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Reiki Courses - How to Choose By Keith Campbell
What is Reiki and Why Study It?
Reiki is a form of "energy healing" that originated in Japan, |
but has become increasingly popular in the rest of the world. The origins of Reiki and its founder, Dr. Mikao Usui, are shrouded in some degree of mystery, and many legends and stories abound to fill in the historical gaps. Whatever the truth may be, Dr. Usui set up a clinic in Japan in the early 1920s and began teaching students and treating patients with his Reiki healing system. As Reiki spread to the rest of the world, it has become recognized as an effective system of energy healing.
Characteristics of Reiki
Hand positions: Reiki energy healing is done primarily with the hands. In the standard treatment, the practitioner's hands are placed on the body of the patient, either lightly touching or close to the body. The locations of the traditional hand placements correspond in general to the "chakra" system known in yoga and the New Age movement in general. A complete Reiki treatment usually involves time spent allowing energy to flow into each of these locations.
Attunements: Reiki has several "levels", traditionally Beginners, Advanced, and Master (or First, Second and Third degree.) Each of these levels requires an "attunement" in which the keys for using Reiki are passed on from master to student. In the original mode of Reiki instruction, these attunements were done in person, and usually after lengthy study. Some traditionalists still believe this is the only proper way to pass on the Reiki tradition. However, many western masters offer distance-study materials and courses, and often offer "distance attunements". In these attunements, master and student, even though they are in different locations, set aside a time of meditation in which the attunement is given. There are some masters who offer CDs or DVDs that will pass on an attunement by listening or watching them. Finally there are several books and courses available which instruct the student in "self-attunement", so that they initiate the attunement process entirely on their own.
Reiki Symbols: Very early in the history of Reiki, special symbols with special names were used in the process of healing and attunement. These appear to be derived from various Asian characters, and have special meanings in the Reiki system. They may be drawn in the air, used on physical objects, drawn on or over the patient, or simply imagined in the mind. The symbols focus or direct various kinds of healing energy.
Reiki Variations
As Reiki moved into the West, several variations, types or schools or Reiki have developed. "Usui Reiki" generally refers to the original version. Other teachers mix various elements of Tibetan spiritual practice with Reiki. Other popular variations include Karuna Reiki, Lightarian Reiki, Seichim Reiki, Angelic Reiki, and dozens more. Some of these variations claim to have been "channeled" through various spiritual beings, such as angels. Many of them add various "New Age" elements to Reiki healing, including sounds, crystals, additional symbols, aromatherapy, etc.
How to Choose
Some of the following questions may be helpful.
- Do I have access to local Reiki training? If not, then the various self-study programs are a good option.
- How much time and money do I wish to commit? If your resources are limited, then you can find very reasonable self-study programs available.
- Do I wish to make a career out of Reiki? You may not know the answer to this question immediately, but if you are considering it, make sure that the Reiki course you choose explains the mechanics and practicalities of seeing patients professionally.
- Am I attracted to a more traditional approach, or do I like incorporating other elements into my training? If you opt for traditional, be aware that you may need to seek local training to get it.
- How do I feel about the options I've looked at? Am I comfortable with the master and his or her teachings? Is the approach too dogmatic or fanatical? Is there a feeling of love or of competition?
Ultimately, the advice of the Yaqui medicine man Don Juan applies when considering learning Reiki - "Does this path have a heart? If it does, the path is good; if it doesn't, it is of no use." (The Teachings of Don Juan - Carlos Castaneda).
- Keith Campbell is a Reiki master and independent priest involved in healing and holistic health. More of his articles can be found at:
http://www.reikicoursesblog.com
http://www.rawfoodweightloss.org
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http://EzineArticles.com/?Reiki-Courses---How-to-Choose&id=1528676
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