassho Kokyu-ho means a breathing technique using Gassho. This is a technique for clearing your mind

and keeping your consciousness high and stable.

Method:

1. Stand or sit. Make yourself comfortable. (For this explanation I will explain the standing method).

2. Close, or half close the eyes. Breath slowly, and naturally.

3. Gassho, and calm your mind.

4. Raise your hands up high above your head, feel the vibrations of the Reiki Light coming into the whole

body.

5. Feel the Reiki Light vibrations and slowly move your hands downwards. Stop at the chest just above the

heart, and do Gassho.

6. Bring your mind down to the Tanden (3 - 5 cm below the navel) and try to keep your mind still.

7. While breathing in, visualise the Reiki energy running down to your Tanden from your palms, and feel

the energy in your Tanden.

8. While breathing out visualise that the energy coming out from your Tanden and moving up into the

palms, then release the energy out in a burst.

9. Continue these exercises for a while.

10. Gassho, and finish. Shake your wrists well.

Comments:

This method is similar to the Sei Shin Toitsu technique used in Doi-sensei's version of the Hatsurei-ho.

Kenyoku-ho Source: Essence of Gendai Reiki ho - Sensei Hiroshi Doi; translation by Yukio Miura; editing by Richard R. Rivard, Tom Rigler.

Purpose:

Kenyoku means dry bathing or brushing off. This is a technique for cleansing one’s energy inside with

Reiki vibration and is part of healing for self-purification and growth.

Method:

1. This can be done while seated or standing

2. Gassho, and call Reiki to yourself. (this may be done by extending your hands and arms upwards,

bringing in the Reiki light).

3. Say silently “I begin Kenyoku-ho now."

4. Place your right hand on the left shoulder and slide the hand down diagonally (across the sternum)

towards the right hip, while doing the Hado breathing and the ‘Haa’ sound. (This exercise is to cleanse the

aura, so you may also place your hands a little away from the body.)

5. Place your left hand on the right shoulder and do the same as above but towards the left hip.

6. Repeat No.4 again with the right hand.

7. Hold your left arm up in a horizontal position as shown. Place the right hand in the middle of the left

forearm. Or you can turn your palm upwards, placing the fingers of the right hand just back of the wrist,

with the thumb on the other side, as they do in the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai.

8. Slide the hand down the left forearm to the finger tips while you do the Hado breathing.

9. Hold your right arm up in a horizontal position. Place the left hand in the middle of the right forearm,

and do the same as No. 7.

10. Do No. 7 once more with the right hand.

11. Bring both hands to your lap.

12. Gassho, and finish. Shake your wrists well.

Comments:

Sensei Hiroshi Doi uses a modified version of this. In steps 7 through 9, place your hand on the outside tip

of the opposite shoulder and then brush all the way down the arm.

It is useful to have the intention of cleansing your aura as you perform the technique.

Reiki Mawashi Source: Essence of Gendai Reiki ho - Sensei Hiroshi Doi; translation by Yukio Miura; editing by Richard R. Rivard

Purpose: a Japanese method of sharing Reiki in a circle, used to circulate Reiki.

"Mawashi" means ‘circle' or 'circulation'

Method:

1. Everyone in the group forms a circle.

2. Raise your hands up high above the head, calling in the Reiki energy, and feel the vibrations of Reiki

into the whole of the body.

3. Every person holds the hands of the person beside them to make a circle.

Alternatively, each person places their right hand facing down over the next person's left hand; while their

own left hand is facing up underneath the next person's right hand. This way hands do not need to touch.

4. Allow Reiki to flow counter-clockwise. By doing so, you receive Reiki energy from your left hand and

send it out to the person beside you from your right hand at the same time. Reiki energy goes around from

hands to hands at the speed of light. Some people feel the energy with the hands apart more than holding

hands. You may also notice the tendency for the circle to begin moving in the direction of the energy.

5. Optionally, everyone can switch the positions of the hands so that the energy will now flow clockwise.

6. Many people who have not received a Reiki attunement feel Reiki energy when they join the circle. Even

if they do not feel it, Reiki goes more smoothly when in the circle. Two persons can make the circle facing

each other.

7. One other way is to hold the middle finger of the person on your left, touching the tip of the finger with

your thumb cushion to make the circle, and circulate Reiki energy.

8. Gassho, and finish. Shake your wrists well.

Comments:

To do this by yourself, hold your left hand facing down on your right hand facing up in front of your body.

Then empty your mind and feel the energy. As you become skilled, you will be able to meditate deeply

using this technique.

Another way to do the circle is to have everyone place their hands on the shoulders of the person in front of

them. After a time, you can turn around and place hands on the person behind you.

Aura Cleansing Source: Essence of Gendai Reiki ho - Sensei Hiroshi Doi; translation by Yukio Miura; editing by Richard R. Rivard, Tom Rigler.

Purpose:

Aura cleansing must be performed before and after Reiki healing.

Pre-healing:

Aura cleansing drains the excess energy and adjusts the aura to balance the energy. As the feel of your

hands improve, you will become able to feel the places of energy with a bad condition.

Method:

1. The receiver may either lie down on a table or a mat, or sit on the floor or on a chair to be comfortable.

2. Gassho, and call Reiki to yourself. (this may be done by extending your hands and arms upwards,

bringing in the Reiki light).

3. Stroke the air above the whole body of the receiver with both hands, or a single hand, about 10

centimeters away from the body. It is done from head to toe or from left to right of the body, and in one

continuous movement..

4. If you are using one hand, do one side of the body and then go around to the other side and do that side.

Comments:

The aura gets adjusted with the Reiki energy that flows out from the palms of the hands,

and the stagnant, excess energy will flow off.

Post-healing:

Post healing aura cleansing is critical. As the energy of the whole body is purified after healing, the flow is

accelerated and it is in a sensitive condition so that it easily accepts any wave. Therefore it must be adjusted

not to get any low or rough wave.

Method:

1. Perform just as with pre-healing aura cleansing, trying to lead and adjust the flow of Ki with gentle

strokes.

2. Let the receiver rest in peace for a while (more than five minutes) afterwards.

3. If the receiver is lying down for healing, perform aura cleansing on one side and then do the other side.

Comments:

Aura cleansing may be performed to a sender by him/herself. However it is unnecessary when Reiki

shower or self cleansing is performed.

Hikari no Kokyu-ho Source: Essence of Gendai Reiki ho - Sensei Hiroshi Doi; translation by Yukio Miura; editing by Richard R. Rivard, Tom Rigler.

Purpose:

Hikari no Kokyu-ho means the Breathing of the Light Technique. This is a method for reducing your stress

and purifying your mind and body.

Method :

1. Stand or sit. Make yourself comfortable. (For this explanation I will explain the sitting position on a

chair)

2. Close, or half close the eyes. Breathe slowly, but without causing any tension. As a rule, breathe in from

the nose and breathe out from the nose, but it is acceptable to breathe out from the mouth if you find this

method more comfortable. It is important to breathe naturally.

3. Do Gassho, and calm the mind.

4. Hold your hands up as high as possible, and feel the vibrations of Reiki showering into the whole of the

body.

5. Slowly move your hands downwards to your lap, palms facing up and keeping the hands relaxed as if

you were holding eggs.

6. Bring your mind to the Tanden and listen to your breathing

7. While you are breathing in, visualise that Reiki white energy is filling your head, and down the center

(Hara) line through the body to the Tanden ( 3 -5 cm. below the navel). From there the energy is spreading

to all of your organs, and to every cell. Feel that the healing process is happening.

8. As you breathe out, visualise that the light which filled the whole of the body is emanating from all of

your skin, and becomes part of your aura and then spreading into infinity. At the same time gradually

release any tension.

9. Continue these exercises for a while.

10. Gassho again, then finish. Shake the wrists well.

Comments:

This technique is similar to the technique called Joshin Kokyu-ho that Doi-sensei uses

in his version of Hatsurei-ho).

Reiki Shower no Giho Source: Essence of Gendai Reiki ho - Sensei Hiroshi Doi; translation by Yukio Miura; editing by Richard R. Rivard, Tom Rigler.

Purpose:

A simple way to bathe yourself in Reiki, cleansing your body and activating your energy.

Method:

1. Stand or sit. Make yourself comfortable. (For this explanation I will explain the standing method)

2. Close your eyes fully or half closed. Breath slowly and naturally without any conscious attention.

3. Gassho. Move your hands as high as possible above your head, keeping them apart. Visualise that you

are receiving a shower of Reiki vibrations from the source of the universe

4. At the same time, if you have attained the 3rd Level use the 4th symbol’s name (or focus on it's energy).

People who have attained Level 2 use the 1st symbol’s name (or it's energy) and visualise that it vibrates

throughout your body.

5. Feel the vibration of the Reiki energy. At the same time, move the hands down to the front of the body,

palms facing the body. Reiki is emanating from the hands. Together with the Reiki shower you are

cleansing all of the unnecessary energy downwards. In this way negative or minus energy is coming out of

the feet.

6. Practice these exercises a few times.

7. Gassho again, and finish. Shake your wrists well.

Comments:

As you do this exercise, Reiki will reach all of your cells and will fill every part of your body. You will

particularly notice that Reiki is emanating out from your eyes, hands and from your mouth.

Chakra Kassei Kokyu ho Source: Essence of Gendai Reiki ho - Sensei Hiroshi Doi; translation by Yukio Miura; editing by Richard R. Rivard, Tom Rigler.

Purpose:

Chakra Kassei Kokyu ho means the breathing technique for chakra activating. It allows you to penetrate

Reiki through your whole body and activate your chakras.

Method:

Part A

1. Stand, sit or lie down. Make yourself comfortable. (For this explanation I will explain the sitting position

on a chair.)

2. Close, or half close the eyes. Breath slowly, and naturally.

3. Gassho.

4. Raise your hands high above the head. Feel the vibrations of the Reiki Light flushing into the whole of

the body. Move the hands slowly down onto your lap, keep the eyes closed.

6. Do abdomen breathing. (that is breathe in and out at the abdomen.) Breathe in as your abdomen expands

and breathe out as the abdomen shrinks. Do this exercise until you feel calm and relaxed.

7. While breathing in, visualise or imagine that Reiki is coming in through the top of the head and reaching

to every cell of the body. Feel the whole body is filled with light.

8. While breathing out, visualise that all the tension and negative thoughts are released out of the body.

9. Continue these breathing exercises for a while, then visualise the 7th

Chakra position,. Then practice the

Chakra activating exercise as follows:

10. At the beginning practice the basic breathing, (Chakras 1-root, 4-heart,7- crown)

a. Breathe in the energy from 1 (Root). Move the energy to 4 (Heart). Feel the energy there, then breathe

out from 4 (Flush the energy out from the centre of the Heart chakra in all directions.)

b. Breathe in the energy from all directions into the centre of 4 (Heart), move the energy to 7 (Crown) and

breathe out from there.

c. Breathe in from 7 (Crown), feel in 4 (Heart), then breathe out from 4 (Heart).

d. Breathe in from 4 (Heart), breathe out from 1 (Root).

11. Carry-out Part A once, then repeat two more times before you move on to the next exercise. These

exercises activate the root, heart and crown chakras at the same time, and this method is a basic breathing

exercise.

Part B

12 Next is the breathing technique for activating each chakra. The basic method is the same as the previous

root, heart, crown breathing.

a. Breathe in from 1 (Root), breathe out from the chakra you are aiming for, then breathe in from there, and

breathe out from 7 (Crown).

b. Breathe in from 7 (Crown), breathe out from the chakra you are aiming for, then breathe in from there,

breathe out from 1 (Root).

c. Move onto the next chakras. The chakras you are aiming for are 4,2,3,5 and ,6 in this sequence. (Heart,

Sacral, Solar Plexus, Throat, Ajna)

To summarise, after carrying out the breathing exercise 1,4,7, next 1,2,7, following 1,3,7, then 1,5,7, finally

1,6,7.

Part C

13. The final exercise is the same as Number 10, the basic breathing exercise, 1, 4, 7.

Then Gassho, and finish. Shake your wrists well.

Comments:

Should you wish to sleep afterwards there is no problem. However, when you want to wake fully, move

both wrists up and down and in all directions. This helps to clear the mind.

It is alright to carry out only the basic breathing exercise when your time is limited, but it is still effective.

Treating Plants and Animals

Reiki works well on all living things. Treating plants and animals is a natural extension of Reiki treatments.

Plants

Plants seem to respond well to Reiki. If you are growing something from seed then hold the seeds in one hand and cup the other hand over the top. Cut flowers can be given Reiki by holding your hands above the flowers as if you were blessing them, which is of course what happens.

Potted plants seem to respond better by having their roots treated, so you treat them by holding the pot between your hands.

Trees seem to accept Reiki through their trunks and are said to respond well to Reiki hugs. They are said to be amazing reservoirs of Universal Energy and as such reciprocate by giving an energy back to the giver.

Animals

Animals benefit from Reiki treatments as well as humans and plants, and some Reiki practitioners specialize in treating animals, for example horses. Do be wary of courses advertising 'animal Reiki' - which you are supposed not to be able to use on humans - because Reiki is Reiki, whether you treat a human, an animal or a plant. When treating animals, it is recommended that you start by giving Reiki behind the ears, at the base of the skull, because this is said to have the effect of calming the animal.

The size of the animal is unimportant, since each will receive the energy they need. Reiki will be as effective with a mouse as it will a horse, and don't worry about making small animals explode, because Reiki will only supply as much energy as an organism needs: any excess will just go somewhere else!

What next…

Everybody’s experience with Reiki is different. The important thing to do it release your expectations. Do not let other people’s experiences or opinions color your view.

You should try to connect with Reiki everyday. Pick one of the Gendai Reiki meditations and practice it daily. You can do the same one all of the time, perform a different one each week, or even change daily.

You should also perform Reiki self treatments daily. This will not only improve your ability to make Reiki flow, but also improve your sensitivity to the energies. In addition, clearing and balancing your own energies will make your Reiki practice on others all the better.

When you feel more comfortable with Reiki, ask to give Reiki to others. Be sure to have their permission, do not try to sneak it in on them. There are many Free Healing Circles you can attend to give Reiki to other. If you cant find one, consider starting your own.

You should seek to value your body, value your mind, and value your spirit every day. Challenge yourself and do not use the words “I can’t.” Replace them with “I’ll do.”

Use only positive affirmations. Instead of “I am quitting smoking” (negative), try “I will enjoy a smoke free day today” (positive).

And when you do inevitably fail, remember that failure is an event, not a person. And each failure brings you that much closer to success.

A journal may help you deal with changes. Sometimes energy work causes unexpected emotional responses. Writing about them will help you put everything into perspective.

Whether Reiki is a spiritual practice for you or a science, always remember Reiki is about eternal love. Never let that feeling leave your heart.

Appendix: Western Reiki Material

What follows is material from other energy practices that is commonly included in Western Reiki Classes. While it is not part of Japanese Reiki, many practitioners will find the information and exercises useful for their practice.

Energy Body

Seven Chakras Chakras are energy nodes in the body. The seven main chakras are aligned in an ascending column from the base of the spine to the top of the head. Each chakra is associated with a certain color, multiple specific functions, an aspect of consciousness, a classical element, and other distinguishing characteristics.

The chakras are thought to vitalize the physical body and to be associated with interactions of both a physical and mental nature. They are considered loci of life energy, or prana/chi/ki, which is thought to flow among them along pathways called nadis or meridians.

Root Chakra: The base or root chakra, Muludhara, is related to security, survival and also to basic human potentiality. At the base of the spine, the root chakra is associated with the color red, the element of Earth, and the sense of smell.

Energy Body: Seven Chakras and Triple Soul

Sacral Chakra: The sacral chakra, Swadhisthanna, is related to emotion, sexuality and creativity. Below the naval, the sacral chakra is associated with the color orange, the element of Water, and the sense of taste.

Solar Plexus Chakra: The solar plexus chakra, Manipura, is related to energy, assimilation and digestion. Below the sternum, the solar plexus chakra is associated with the color yellow, the element of Fire and the sense of sight.

Heart Chakra: The heart chakra, Anahata, is related to love, equilibrium, and well-being. In the center of the chest, the heart chakra is associated with the color green, the element of Air, and the sense of touch.

Throat Chakra: The throat chakra, Vishuddha, is said to be related to communication and growth, growth being a form of expression. At the bottom of the neck, the throat chakra is associated with the color of blue, the element of Spirit, and the sense of hearing.

Third Eye Chakra: The Ajna Chakra, or third eye, is linked to time and awareness and of light. In the center of the forehead, the third eye chakra is associated with the color indigo/violet, and the sense of inner sight.

Crown Chakra: The highest crown chakra is said to be the chakra of consciousness, the master chakra that controls all the others. At the top of the head, the crown chakra is associated with the color white and is our connection to the divine.

Chakras Details Root Chakra Location Perineum, base of spin Coccyx , between legs

Color Red

Developmental Age

0 – 3 years

Sense Smell

Glands/Organs Adrenals, kidneys, spinal column, colon, legs, bones

Concerns Survival, security, belonging, being here and now

Out of balance Fear, overly concerned with material security. Jungle mentality, airy-fairy-not-really-here people. Feeling unsafe, lack of security, no sense of belonging.

Body symptoms Problems in kidneys, rectum, hips, bowel spasm, piles, colitis, crohn’s disease, constipation

Qualities/Lessons Matters relating to the material world, success. The physical body, mastery of the body, grounding, individuality, stability, security, stillness, health, courage, patience.

Negative qualities Self-centered, insecurity, violence, greed, anger. Overly concerned with one’s physical survival. Tension in the spine.

Soul Issue To acknowledge the soul inhabits a body that is part of the living universe. Through the body the soul is brought into matter

Element Earth

Gems & Minerals Ruby, garnet, bloodstone, red jasper, black tourmaline, obsidian, smoky quartz.

Sacral Chakra Location Lower abdomen, below the navel, the sacrum

Color Orange

Developmental Age

3 – 5/8 years old

Sense Taste

Glands/Organs Reproductive system, ovaries, testicles, prostate, genitals, spleen, womb, bladder

Concerns Intimacy, self-respect, sharing, creativity, child-like mystery.

Out of balance Creative blocks need to possess another. Fear of intimacy. No sense of mystery and magic.

Body symptoms Problems related to the reproductive system

Qualities/Lessons Giving and receiving, emotions, desire, pleasure, sexual/passionate love, change, movement, assimilation of new ideas, health, family, tolerance, surrender, working harmoniously and creatively with others

Negative qualities Promiscuous, anger, hurt, stuck in rut

Soul Issue To experience intimacy with another with a sense of self-respect. The expression of creative imagination in whatever form.

Element Water

Gems & Minerals Carnelian, coral, gold, calcite, amber, citrine, gold topaz, peach aventurine.

Solar Plexus Chakra Location Above the navel, below the chest, Solar Plexus

Color Yellow

Developmental Age

8 – 12 years approx.

Sense Sight

Glands/Organs Pancreas, adrenals, stomach, liver, gallbladder, nervous system, muscles.

Concerns Self worth, determination, identify personal power

Out of balance Self-centered, no sense of identity, powerless, need to control, need to take care of others

Body symptoms Diabetes, liver disease, ulcers, problems with stomach, spleen and small intestine

Qualities/Lessons Will, personal power, authority, energy, mastery of desire, self-control. Radiance, warmth, wakening, transformation, humor, laughter, immortality

Negative qualities Taking in more than one can assimilate and utilize. Too much emphasis on power and or recognition, Anger, fear, hate, digestive problems.

Soul Issue To experience a sense of self worth, self empowerment and purpose

Element Fire

Gems & Minerals Citrine, gold topaz, amber, tigers eye, gold calcite, gold

Heart Chakra Location Center of chest

Color Green (sometimes with rose pink)

Developmental Age

12 – 15 years old

Sense Touch

Glands/Organs Thymus, heart, circulatory system, arms, hands, lungs

Concerns Compassion, unconditional love, vulnerability, tenderness, detachment, hurt, bitterness, courage, passion, forgiveness

Out of balance Inability to give or receive love. Expectations of others, inability to love (or, at least, accept) yourself.

Body symptoms Heart and vascular disease, diseases of the immune system, (allergies, cancer, aids, me)

Qualities/Lessons Divine/unconditional love. Forgiveness, compassion, understanding, balance, group consciousness, oneness with life, acceptance, peace, openness, harmony contentment

Negative qualities Repression of love, emotional instability, out of balance.

Soul Issue To give and receive love without condition. To find strength in vulnerability.

Element Air

Gems & Minerals Emerald, green and pink tourmaline, malachite, green jade, green aventurine, chrysoprase, kunzite, rose quartz, ruby.

Throat Chakra Location Throat

Color Blue (some say Turquoise /Aquamarine / Sky Blue / Bright Blue)

Developmental Age

15 – 21 years old

Sense Hearing

Glands/Organs Thyroid, parathyroid, hypothalamus, throat, mouth

Concerns Self-expression, trust, freedom

Out of balance Incessant chattering, feeling choked off, inability to speak up and speak out, keeping quiet

Body symptoms Problems of the thyroid, sore throat, tonsillitis, hearing difficulties, tinnitus

Qualities/Lessons Power of the spoken word, true communication, creative expression in speech, writing and the arts, integration, peace, truth, knowledge, wisdom, loyalty, honesty, reliability, gentleness, kindness

Negative qualities Communication and or speech problems, Knowledge used unwisely, ignorance, lack of discernment, depression,

Soul Issue To feel free to speak honestly and openly. To trust the soul to speak its truth

Element Ether

Gems & Minerals Turquoise, chrysocolla, celestite, blue topaz, sodalite, lapis lazuli, aquamarine, azurite, kyanite

Third Eye Chakra Location Above and between the eyes, center of the forehead,

Color Indigo blue

Developmental Age

21 + sometimes never

Sense None

Glands/Organs Pituitary glad, left eye, nose, ears

Concerns Intuition, Inspiration, confusion, clarity

Out of balance Lack of trust in intuition, inability to let go of logic, always in another world, nightmares

Body symptoms Tension headaches, migraine, visual problems, sinusitis

Qualities/Lessons Soul realization, insight, imagination, clairvoyance, concentration, peace of mind. Wisdom, devotion, perception beyond duality

Soul Issue To trust the insight and intuition that comes from the perspective of your soul. To see beyond everyday limitations

Element None

Gems & Minerals Lapis Lazuli, azurite, sodalite, quartz crystal, sapphire, tourmaline, amethyst

Crown Chakra Location Top of head

Color Violet / Amethyst / Silver / Gold

Developmental Age

This chakra is open in young children. It can open again as a spiritual adult. The soul leaves the body through the crown chakra after death.

Sense None

Glands/Organs Pineal, cerebral cortex, central nervous system, right eye

Concerns Knowing the unknowable, connection with the divine

Out of balance Despair, no sense of connection to a higher power

Body symptoms Depression, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, senile dementia, brain disorders

Qualities/Lessons Unification of higher self with the human personality. Oneness with the infinite, spiritual will, inspiration, unity, divine wisdom and understanding. Idealism, selfless service, perception beyond time and space, continuity of consciousness

Negative qualities Lack of inspiration, confusion, depression, alienation, hesitation to serve, senility

Soul Issue To become self conscious

Element None

Gems & Minerals Amethyst, alexandrite, diamond, sugilite, purple fluorite, quartz crystal, selenite

Triple Soul The Triple Soul represents all aspects of self that are not physical.

Lower Self: The subconscious self where the emotions reside. This is the shadow and is the part that gathers and stores the prana or life force. The lower self is where the instinctive or animal mind resides.

Middle Self: The conscious and rational self where reason and intellect reside. The middle self is also the superconscious where creativity and originality reside. The middle self bridges the reasoning mind to the divine.

Higher Self: The god self, truly divine spark of our being. The higher self transcends time and space and communicates with Higher Powers and other Higher Selves.

The truly miraculous occurs when the Triple Soul or Three Selves are in alignment.

SOME NAMES FOR THE THREE SELVES

Lower Self Middle Self Higher Self

Feri Vivi Emi Ori

Vicia Fetch Talker Godself, Self-parent

50 Years (Cora Anderson)

alpha beta gamma

Starhawk Younger Self Talking Self Deep Self

Thorn Coyle Sticky One Shining Body Sacred Dove

Hawaiian Unihipili Uhane Aumakua

Qabalah Nephesh Ruach Neshamah

Haitian Voudoun N'ame (spirit of

the flesh)

Ti Bon Angel (little

good angel)

Gros Bon Ange (big

good angel)

Egyptian KA BA ZA

Aligning the Triple Souls

The Ha Prayer

This is a basic and essential piece of Feri Work. Its purpose is to keep the Three Souls properly aligned and the channel of communication clean and pure. Eventually this work becomes so integrated with you that you don't have to think about doing it, but just do it naturally and unconsciously. You can do this once or twice a day. We also do this before spiritual work and before magical work. Again, it becomes so natural and unconscious that we don't even realize that we are doing it.

But first we do have to learn how to do it and work at it consciously. You should do this as a daily practice.

The practice utilizes four-fold breathing. Four-fold breathing consists of breathing in for a four-count; holding for a four-count; breathing out for a four count; and holding for a final four count.

Let us begin.

Sit comfortably. Feel the energy all around you. Breathe comfortably and deeply.

Think or say: "May all three souls be straight within me."

Visualize the energy around you.

Breathe in a four-fold breathe. As you breathe in, feel the breath charge the Body. Hold and feel the energy around you. As you breathe out, feel all the tension and stress in your Body breathe out with it. And as you hold, feel the energy swirling around dissolving all the muck you just released.

Breathe in a four-fold breathe. As you breathe in, feel the breath charge the Sticky One. Hold and feel the energy around you. As you breathe out, feel all the tension and stress in your Sticky One breathe out with it. And as you hold, feel the energy swirling around dissolving all the muck you just released.

Breathe in a four-fold breathe. As you breathe in, feel the breath charge the Shining Body. Hold and feel the energy around you. As you breathe out, feel all the tension and stress in your Shining Body breathe out with it. And as you hold, feel the energy swirling around dissolving all the muck you just released.

Breathe in a four-fold breathe. As you breathe in, charge the breath will all of your love. Hold the breath and feel love and warmth fill you lungs. Tilt your head back as you breathe out and blow a breath of air upwards to your Sacred Dove. Feel your Sacred Dove, which you visualize as a ball of blue fire floating above your head.

Flower Prayer

Who is this flower above me? And what is the work of this God? I would know myself in all my parts.

Rite of Unbinding (Kala)

This is a practice which is common to almost all lines of Feri. Different practitioners have varied it in the details, making it more or less complicated, but this is the basic method. To begin with, center yourself, using the Ha Prayer or any other simple method of your choice.

Take a small cup or goblet and fill it with fresh cold water, the colder the better. Put the cup where you can easily reach it. (If you are doing this as part of a group, each person should have her own individual cup.) Breathe your intention for purification into an egg shape between the palms of your hands, breathing four breaths into the "egg" and visualizing it turning darker and more muddy with each breath.

Crack the "egg" into the cup and say HA when you feel that it is full of the things you need purified. See the "egg" dissolve into the water, turning it dark and muddy;

Chant MA over the water three times as you visualize that the water becomes filled with rainbow light, which dissolves the impurities.

Empty the lungs completely of all air, and then breathe in deeply, completely filling them. Hold your breath. While holding your breath, drink the rainbow water, making sure to drain your cup completely. Swallow the water down in one gulp. Now, exhale.

Feel the water going down your throat and accept its blessing. Rub your belly while saying positive things about yourself, praising yourself, comforting yourself, giving yourself strokes. Be kind to yourself. Treat yourself as you would your own child, gently and with love.

Chakra Balancing Meditation (Rose Meditation)

by Rebecca Doolin

To balance or "see" the condition of your chakras, I've found this meditation particularly helpful.

Starting from your root, and after you've gotten yourself into whatever meditative relaxing position you like....

See your root chakra as a beautiful Red Rose bud, completely closed and as you visualize this on the in breath, see it....now on the out breath and slowly, see the rose blooming into full bloom and changing colors to a beautiful translucent rose color, the color of a mauve colored rose. Then breath back in, and see it slowly close again and change to the deep red bud rose again. Do this over and over repeatedly on the in and out breath as described until you feel satisfied. Trust me, you'll know when.

Move onto the sacral chakra, on the in breath see your chakra as a Reddish-Orange bud rose and on the out breath see it blossom into a bright orange rose, the color of a healthy orange fruit. Again continue this process until you feel satisfied.

The solar plexus starts as a soft almost white yellow rose bud on the in breath and as you breathe out see it blossom into a bright vibrant sunshine yellow. Again, continue.

The heart chakra starts as a soft green, the baby green of early spring, rose bud and on the out breath blooms into a baby green with beautiful rose colored tips...once you get this one right in visualizing it usually has a HUGE calming effect.

The throat chakra starts as a light sky blue rose bud and then on the out breath blooms into a deep blue cerulean color rose. See this one as particularly strong in its coloring on the out breath. This will help you to speak your own truth and needs to others.

The third eye starts as a light amethyst colored rose bud and on the out breath turns into a deep purple color blossom and then back again to the amethyst color bud on the in breath.

The crown starts as a beautiful white rose bud pristine and pure on the in breath, and on the out breath see it blossom out into a gorgeous silvery white, or gold if you're male, or rainbow colored if you prefer.

If you do this a couple times a week and especially upon rising and going to bed, you will notice a change in your feelings each day. You can also learn to see your chakras this way. The troubled spots will just make themselves known to you either through seeing with your visualization, or through your intuition.

Enjoy!

The Human Aura

The human aura refers to the layers of energy surrounding our physical bodies. Our auric body interacts with the world around us in much the same way as the physical body, but on a subconscious level. When we’re tired or drained, the aura can become weakened. Since it’s programmed naturally to take energy from whatever source is nearby, you might find that when you’re tired, those you interact with become tired too. Have you ever been around someone who completely exhausted you? They were most likely tapping into your energy.

It’s important, especially when working as a healer on an energetic level, to become consciously aware of these energy exchanges that go on around us. By keeping ourselves grounded and centered in the moment, we can maintain an even level within our energy fields. By mentally imaging the Soul Body (white light layer), we can generate protection for ourselves from those who would ‘siphon’ our personal energy.

Green is the Physical Body.

Red is the Astral Body. This is the layer which manifests emotions and heart energy.

Orange is the Causal Body. This layer is the karmic memory and tests knowledge/experiences from this lifetime with those of past lifetimes.

Blue is the Mental Body. This layer contains our attitudes, beliefs, thoughts, and ideas.

Purple is the Etheric Body. This layer manifests itself as intuition, knowingness, and guidance. It gathers information presented to the other layers and processes it before final decisions are made.

White is the Soul Body. This layer is our connection to the source.

Healing the Aura Tears and Leaks can appear in the auric field due to mental/emotional/physical disturbances. As a piece of fabric wears thin with use over time, so does the auric body, creating areas of weakness in our ‘energetic fabric.’ These areas or defects can be repaired by directing Reiki energy toward them.

Leaks are typically found around the Physical Body and correspond to emotional or physical trauma that’s become trapped on a cellular level.

Tears typically begin in the areas closest to the body and may extend to the outermost energy layer. Tears occur when leaks aren’t healed and the area enlarges. Leaks and Tears in the auric field often result in loss of energy, tiredness, and can manifest as illness in the Physical Body.

Impurities can also become trapped within the aura. These may manifest as dark particles which can be sensed with the hands or by scanning the body with unfocused/soft eyes.

To detect these disturbances, slowly move your hand over the center of the client’s body, about 3” above them, starting at the head. If you sense a density or dark area, stop and direct Reiki energy here. Also Always visualize the tear/leak/impurity as being sealed and/or removed as you direct energy to this area.

Disturbances in the aura may also present themselves as flashes of color. By comparing the color sensed with the chakra color chart, the type of imbalance can be determined (I.e. green may present heart chakra issues).

White Light Meditation

This is a wonderful, recharging meditation. This is great for cleansing and recharging yourself after energy work. There are many different variations of this meditation.

Sit or lie comfortably.

Take a deep , slow breath in and slowly exhale out. With each breath in and out, allow your body to relax more, and more, and more. Let your body sink into the chair or floor.

Focus on your Crown area and allow it to open to receive the energy from this ball of white light. As you open your Crown Chakra to receive this energy you feel completely at ease , completely safe.

Draw down this white light energy into your forehead, your eyes, nose, cheeks, chin.

Draw down this white light energy into your throat, shoulders, elbows, wrists, to each and every finger, Feel the energy in your fingertips right now. Feel it tingle with energy and excitement.

Draw down the white light energy to your chest, hips, thighs, knees, calves, ankles, into each and every toe. Feel the toes tingle as the energy fills them.

Picture this white light energy filling up your entire body. You are the white light energy, and you will now expand yourself. With each breath in and out expand your white light energy to outside your body. Fill up the room, the building, the neighborhood, the city, the state, the country, the world, the universe. You have expanded throughout the entire galaxy!

When you are ready to return , bring your energy back into the building, into your body. Allow yourself time to adjust once more to your physical form and when ready, open your eyes. wiggle

your fingers and toes. Stretch both arms. overhead and take a big, deep breath in and slowly release again.

Grounding and Centering Meditation

This is a quick grounding meditation. You should practice this to balance your energy, release anxiety, or any time you feel like screaming.

Sit peacefully and relax. Let the ground or chair support you. Let your muscles go. You don't have to exert any effort to sit there. Take in an easy, deep breath...and let it out your mouth, parting your lips slightly as you exhale. Let your arms feel heavy, pulling down your shoulders. Breathe... Let that heavy feeling flow down your torso and legs, so you feel heavy and relaxed all the way down to your feet on the ground.

Now picture and feel roots growing from your feet down into the ground. Just like a tree's roots...going down into the layers of cool dirt...growing around rocks...traveling further and further down into the earth. Let the roots grow as deeply as you wish.

Now feel the healing, rhythmic energy of the earth itself flowing up through your roots...slowly traveling up...through your roots, up to your feet and quickly filling your entire body. Feel this positive, grounded, earth energy throughout your being. Take in a deep, cleansing breath... and release.

When you are ready, open your eyes and know that this grounded energy will remain with you throughout your day.