​​Reiki  (靈氣)  Healing

What is a Reiki?

Reiki Ryoho (therapy) is the art of hands on healing originating in Japan in 1922, established by Mikao Usui (臼井甕男1865-1926). Reiki itself can be described as the universal energy of existence, which flows through all life and matter. It is completely natural and non-invasive, and when a Reiki therapy is received from a trained practitioner, it can assist in the healing of both body and mind. Treatments are carried out by the practitioner placing their hands directly on the recipient, who remains fully dressed throughout the session, normally laying on a treatment couch. By doing this hands on, the practitioner effectively acts as a conduit for Reiki energy to pass through him or her in greater abundance, assisting and  boosting the natural healing ability of the recipient’s body. Reiki works not only on physical issues but can also improve mental health and outlook, and over the past few decades has become increasingly popular throughout the world especially in Europe and the USA, becoming recognized as an effective and important holistic health treatment. Trials and studies are now being held in hospitals and front-line medical staff.

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In Japan however, despite being the home of Reiki, the situation has been strikingly different. Although Reiki in Japan has, in recent years, been slowly growing in popularity, the majority of Japanese people still do not know or accept this wonderful non-religious healing practice. Before WWII Reiki had become very popular in Japan and was widely practiced, but from 1945, partly because of connections to the Japanese Navy and also because of medical laws instituted by the occupying forces, the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai (the organisation established by Usui sensei) was obliged to stop openly practicing Reiki in order to avoid being shut down. Despite this however some individuals quietly continued to use Reiki from their homes, for friends and family.