Reiki (Pronounced ray-key) is an ancient form of energy healing that is being practised by many throughout the world and is being promoted as a serious alternative therapy. The essence of the art that is the basis of what is know of as Relki is a laying-on of hands healing technique that is thousands of years old. Reiki is thought to have originated as a Tibetan Buddhist practise that was re-discovered in the late 1800's by a Dr. Mikao Usui, who was a Japanese Buddhist.
The word Reiki comes from two Japanese words-Rei and Ki- Rei is the upper Japanese kanji character and Ki is the lower character. "Rei" as it is used in Reiki is interpreted to mean supernatural knowledge or spiritual consciousness; the wisdom that is perceived to come from a Higher Self. "Ki" is the life force, which is the nonphysical energy that animates all living things, and the primary energy of emotions, thoughts, and spiritual life.
Reiki was "rediscovered" in Japan in the 1800's by a Dr. Mikao Usui. Reiki's origins are believed to be found in Tibetan sutras and ancient records of cosmology and philosophy, though the healing art that is now know of as Reiki actually was brought to Tibet by way of Egypt. The origin of these messages is written to have come from Sanskrit symbols. These messages have been passed on from one reiki master to another. The Reiki technique or method that is used today is based firmly on the esoteric principles that were represented in Japan in the early part of the 20th century CE.
Reiki, unlike many forms of "energy medicine", does not involve diagnosing the perceived imbalance in the recipient's energy field. Reiki practitioners will inform the recipient that they are in charge of drawing in the energy required to bring about a balance. This is not really a clear truth. The reiki treatments are the process in which energy flows from the practitioner and into the client.
There are twelve symbols that are now used in Reiki. Which came from a system that had twenty-two symbols. The Reiki system as it is practised today is an incomplete system. The original system that is the basis to the method of reiki had 352 Symbols in the complete system.
Reiki is very popular among New Age spiritualists, who are very fond of "attunements," "harmonies," and "balances." Reiki apprentice healers are reported to pay up to $10,000 to their masters to become masters themselves.
