Transformative Power of Usui Reiki

01 Oct, 2023

The Unfathomable Depth of Usui Reiki

Have you ever felt drawn to something beyond the physical world, something that feels ancient yet eternally relevant? Let me introduce you to Usui Reiki, a natural healing modality with roots extending back to early
20th-century Japan. Imagine a realm where life force energy not only exists but is a tangible force you can harness for profound healing, peace, and self-discovery. As a Reiki Grandmaster, certified under the original Usui method, I can say that stepping into the world of Reiki is akin to coming home—a home you never knew you were missing but completes you in ways unimaginable.

As potential Reiki clients or aspiring practitioners, you are at the threshold of an amazing journey. Usui Reiki is not just a healing practice; it's a lifestyle transformation. In this in-depth article, we will venture into the heart and soul of Usui Reiki and its healing essence.

Who is Mikao Usui: The Trailblazer Behind Reiki

To truly understand the depth of Reiki, we need to acquaint ourselves with its founder, Mikao Usui. Born in 1865 in Japan, Usui was a spiritual seeker who journeyed through various disciplines to find a holistic healing method. After years of searching, it was a mystical experience on Mount Kurama that led him to discover what we know today as Reiki (Source).

Usui's approach was not limited to just the esoteric or metaphysical; it was deeply rooted in his quest to find harmony between the body, mind, and spirit. His legacy lives on through the teachings passed down through generations and the millions of lives touched by Reiki's healing power.

What Is Reiki? A Symphony of Energy and Harmony

At its essence, Reiki is the practice of channeling Universal Life Force Energy through the hands to heal, balance, and restore well-being. Many often ask, is this another form of spiritual healing or energy work? Well, it is and it isn’t. Reiki is unique because it merges spiritual wisdom with a structured system of symbols and hand positions. It allows you to be both the healer and the recipient, transcending physical distance and time (Source).

You may find plenty of modalities that aim to balance the chakras or provide psychic healing, but Usui Reiki brings something distinctive to the table—self-healing that is rooted in the Five Reiki Principles and a lineage that traces back to the original teachings of Mikao Usui.

The Science Behind Reiki: More than Just Woo-Woo

Let's start by busting some myths. Many critics label Reiki as pseudoscience without understanding its fundamental mechanisms. Reiki's efficacy has been discussed in several scientific studies that point to its ability to reduce stress and promote healing. A research review published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine found that Reiki significantly reduced pain, anxiety, and depression. Another study showed how Reiki can improve the quality of life for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy (Source). The message is clear: Reiki doesn't just make you feel good; it actively contributes to your well-being.

Sacred Fundamentals: The Five Principles of Usui Reiki

Life doesn't come with a manual, but if you're a Reiki practitioner, you have something close—the Five Principles of Reiki. These principles serve as guiding philosophies, almost like a spiritual north star:

Just for today, I will not be angry. Anger is more than just a fleeting emotion; it’s a poison that seeps into every aspect of our lives. Reiki teaches us to understand the roots of our anger and how to let it go.
Just for today, I will not worry. Worry steals joy from the present moment. It’s a mental loop that feeds on itself. This principle asks us to break the loop and trust the journey of life.
Just for today, I will be grateful. Gratitude is not just about saying thank you; it’s a state of consciousness. When you are grateful, your energy frequency rises, creating more moments to be grateful for.
Just for today, I will do my work honestly. Honesty is more than just speaking the truth; it’s about being true to yourself and others in thoughts, words, and actions.
Just for today, I will be kind to every living thing. Kindness starts with being kind to yourself. From there, it radiates outward like the ripples in a pond, touching all lives around you (Source).

The Three Pillars of Usui Reiki Techniques

Gassho Meditation: A starting ritual that involves placing your hands together in a prayer position, focusing on the space between your palms as you breathe deeply.

Reiji-Ho: This is the art of inviting the spiritual energy into your practice. It's a two-step process that involves prayer and intent.

Byosen Scanning: This technique allows you to identify the areas that need healing. By hovering your hands over the body, you can sense changes in temperature or energy, thus directing your healing focus.

Embarking on Your Reiki Journey: Key Techniques and Symbols

Cho Ku Rei: Known as the Power Symbol, this sign amplifies your energy and protects you. Use it in the morning to start your day strong, full of positivity and mental clarity.

Sei He Ki: Call upon this Emotional Healing Symbol around midday when stress or emotional turmoil tends to peak. This symbol is a fantastic tool for emotional balance and mental well-being.

Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen: This is your Distance Healing Symbol. Use it to send positive energies and healing to your past and future selves, as well as loved ones who are far away.

Dai Ko Myo: The Master Symbol. Use this to connect with your higher self and facilitate deep, spiritual healing (Source).

A Day in the Life: How to Integrate Reiki into Your Everyday

Morning Meditation: Start by drawing the Cho Ku Rei symbol in the air or visualise it in your mind. Inhale the energies; feel yourself becoming centred and ready for the day ahead.

The Midday Reset: Take a five-minute break from work. Visualise the Sei He Ki symbol as you focus on your breathing. Feel your tensions evaporate.

Evening Reflection: Before bed, meditate on the Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen symbol. Send loving, healing energy to yourself and others.

By embedding these rituals into your daily life, you're not just practicing Reiki—you're living it.

Becoming a Beacon: Reiki Certification and Training

As someone aspiring to take the first step or enhance your Reiki journey, becoming a certified practitioner is the most enriching path forward. Punnu offers trainings in Bali and Switzerland. Each level deepens your understanding and connection with Reiki energy, making you both a student and a conduit for universal life force energy.