Reiki entered my life at a time when I was beginning to feel the movement of prana in my Yoga practice. It was as if something was dancing and flowing in and around my body that was at once completely new, yet somehow familiar. I was fascinated with anything related to these new sensations and jumped at the chance to attend an Introduction to Reiki class at my Yoga Center.

The Reiki Master leading the class explained that Reiki is a way of channeling Universal (Rei) Life-Force Energy (Ki), which can be used for healing on a mental, physical and energetic level by the Reiki practitioner, by using various hand positions directly on a subject. This energy is referred to as Prana, Chi or Qi in other traditions. Reiki differs from some healing methods in that the practitioner is protected from using their own life-force energy while healing - rather, pulling from without and acting as a channel.

The instructor went on to explain the history of Reiki. While 'laying on of hands' is an ancient healing art, it's incarnation in the tradition of Reiki can be traced back to Dr. Mikao Usui, a Shingon Buddhist in Kyoto, Japan, in the mid-1800's. Historical data varies, but most accounts agree that Dr. Usui received the Reiki symbols used to channel energetic healing during a period of retreat and study of ancient Buddhist texts. He later passed on the ability to heal to several selected students. A Reiki practitioner should be able to tell you their lineage from Usui Sensai.

The instructor then gave us a brief treatment so we could experience the healing energy of Reiki ourselves. I remember having come to the class in an emotional turmoil. By the time it ended I was feeling quite calm and positive, but couldn't quite pinpoint what had happened!

The instructor had placed the palms of her hands on my head, shoulders and back. She then had me lay down holding her hands about five inches above me. The sensation was of a gentle, wave-like warmth. When the instructor's hands hovered over the area of my heart, I felt as though she were actually touching me! When my body sensed 'enough' energy, I could feel something from me gently pushing back at her hands. She also seemed to sense this too, and moved to another area.

By the end of the mini-session, I was in an emotionally balanced state. Although I couldn't really quantify what had happened during these fifteen minutes, I felt as if a great burden had been lifted, and wanted to try a complete healing session!

While Reiki treatment will vary depending on both the practitioner and the recipient, there are some general guidelines.

Reiki treatments are given while the recipient is fully dressed, although loose clothing is recommended. Some practitioners will lay their hands on the person, employing hand-positions documented by Dr. Usui. Others will use a 'beaming' technique and not touch the body at all. If you don't feel comfortable with the hands on approach, this should be conveyed to the practitioner at the beginning of the session. During treatment, the recipient may experience an emotional or physical relief from pain, and deep relaxation during the session.

The ability to tap into Reiki energy is passed from Reiki Master to student in a ceremony called an 'attunement'. There are three levels of Reiki attunement: Reiki I (Ability to heal yourselve and others physically present), Reiki II (Ability to heal others not physically present) and Reiki III (Master's level, able to pass Reiki Attunements).

Reiki can be a spiritual path and is related to some forms of esoteric Buddhism when studied deeply. Here in the United States, each stage of Reiki is often taught in the course of a day or a few hours. In Japan, people have been known to study for years and only reach the second level attunement. From personal experience of the more abbreviated period of study, the attunements only prepare the ground - you must work to earn the title 'Master'!

It is taught that Reiki energy is only beneficial, and functions on many levels. If it is a person's time to die, for example, Reiki will not necessarily prolong their life, but may help with their acceptance and transition to the afterlife. The Reiki practitioner comes to trust that the Reiki energy is functioning for the highest good, and to practice non-attachment during healing sessions and let Reiki do it's work!

Essential Reiki - (Diane Stein, 1995, The Crossing Press) Diane Stein's book is quite a complete text which includes all the Reiki symbols (long considered secret knowledge, and only passed on to higher level practitioner's). Diane Stein's vision appears to be to initiate the entire population into Reiki to heal the planet from the imbalances caused by Western societies excesses. As titled, an essential text, tainted slightly by frequent 'New Age' nuances.

The Original Reiki Handbook - (Mikao Usui, translated by Frank Arjava Petter, 1999, Lotus Press) Usui's original hand positions demonstrated in modern photographs. A must have for any serious Reiki practitioner.

Reiki Fire - (Frank Arjava Petter, 1998, Lotus Press) Petter is a Reiki Master who researched the life of Dr. Usui and clears up the many myths surrounding him, as well as illuminating Usui (and Reiki's) deep ties to Buddhism. A book from an intelligent heart.

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