Reiki – what it it?

Here’s Dr. Mikao Usui　（1865-1926）, a Japanese doctor who first published a handbook on Reiki long time ago. There are few other “masters” who are also well known among the Reiki practitioner circles but late Dr. Usui was a pioneer for his time and …different． While other methods came about mostly as a remedy to actual illnesses, his was out of his desire to fulfill his purpose -to find peace … to live a tranquil life with purpose. To live purposefully, one needed to have optimal health. So it was a treatment not only for the sick but also for the healthy to optimize their energy level. In his quest to find peace for all, he sought out a Buddhist monk who simply said to him to find peace was to experience death. It is said that Dr. Usui heeded this advice by retreating to a temple in the mountains of Kyoto to fast and meditate until he thought death was upon him. Yet, then, he finally felt to the core this certain “energy”, the universal cosmic energy overlaid with his own. Upon this transformation, he returns from the mountains to spread this gift of how to live in peace with purpose while living. At that moment, he truly felt the “peace” where he knew himself to be One with the Universe. Thus, Rei = spiritual and Ki = energy was felt to his very core when he was at peace not in death but in living. It is described that an “attunement” with Light took place. As Japanese were busy extensively studying Western medicine, this native method fell out of popularity but has remained as one of many alternative medicine there – Reiki, today is probably more popular in the West than in the actual country of origin – as alternative medicine most popular there may be acupuncture, okyo, acupressure, shiatsu, zen/buddhist diet, herbs … and hot springs! Yet Reiki lives on as a practical and accessible method for many seeking comfort in the ordinary everyday.

Last few trips, while in Japan, I had a chance to review some Reiki “methodology” but I am in no way a “master” as many in US claim to be. I am not formally certified but as I see it – do I really need to? It’s kind of like – Does Julia Child’s daughter need be certified in French cooking (lol, I am mega-exaggerating here of course!) My grandmother and mother used to provide the healing touch with aches and pains so I just sort of grew up with it. No piece of paper … from a 2 day workshop, etc. but a valuable experience in learning by doing, by receiving. The practice is suitable to give relief to the ill in the hospital, clinics and hospice setting BUT it’s as powerful for self-care of the healthy… that’s what I notice from years of actual “doing”.

I had a mother who was particularly delicate and always complaining of some ailment and popping lots of “natural” pills – when it came to migraine she’d be popping Bufferin (yes, it’s in Japan) and stomach upsets which was daily, she’d have packets of herbal remedies and pills of probiotics with nearly all meals. Then I would see her counting these dark brown pills with onerous order and see her just pop 18 at a time (“Seirogan” you can look it up – yes, it works) – when I looked alarmed, she’s say “no worries – these are harmless, just herbs. In fact, I don’t even know if it really works” and then laugh about her own skepticism. Otherwise she kept her skepticism under cover with lectures on self-care. It’s all, she world say – an “Omamori”. That said, indeed, popping vitamin pills and supplements is like a modern day “omamori” (look up – thank goodness we have google:)

Certifications seem to be needed with everything here is America. Japan too has become a society that values credentials to a hyper level. It’s almost like a “license” to teach, to practice, to … open for business. It’s a sign of validity or more like an eligibility to be considered. It does not guarantee that the certified is all that great actually – and while I too am engaged in that game with this yoga training measured in hours, somethings require a more intuitive calling – a copious generous amount of empathy for one. In my opinion, every mother is already a master Reiki practitioner when she rubs her child’s back until he/she falls asleep. When she comforts the tummy of a nervous child the first day of kindergarten. When a husband provides a back massage to a tired comatose-like wife; when he rubs the shoulders and backs of his aging parents to give them relief. I too remember when my mother was knocked out in one of those “ailments” and in bed – my late-father would bring a hot pot of roasted green tea to her nightstand, serve that cup of steaming tea, then tenderly stroke her back, massage her feet and legs, asking her “does this help?” (ease the pain). What a lucky girl she was, right? So we all know intuitively what can help us feel better – when done with empathy and care. More than studies on Chakra and the energy fields and the brain waves, it’s about that. It’s about gratitude. It’s about love. But sure, it helps to know that art and science behind it. The knowledge of anatomy enhances all …understanding. And yet, it’s beyond that.

Having said this, I know we can’t just go by this so if you do want to open for business, I do have some recommendations though when it comes to certifications in this art of healing. Sachiko in Emerald Hills is for real. She is authentic. It’s about the energy. And energy is life. I find her space to be that. Genuine.